• Rent or mortgage: This expense only includes the amount you pay to your landlord or mortgage lender. If you put money into an escrow account for taxes, include that amount as well. Property taxes and private mortgage insurance (PMI) may also be factors to add.
• Insurance: This can include health, car, and homeowner’s insurance. If you included homeowner’s insurance above (as part of the escrow charges), skip it here.
• Food: Include your usual costs, whether that’s food from grocery stores or spending lavishly on dining out.
• Telecom charges: Costs include internet, phone (landline and/or mobile access), and other related expenses.
• Utilities: Consider entering an average amount you pay for bills such as electricity, sewage, and water, as some months may be higher or lower than others.
• Credit card and/or loan payments: Put all debt outside your mortgage here, including car loans, personal loans, student loans, and minimum monthly credit card payments.
• Other costs: Any necessities you pay for that don’t fit into the above categories can go here. Expenses may include daycare fees, child support, medications, work uniforms, and transportation (public transportation, gas, parking, tolls, car maintenance, and so on).
