My Monthly Expenses

Okay, this is a very rough budget. I don't like to budget at all. My expenses for certain things are very exact, like rent or electric/gas bills. But, for my tuition it's a lot more flexible because I pay out of pocket for it each semester. And, I don't always take the same number of classes each semester. Sometimes I use the money in my checking account, other times I take it from my general savings account, which is probably not a good idea. In any case, I don't set aside a certain amount of money. Ditto with vacations. I probably need to work out a plan so that money is in a separate account so I know exactly how much I'm spending.

Other expenses, like $76 of my transportation money and my 401(k) contribution, are pretax.


Rent 700
Cable 42
Cell Phone 120
Gas/Electric 65
Internet 18
Laundry/Dry Cleaning 30
Transportation 104
Tuition and Books 400
Vacations/Ent. 125
401(k) contribution 216.67
Clothing 150
General Savings Acct 216.67
Gym 20
Incidentals 250
Groceries/Lunch 225
TOTAL 2682.34

As far as my monthly income, I get paid every other week which is 26 times a year. After taxes and 401(k) contribution that's about 2504.67 per month. I know these calculations are off b/c I double counted my 401(k) and some of my transportation costs, but the next time I'll count my taxes. I also get another $225 or so from other sources and interest income, for a grand total of $2729.67.