Thoughts about Money
As heard on KLBT 88.1
Money is one of the most difficult topics for single mothers and others who struggle to keep afloat. I hope this little list helps.
A Budget Format
BUDGET
Name: _____________________________ Month/Year ______/_______
Cash on hand: ………………………………………….. $ __________
Checking balance: ……………………………………. $ __________
Savings balance: ………………………………………. $ __________
Income
Take home pay ………………………………………… $ __________
2nd Job pay ……………………………………………….. $ __________
Child Support ……………………………………………. $ __________
Social Security ………………………………………….. $ __________
SSI ……………………………………………………………. $ __________
TANF ………………………………………………………… $ __________
CCMS ………………………………………………………… $ __________
Food Stamps …………………………………………….. $ __________
Other ………………………………………………………… $ __________
Total Income Each Month $ ___________
Expenses (Expected to spend for the month) Paid Monthly Total Owed
Tithe ……………………………………………………. $ ______________
Savings ……………………………………………….. $ ______________
Debt
Credit Card ………………………………………………….. $ ______________
Credit Card ……………………………………………………… $ ______________
School Loan …………………………………………………… $ ______________
Loan from Family …………………………………………… $ ______________
Loan from Friends …………………………………… $ ______________
Traffic Tickets ………………………………………………… $ ______________
Insufficient funds fees ………………………………… $ ______________
Car repossessions ……………………………………… $ ______________
Bank accounts ……………………………………………… $ ______________
Pawn shops ………………………………………………… $ _____________
Other loan …………………………………………………………… $ ____________
Debt (Subtotal) ………………………………………………….. $ ____________
Housing
Program Fee ……………………………………………………………. $ ______________
Storage Unit …………………………………………………………….. $ ______________
Phone ………………………………………………………………………. $ ______________
Other ……………………………………………………………………….. $ ______________
Housing (Subtotal) …………………………………………………… $ ______________
Auto
Car payments …………………………………………………………… $ ______________
Gas …………………………………………………………………………… $ ______________
Maintenance ……………………………………………………………. $ ______________
License/stickers ……………………………………………………….. $ ______________
Auto (Subtotal) …………………………………………………………… $ ______________
Insurance
Auto …………………………………………………………………………. $ _____________
Medical ……………………………………………………………………. $ _____________
Life …………………………………………………………………………… $ _____________
Other ………………………………………………………………………… $ _____________
Insurance (Subtotal) …………………………………………………… $ _____________
Household/Personal
Groceries …………………………………………………………………. $ _____________
Lunches ……………………………………………………………………. $ _____________
Clothing ……………………………………………………………………. $ _____________
Hair …………………………………………………………………………… $ _____________
Cosmetics …………………………………………………………………. $ _____________
Laundry ……………………………………………………………………… $ _____________
Education ………………………………………………………………….. $ _____________
Other ………………………………………………………………………… $ _____________
Household/Personal (Subtotal) ………………………………….. $ _____________
Entertainment
Eating out …………………………………………………………………. $ _____________
Movies/Events ………………………………………………………….. $ _____________
Video Rentals ……………………………………………………………. $ _____________
Entertainment (Subtotal) ……………………………………………. $ _____________
Professional Services
Childcare …………………………………………………………………… $ _____________
Medical ……………………………………………………………………… $ _____________
Dental ……………………………………………………………………….. $ _____________
Prescriptions ……………………………………………………………… $ _____________
Other ………………………………………………………………………… $ _____________
Professional Services (Subtotal) …………………………………. $ _____________
Miscellaneous ……………………………………………………………… $ _____________
Total Expenses for the Month……………………………………… $ ____________
Total Debt ……………………………………………………………………………….. $ ____________
Total Income for the Month ……………………………………………………… $ ____________
Total Expenses for the Month …………………………………………………. $ ____________
Grand Total ………………………………………………………………….. $ ____________
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I am a Certified Professional Coach and I hold a degree from Lamar University in Speech and a Master’s from the University of Texas. I married Sam after raising three children as a single mother. I was an educator in regular and special education for twenty years, finishing my professional career as a Braille teacher. In 2007 I founded SMORE for Women. SMORE is a nonprofit association whose goal is Single Moms, Overjoyed, Rejuvenated, and Empowered. My stories have been published in several Christian books and magazines. My Website.