Create your family budget

Put a plan into motion to save your family money and meet all your monthly expenditures. Jot down what you spend on what, in a month. You may be spending too much in a certain category, if so, try and cut back in unnecessary spending. If you have extra money at the end of the month you can add it to savings or buy yourself something special! Below are some general percentage recommendations to spend in each category per month based on your after-tax, take-home pay. (You will need to adjust the amounts based on your current situation and your per-existing fixed expenses. If a category doesn't apply to you, such as Children or Investments, then add the percentage to a category you need extra money in or add a new category.) Use an app on your phone such as Mint or Check to track your spending and bills.

• Housing 33%

   Mortgage & Home Insurance

   Utilities

   Home security

   Home phone

• Auto 15%

   Auto payment including interest

   Gasoline

   Repairs and maintenance

• Tithes 10%

• Food 9%

   Restaurants

   Fast food

   Groceries

• Entertainment 5%

   Internet/cable

   Movie rentals

   Recreational activities

• Medical/Dental 6%

   Adults

   Children

   Pets

• Children 6%

   Child care

   Education

• Insurance 5%

   Auto Insurance

   Health Insurance

   Life Insurance

   Medical Insurance

• Debt 4%

  Credit cards

   Loans not pertaining to mortgage or auto

• Savings 4%

• Clothing 2%

   Adults

   Children

• Miscellaneous 2%

  Gifts

  Cell phone

  Allowances

  Cleaning supplies

  Household supplies

  Vacations

  Everything that doesn't fit into any other category

• Investments 1%