NOW DO THE MATH!

Starting yearly salary for the occupation of _______________ is $ ______________.
Subtract 20% of that salary for taxes. 20% = $ _____________
Remaining spendable income is $ _____________

DIVIDE BY 12 FOR YOUR MONTHLY SPENDABLE INCOME = $ ­­­­_____________
Deduct your monthly housing expense = $ _____________
Deduct your monthly auto expenses = $ _____________

From your remaining income, subtract these basic needs:
Food $200.00 = $ __________
(Phone, water, heat, garbage pickup, etc.) Utilities $400.00 = $ __________
(clothing, soaps, gifts, laundry, haircuts) Necessities $100.00 = $ __________
Gasoline $150.00 = $ __________
(movies, sport events, eating out) Leisure activities $100.00 = $ __________

From your remaining income, subtract these needs only if they will apply to you:
Student loan $200.00 = $ __________
(smart thing to have) Savings account $100.00 = $ __________
Travel/Vacations $1000.00 = $ __________
(daycare, medical, clothing, food, etc.) Child care $600.00 = $ __________

Remaining spendable income for this life style and career $ ________________

These are average costs for the Tri-Cities area . If you choose to live in another location ( Seattle , Los Angeles , New York City), compare the cost of living there through this web site.

http://www.bestplaces.net/html/cost_of_living.html

If you earn $_______________ a year in the Tri-Cities . . .

. . . . in (city)_______________ you will need to earn $_______________ to live the same lifestyle.

. . . . in (city)_______________ you will need to earn $_______________ to live the same lifestyle.

. . . . in (city)_______________ you will need to earn $_______________ to live the same lifestyle.