Survive and thrive: Use this budget to build your dream life

Are you trying to find a way to juggle bills, savings, social plans and future goals, without feeling constantly behind? You did it. You found the Loqbox pyramid budget: a.k.a. the only budgeting method that understands you’re an actual human being, not a spreadsheet.

It’s simple, it’s flexible, and yes, it works. Let’s go.

It’s time to build a plan to financially thrive, not just survive

Because budgeting should support your life, not limit it

This budget planner is inspired by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (a psychological theory). The idea is that you’ve got to meet your essential needs first (like food and rent) before you build up to things like connection, confidence, and long-term goals. It’s all about moving on up, nothing can stop you! 

We’ve adapted it into a no-nonsense money plan. Think of this budget like a roadmap to your dream life: one that helps you survive and enjoy life now, while setting you up to thrive later.

Why this budget planner works

Let's get real: Most of us were never taught how to manage money. Not in a way that feels doable, and not in a way that fits real life. 

That’s why this approach works. It’s built from the ground up — starting with what you need now, and adding in what you want later. It helps you focus on your essentials first, then create space for safety, joy, confidence and long-term plans.

It’s not about cutting out everything fun. It’s about giving your money a clear purpose, so you feel more in control and less stressed

Start small. Start today. Start with what you’ve got. Your money, your moves.

Note: We’ve based the examples in this blog on the average UK salary of £37,430 (Statista). That’s roughly a monthly take-home pay of £2,497 after tax. But the percentages work for anyone — no matter your income.

Level 1. Your physical needs (a.k.a. “The essentials”)

Budget 40-60% of your monthly income

Between £1,000-£1,500 a month.

This is your starting point. Level one is all about keeping the lights on, food in the fridge, and a roof over your head. 

What to include:

• Your rent or mortgage.
• Utility bills (water, gas, electricity, council tax).
• Groceries and household essentials (food, lightbulbs, cleaning products).
• Basic toiletries, hygiene products and clothing (think a decent winter coat or period products, not brand new designer trainers). 

Top tip: If this level eats up most of your paycheque right now, that’s okay. Start by tracking it without judging yourself — knowledge is power, so you’re already moving in the right direction. 

Covering your essentials isn’t just budgeting, it’s self-care. Give yourself credit for showing up.

Level 2. Your safety needs (a.k.a. “Keep yourself safe”)

Budget 10-20% of your monthly income

Between £250-£500 a month.

So… what’s next? Now that your basics are sorted, it’s time to protect your peace of mind. Level two is all about creating a buffer so you can stay calm and collected when life throws you surprises.

What to include:

• Emergency savings (aim to build 3–6 months of Level 1 expenses).
• Home and contents insurance.
• Getting to work (car costs, a bus pass).
• Essential tools or tech for your job (include Wi-Fi if you work from home).
• Personal insurance (life, gadget insurance or income protection)

Top tip: Building an emergency fund doesn’t happen overnight. Start where you can — even £10 a week adds up to £520 a year. Future you will thank you

This layer is your financial peace of mind. You’re not just budgeting, you’re building resilience.

Level 3. Your social needs (a.k.a. “Stay connected”)

Budget 5-10% of your monthly income

Between £125-£250 a month 

Let’s get this party started. It’s time to make space for joy, friendship and community. This layer is all about the people, moments and relationships that make life feel special.

What to include:

• Phone and Wi-Fi (your connection to the outside world). 
• Movie nights, dinner with friends, birthday brunches. 
• Thoughtful gifts, cards, or shared moments that bring joy. 
• Clubs, hobbies or community groups that energise you.

Top tip: You don’t need to break your budget to enjoy time with friends and family. A walk, a voice note, or a cuppa at home can mean as much as a pricey night out. It’s all about enjoying quality time together.

Prioritising your people is powerful. Connection counts, and it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Level 4. Your confidence needs (a.k.a. “Invest in yourself”)

Budget 5-10% of your monthly income

Between £125-£250 a month

Now you’re making room to grow. This level is all about building your self-esteem — whether by learning new skills, taking care of your mental wellbeing, or just feeling more like yourself.

What to include:

• Therapy, journaling or mindfulness apps (although for some of us, therapy might be a level-two expense). 
• Courses that inspire you. 
• Books, houseplants, hiking boots — the things that make you, you. 
• Gym memberships or fitness classes. 
• Haircuts, skincare, clothing — whatever helps you feel your best.

Top tip: When you feel grounded and confident, you’re more likely to make strong money moves elsewhere.

Investing in yourself isn’t selfish — it’s strategic. You’re in charge of your future – growth starts with you.

Level 5. Your future needs (a.k.a. “Turn dreaming into doing”)‍

Kudos — you made it all the way to level five. This is where it gets really exciting. This layer is all about possibility: your dreams, your goals, the life you’re building. 

You might not put money towards this level every month, but by budgeting for it regularly, you’ll get closer to those big goals faster than you think. It’s time to thrive.

Budget 5-20% of your monthly income

Between £125-£500 a month

• Saving for big life goals (like a house deposit, a wedding, celebrating a landmark birthday, or a big solo trip). 
• Volunteering, giving back, donating to charity. 
• Starting a side hustle, saving to study, or setting up your own business. 
• Planning your retirement or exploring investing. 
• Planning the trip of a lifetime.

Top tip: Even a little money saved for your goals is a win. You’re not waiting, you’re making progress. 

Now, you’re not just dreaming — you’re planning. Every pound you spend here is a step towards the life you want.

This budget makes space for your whole life

The essentials. The big goals. The peace of mind in between. 

Whether you’re building your first budget, bouncing back from a tough year, or planning something big, the pyramid budget helps you do it at your own pace in a way that makes sense for your life. 

You don’t need to be perfect. You don't need to do it all at once. You just need a plan that works for you.