Expenses

Now let's look at the money you spend. How much do you pay to live each month? Again, make a list of all your regular expenses, including estimates of the long-term costs related to your child's disability. For some of the expenses (such as groceries, meals, and utilities), you may need to figure out an average over a few months. To calculate the averages, look over past statements or your check register to find the amounts, add them up, and then divide the total by the number of items you listed in each category.

The following items will get you started on your expense list. Again, cross out the categories that don't apply to you, and feel free to add your own. Fill in the amounts in the right-hand column and total them at the bottom of the worksheet.

Print form

Item	Amount
Savings	$
Rent or mortgage	$
Homeowners' or renters' insurance	$
Condo/townhouse/homeowner association fees	$
Home repairs or improvements	$
Groceries	$
Meals and snacks eaten out	$
Utilities (electricity, heat, water, etc.)	$
Transportation (public transportation, car payments, gas, car insurance, maintenance, repairs, etc.)	$
Vacations	$
Dental bills	$
Union and professional dues	$
Charitable donations	$
Child care	$
Child support payments	$
Loan payments (personal, car, school, etc.)	$
Life insurance premiums	$
Credit card bills	$
Tuition and fees	$
Cable TV/satellite TV	$
Internet	$
Health insurance, prescription drugs, and doctor/dentist bills	$
Clothing/uniforms	$
Entertainment (movies, sporting events, concerts, etc.)	$
Telephone, cellphone, pager	$
Pet care	$
Personal (haircuts, toiletries, allowances, etc.)	$
Miscellaneous (gifts, vacations, etc.)	$
Costs associated with your child's disability
Medical costs (not paid for by insurance or others)	$
Medical insurance costs (other than Medicaid or Medicare)	$
Therapy (occupational, physical, etc.) not covered by insurance	$
Transportation to/from special care or hospital	$
Lodging and meals incurred during treatment away from home	$
Child care/nursing care (not covered by insurance)	$
Assistance for daily living	$
Legal fees	$
TOTAL EXPENSES	$