What makes a reasonable family budget?

There are a few things to consider for coming up with a reasonable budget.

• Live within the means when possible
• Finance for the family's future and limit bad debts
• Save for raining days

So much do you need to spend each month? Will your family income cover all the expenses?

Here is an example of budget worksheet:

http://financialplan.about.com/cs/budgeting/l/blbudget.htm

Below is an budget example from EPI budget calculator - 3 persons family in Tucson, AZ:

Monthly housing		$ 673
Monthly food		$ 448
Monthly child care		$ 363
Monthly transportation		$ 387
Monthly health care		$ 312
Monthly other necessities		$ 303
Monthly taxes		$ 207
Monthly total		$ 2,693
Annual total		$ 32,316

Here is an budget example from EPI budget calculator - 3 persons family in San Jose, CA:

Monthly housing		$ 1,313
Monthly food		$ 448
Monthly child care		$ 485
Monthly transportation		$ 358
Monthly health care		$ 299
Monthly other necessities		$ 475
Monthly taxes		$ 455
Monthly total		$ 3,833
Annual total		$ 45,996