Here are suggested percentage guidelines based on net income compiled by Dave Ramsey, author of Financial Peace (Viking, 1997, $21.95) which he says are only recommended percentages and will change dramatically if you have a very high or very low income. For instance, if you have a very low income your necessities percentages will be high. If you have a high income, your necessities will be a lower percentage or income and hopefully savings (not debt) will be higher than recommended.
Enter your net-income for whichever period of time you would like to translate the percentages into:
Expense Range Low End High End
Charitable gifts 10-15%
Saving 5-10%
Housing 25-35%
Utilities 5-10%
Food 5-15%
Transportation 10-15%
Clothing 2-7%
Medical/Health 5-10%
Personal 5-10%
Recreation 5-10%
Debts 5-10%
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