70/20/10 Budget Spreadsheet Template | Excel & Google Sheets

70/20/10 – Minimalist Approach (Living with Essentials)

The 70/20/10 Minimalist Approach is designed for those who want to live simply and focus on what truly matters—covering your essential needs, enjoying life in moderation, and saving for the future. This budget template helps you embrace a minimalist lifestyle while keeping your finances organized and under control.

Who Is This Template For?

This template is ideal for individuals who prefer a straightforward and minimalist approach to budgeting. It’s perfect for:

• Those looking to simplify their finances and live with only what’s necessary.
• Anyone who wants to focus on the essentials and reduce unnecessary spending.
• People who prefer small but steady savings to build financial security over time.

How Does It Work? 

The 70/20/10 rule divides your income into three clear categories:

• 70% Needs: This portion of your budget is for the essentials. It includes things like rent or mortgage, food, utilities, and transportation—everything you need to maintain a basic lifestyle. This ensures you’re covering your most important expenses first.
• 20% Wants: This category is for the things that bring joy and enrich your life. Whether it's travel, gadgets, hobbies, or self-improvement, this budget gives you room to enjoy life without overindulgence.
• 10% Savings: Even with a minimalist approach, savings matter! This 10% is designed to build small but consistent savings, whether it’s for an emergency fund, future investments, or long-term goals.

Why Choose the 70/20/10 Budgeting Template?

• Simplicity at Its Best: The 70/20/10 approach is all about keeping things simple. It’s easy to follow and helps you focus on what matters most—your needs, your enjoyment, and your savings.
• Balance Between Needs, Wants, and Savings: Unlike more restrictive budgets, this model gives you a balanced approach to life. You get to enjoy some of your wants, but you always prioritize the basics and set aside savings for your future.
• Sustainable Savings: With just 10% of your budget allocated for savings, the amount might seem small, but over time, it adds up! This approach encourages steady, long-term growth without putting too much pressure on your current spending.

Benefits of This Template: 

• Easy to Stick With: Because the categories are clear and reasonable, it’s easier to stay on track and not feel restricted by your budget.
• Helps You Live Simply: This budget supports a minimalist lifestyle by focusing on the essentials and removing unnecessary spending, so you can live with less and enjoy more.
• Room for Enjoyment: Even with a minimalist approach, you get to allocate money for your wants, so you don’t feel deprived.
• Consistent Progress: Even though savings are smaller, the consistent 10% savings will gradually build your financial cushion without feeling overwhelming.

If you prefer a simple life, with just the essentials, and want to focus on the things that truly matter, then the 70/20/10 – Minimalist Approach budget template is the perfect tool for you. It will help you balance your expenses, enjoy life moderately, and ensure you are saving for the future—all while keeping your finances easy to manage.