Looking for feedback on expenses

[salsa]

Ok. Here is what I have for monthly expenses.

Food/personal - 1227
Copays/prescriptions - 284
House pmt - 1457
Utilities - 267
Cable/internet- 130
cell phones 180
Gas car 1 - 220
Gas car 2- 230
Ins/reg/maint- 256
Life/disability- 246
Health premiums - 356
car payments - 900
Home maint- 125
Recreation- 100

Thoughts/comments?

[keepsmiling]

Where are you and how many in your household?
Critical info

[keepsmiling]

Oh and income.

[salsa]

Income 8571 gross. Household of 3. Daughter is 17

[AngelinaCat]

How many of the three are employed either full or part time?

Also it would help to know where you are located. Living expenses are higher in some parts of the country than others.

[salsa]

Live in wisconsin. My husband and I work fulltime. My 17 year old works and goes to school

[keepsmiling]

Before you go any further.... have you looked into a 128? You guys are the only ones who have this

http://www.chapter128.com/

[salsa]

Yes we have. Way too much credit card debt after 5 years of interest.

[SMinGA2]

For a family of 3, food/personal sounds high. But its not JUST groceries I suppose? I imagine it also includes cleaning supplies & household needs, personal care and groceries. How much do school supplies/expenses run on average? (Not sure if you've already accounted for it.)

Are taxes & insurance included in your house payment? If not - don't forget to account for them.

How much longer on the car payments, and what kind of condition are the vehicles in? $256 for registration + maintenance + insurance (especially w/ a teenager on the policy) sounds a little low to me, but if they're fairly new perhaps its reasonable. Don't forget maintenance would include routine oil changes, occasional brake & tire work and such.

[ValleYum]

Payroll Taxes & FICA
Education expenses for your daughter
Clothing expenses
Any employment expenses - uniforms, boots, dues?

[keepsmiling]

Your utilities sound low to me. Does that include heat/ac/garbage/water/sewer?

[salsa]

The food/ personal I used the irs allowance. Includes groceries' clothes etc.

Yes taxes and insurance are included in house payment.

We just got 2 vehicles in january. 60 month loans.

I haven't included anything for my daughters schooling costs.

[salsa]

Garbage is included in property taxes. We have a well and septic. so no sewer or water bill.

[missfontella]

http://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/20120501/meanstesting.htm

This would have helped me when I was filing but I didn't find it until way later. Maybe it will help you. It provides the allowable amounts in each category.

[ksgirl38]

I didn't see car insurance anywhere. Or was that included in one of the categories already? Gifts? Entertainment, or is that under personal? Otherwise I'd say you covered it.