Income

Net Pay
This is the total amount of money you actually receive in your paychecks during a given month, after deductions.

Rental Income
If you have income from rental properties, list it here.

Interest/Other Income
Savings account? Bond? Stock dividend? Include it here.

Spending

Housing

Probably one of your largest expenses.

Mortgage Payment
Your home mortgage payment.

Home Equity Loan
Include the actual total amount of your monthly payment.

Rent
The amount you pay in rent (not including utilities).

Homeowner’s Insurance
Include renter’s insurance here if applicable.

Real Estate Taxes
Last year’s tax payment might be a good indicator, but taxable value appraisals (or tax rate increases) can affect your real estate taxes dramatically, so plan accordingly.

Repairs/Maint.
This amount will vary, depending on if you need a new lightbulb or a new roof, but you should plan to incur some maintenance costs every month.

Gardener/Housekeeping
Includes cleaning supplies.

Home Improvement
Supplies, tools and labor.

Other
Any other housing-related expenses.

Utilities

Utility bills come due every month, but the amounts can vary widely depending on your usage and the rates in effect. Since seasonal swings make such a difference, try using last year’s bill (from the same month) to get an idea what your usage might be this year. Be sure to account for any increases (or decrease) in the rates.

Cable
After all taxes and surcharges, this is the final amount on your bill. If you received a special introductory rate for signing a long-term contract, know when it ends so that you’re not surprised when your bill goes up significantly.

Electricity
This can vary widely from month-to-month. Remember to check last year’s bills for your historical usage, and to apply the current rates to estimate your bills.

Gas
Like electricity, this bill varies seasonally. Check your records to find out how much you used last year at this time.

Phone
Home phone service. Remember to include the actual amount from your bills, including all taxes, fees and charges.

Internet Service
Include the actual total from your most recent bill.

Mobile Phone
Include the actual amount of your bill, including any overage charges. Since surcharges can quickly inflate your bill, it might be worth your time to check if you’re using the best plan and provider for your needs.

Trash
The actual amount from your most recent bill.

Water
Remember to check last year’s bill for seasonal trends and apply the current rates.

Other
Any utility bills that we’re forgeting?

Transportation

How you get around.

Car Insurance
Car insurance companies usually provide a variety of payment options. Paying the full amount every six months will usually mean significant savings over a monthly payment plan. Include enough in your budget to cover the expense when it arrives.

Car Payment 1
Check your records. How much is the actual amount of your monthly payment?

Car Payment 2
If you have a second or third car payment, include those here.

Gas & Oil
The price you pay at the pump fluctuates, and that can hurt, but not as much as getting stranded because you ran out.

License & Taxes
Your vehicle registration needs to be renewed on a regular basis, probably annually.

Repairs & Service
Regular maintainence can save you a bundle in the long term. Are you following the schedule for oil changes, tune-ups, new tires, etc?

Other
Tolls. Bicycle. Bus pass. Taxi fare. Camel food. Whatever else you need to spend to get around, include it here.

Food

If you eat it or drink it (and it’s not medicine), then it’s food! Most people don’t really know how much they spend on food, so–if you haven’t already–now is a good time to pull out your bank records or credit card statement.

Grocery
List how much you spend on groceries at the supermarket, department store, farmer’s market, or convenience store.

Restaurant
Eating out is fun and delicious—and expensive. You may be surprised just how much you spend on restaurants, fast food, coffee, and vending machines. Review your credit card statement if you need help, and don’t forget the tips!

Clothing

Any money you spend on clothes–this includes shoes, purses and belts!

Adults
Clothes you buy for yourself, including any work clothes that your employer doesn’t cover.

Children
They grow up so fast, don’t they? A growth spurt shouldn’t break your budget–plan ahead.

Cleaning/Laundry
Includes dry cleaning, detergent, fabric softener, quarters for the laundromat.

Medical/Health

Some medical expenses are easy to estimate. If you have a recurring expense, such as chiropractic visits, diabetic supplies (insulin, testing equipment, etc.) or long-term prescriptions, simply calculate your monthly expenditure.

Some other medical expense may not occur as often, but they can still be predicted fairly accurately. These include check-ups, eye exams and teeth cleanings. Remember to budget enough to cover these expenses as they occur.

Finally, unexpected medical expenses, ranging from a cold to a life-threatening illness, can strike any family at any time. If you’re not prepared, they can leave you feeling drained financially, as well as physically. Protecting yourself in these situations is one of the most important reasons to obtain adequate health insurance and establish your emergency fund now.

Dentist
Remember to budget enough for exams, cleanings, cavities and emergency work. Unexpected dental expenses can leave you with an ache in your wallet to match your toothache!

Chiropractor
If you visit the chiropractor regularly, budget accordingly.

Doctor Bills
Even if you have health insurance, you probably pay a deductable and co-pay.

Prescriptions
Put your reoccurring prescriptions here. Include recurring medical supplies (such as insulin for diabetics).

Health Insurance
This should reflect your portion of the premiums for your health insurance (if it’s deducted from your paycheck, this amount might already be reflected in your net pay).

Optometrist
Healthy eyes are certainly helpful when you’re exploring. Plan for an eye appointment at least every two years, and the cost of glasses and contacts (plus supplies) if you use them.

Other
Pain killers, cough syrup, thermometers, first aid supplies, etc.

Personal & Other Expenses

Everything else except debt goes here.

Alimony/Child Support
If you have alimony or child support obligations, be sure to pay on time. If you don’t, you may find yourself facing severe penalties.

Baby-sitting
How much will it cost to go to work or anywhere else without the kids?

Child Day Care
If you have a child or children enrolled in day care, how much do you spend per month?

Charitable Giving
Hard economic times usually hit charities even harder. Even small donations can make a huge difference, so plan to give!

Cosmetics/Hair Care
Make-up, salon visits, dyes and hair cuts.

Education, Adult
Wisely investing in yourself can pay off in increase opportunities and quality of life.

Entertainment/Recreation
Movies, games, electronics, etc.

Gifts (Christmas & Other)
All sorts of occasions and celebrations can include gifts–or no occasion at all! How much do you want to be able to spend on such things?

Life Insurance
Life insurance is a responsible way to provide for your family if something happens to you or your spouse.

Dues/Subscriptions
Magazines, clubs, and any other subscriptions.

Pet Supplies
Freckles has to eat, just like the rest of the Frugal family. He also needs vet care and other supplies.

School Supplies
Textbooks, notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, rulers, tape, glue, posterboard, etc.

School Tuition
For all the students in the family.

Toiletries
Toilet paper isn’t free, you know!

Other
This is the last spending category other than debt payments. If you’ve left anything out, go back and put it in the right category. If it doesn’t fit anywhere else, include it here.

Monthly Debt Payments

Ouch. It all adds up. For many families, this can be a significant part of your budget. How much are you putting toward your debts every month?

Credit Card Payments
Interest and penalties on your credit card debt can quickly add up. The sooner you can pay off this debt, the happier you’ll be.

Student Loan Payment
Education can be an expensive investment, and many people use loans to pay for it.

Other Debt Payments
Did you borrow money from a family member? Payday loans? Anywhere else, other than for your car, home or schooling? Include the payments here.

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When you’re done, don’t forget to print a copy of your Household Spending Plan (you’ll find it in the Adventurer’s Ledger). You’ll need it while playing the envelope game and to reference later on.