80/10/10 Budget Spreadsheet Template | Excel & Google Sheets

80/10/10 – Basic Survival (Bare Minimum Budgeting)

The 80/10/10 Basic Survival budgeting template is designed for individuals who need to focus on covering their essential expenses first and foremost while maintaining a simple and minimalistic approach to finances. This template helps you prioritize your most important needs while still giving you some room for small luxuries and savings.

Who Is This Template For?

This template is ideal for individuals who:

• Are on a tight budget and need to prioritize their basic living expenses.
• Are looking for a minimalist approach to finances, focusing primarily on survival and the essentials.
• Want to start building a small savings cushion, but can only commit to a modest amount for the time being.
• Have limited income and want to ensure they stay afloat without overspending.

How Does It Work? 

The 80/10/10 rule splits your income into three categories:

• 80% Needs: This is the most important section. It covers all your essential expenses—things you can't live without. Think rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and insurance. This template helps ensure that your basic needs are always taken care of.
• 10% Wants: This is the category for any non-essential spending. Whether it's a night out, a new gadget, or a small treat for yourself, this portion allows for some discretionary spending without going overboard. However, the focus is kept on keeping things minimal.
• 10% Savings: While your savings might be modest, this section is still dedicated to creating a small financial cushion. Even if it’s just a little bit each month, having a small emergency fund can help protect you from unexpected expenses and provide a sense of security.

Why Choose the 80/10/10 Budgeting Template?

• Simplicity and Focus: The 80/10/10 rule is easy to follow and keeps your financial focus on what matters most. By allocating 80% of your income to needs, this plan ensures that you’re prioritizing the essentials above all else.
• Minimalist Lifestyle: This budget template encourages a minimalist approach to your spending, meaning you live simply and only pay for what’s absolutely necessary. If you want to reduce unnecessary expenses, this is a great way to get started.
• Build a Financial Cushion: Even with a tight budget, the 10% for savings ensures that you are slowly building an emergency fund. Over time, this small cushion can provide peace of mind and protect you from financial stress.

Benefits of This Template: 

• Essential Spending Priority: With 80% of your income going toward your needs, this template ensures your most important expenses are always covered, which is key to maintaining a stable financial foundation.
• Low-Cost Lifestyle: If you're looking to keep things simple and live on the bare minimum, this template helps you avoid overspending on luxuries or entertainment, allowing you to focus on just the essentials.
• Small but Steady Savings: The 10% savings allocation might be small, but it provides a great start for building your emergency fund. Even a modest amount each month will add up over time.
• Easy to Follow: The 80/10/10 structure makes budgeting straightforward and easy to understand. You’ll always know exactly where your money is going, which helps reduce stress and keeps you on track.

Is This Template Right for You? 

If you're looking for a bare-bones budgeting system that focuses on keeping you financially stable, the 80/10/10 Basic Survival template is the perfect choice. It helps you cover your essentials while keeping everything else to a minimum. This is a great option for those on a tight budget or those who want to simplify their finances and focus on the most important aspects of their financial life.

With the 80/10/10 Basic Survival template, you can stay in control of your finances, keep your spending in check, and gradually build a small savings cushion—even in tough times.