75/15/10 Budget Spreadsheet Template | Excel & Google Sheets

75/15/10 – Essential Living (Living with the Basics) 

The 75/15/10 Essential Living budgeting template is designed for those who focus on covering the essentials and maintaining the basics in their life. If you're someone who needs to prioritize survival expenses first, but still wants to leave room for small pleasures and save a little for the future, this template offers a simple and effective way to manage your finances. It’s for those who want to make sure their necessities are fully covered without being overwhelmed by complicated budgeting methods.

Who Is This Template For?

This template is perfect for:

• People who need to focus on survival expenses but still want to allocate a small portion of their income to other areas like wants and savings.
• Those who are in the early stages of their financial journey or experiencing a tight budget but still want a system to keep track of their spending.
• Anyone looking to create a minimalist budget focused on covering the most important needs without feeling restricted by excess spending or unrealistic goals.

How Does It Work? 

The 75/15/10 rule is simple to follow and breaks down your income into three main categories: needs, wants, and savings. It’s all about focusing on the essentials while maintaining a minimal buffer for future savings and small joys in life.

• 75% Needs: The majority of your income - 75% - goes toward essential living expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. These are the things you absolutely need to live and survive, and this template ensures that your basic needs are covered without any excess spending. By prioritizing these essentials, you can focus on what’s most important without worrying about going over budget.
• 15% Wants: While your focus is on essentials, this template still allows you to enjoy small joys and treats. With 15% of your income allocated to wants, you have some freedom to enjoy activities that bring you happiness, like dining out, a hobby, or a little shopping. It’s a way to add some pleasure to life while not letting indulgence get out of hand.
• 10% Savings: Saving for the future is still important, even on a tight budget. With 10% of your income going toward savings, you’re starting to build a minimal savings buffer. While this might not create a large cushion immediately, it’s a good starting point for building an emergency fund or working toward your long-term financial goals.

Why Choose the 75/15/10 Essential Living Template? 

• Focus on the Basics: This template is designed for people who need to prioritize their basic living expenses first. It’s simple and straightforward, ensuring that all your essential costs are covered before anything else.
• Small Flexibility for Fun: Even though the focus is on survival expenses, there’s still room for small treats and activities. With 15% allocated to wants, you can enjoy life’s little pleasures without feeling guilty or overspending.
• Start Saving, Even if It’s Small: The 10% savings allocation ensures that even on a tight budget, you’re still setting aside money for the future. While it’s a minimal amount, it creates the habit of saving, which is the foundation for building financial security.
• Minimalist and Straightforward: If you’re looking for a no-fuss budgeting solution that’s easy to follow, the 75/15/10 Essential Living template is perfect. It’s clear, direct, and focused on your most important financial needs, without overwhelming you with too many categories or complicated formulas.

Benefits of the 75/15/10 Essential Living Template: 

• Prioritization of Needs: By allocating 75% to your survival expenses, this template ensures that your essential living costs are covered first. It helps you avoid unnecessary financial stress by focusing on what’s most important.
• Small Room for Enjoyment: While it’s a minimalist budget, the 15% for wants still gives you room to enjoy life’s small pleasures, like treating yourself to a meal out, a small shopping spree, or a hobby you love.
• Encourages Saving: Even with a tight budget, the 10% savings allocation sets you on the right track for financial growth. It encourages the habit of saving for emergencies or long-term goals, even when the amounts may seem small at first.

Is This Template Right for You? 

If you’re looking for a minimalist approach to budgeting that focuses on the essentials, but still lets you have a little fun and save for the future, the 75/15/10 Essential Living template is ideal. Whether you’re managing a limited income or simply want a straightforward way to manage your finances, this template helps you stay focused on what matters most without sacrificing the little joys in life.

With this template, you can cover your needs, enjoy a few treats, and build a modest savings habit - all while keeping your budget simple, clear, and easy to follow. It’s a perfect starting point for anyone wanting to live within their means while still keeping an eye on their financial future.