Budget Guide

Suggested Budget Guidelines

Use this sample chart* (for a family of 4) to figure out where your spending patterns may be out of balance. This is only a suggested guideline. Costs and percentages can strong vary across the country. Whatever variations you may notice in this chart compared to your area of the country, realize that your totals must NEVER EXCEED 100%. Use this chart to help you identify possible "problem areas” that need further scrutiny, discussion, prayer and adjustments. Begin to make necessary adjustments in order to bring your spending commitments and habits in line with your income level.

Gross Income	$28,000 (*$2300/mos)	$32,000 (*$2700/month)	$40,000 (*$3300/month)	$50,000 (*$4200/month)	$60,000+ ($5000/month)	Your "Ideal" Budget Amounts (based on the closet comparable column on the left)	Your Actual Spending History	+ or - amount for each category
Giving	10% ($230/mos)	10% ($270/mos)	10% ($330/mos)	10% ($420/mos.)	10% ($500/mos.)	$ /mos.	$ /mos.	$ /mos.
Taxes	20% ($460/mos)	22% ($590/mos)	24% ($800/mos)	26% ($1090/mos)	30% ($1500/mos)	$ /mos.	$ /mos.	$ /mos.
SPENDING	*$1600/mos	*$1800/mos	*$2200/mos	*$2700/mos	*$3000/mos	$ /mos.	$ /mos.	$ /mos.
All Housing	30% ($480)	30% ($540)	28% ($616)	25% ($675)	25% ($750)	$	$	$
All Auto	15% ($240)	15% ($270)	12% ($264)	12% ($324)	12% ($360)	$	$	$
All Groc/Hshld	16% ($256)	16% ($288)	14% ($308)	13% ($351)	12% ($360)	$	$	$
All Insurance	5% ($80)	5% ($90)	5% ($110)	5% ($135)	5% ($150)	$	$	$
All Ent/Rec/Vac	7% ($112)	7% ($126)	7% ($154)	7% ($189)	7% ($210)	$	$	$
All Clothing	5% ($80)	5% ($90)	5% ($110)	6% ($162)	6% ($180)	$	$	$
All Med/Dental	5% ($80)	5% ($90)	4% ($88)	4% ($108)	4% ($120)	$	$	$
All Misc	6% ($96)	7% ($126)	7% ($154)	8% ($216)	8% ($240)	$	$	$
All Savings	5% ($80)	5% ($90)	5% ($110)	5% ($135)	5% ($150)	$	$	$
All Debts	4% ($64)	3% ($54)	5% ($110)	5% ($135)	5% ($150)	$	$	$
All Investments	--	--	5% ($110)	6% ($162)	7% ($210)	$	$	$
Proj/Purch	2% ($32)	2% ($36)	3% ($66)	4% ($81)	4% ($120)	$	$	$
TOTALS	100% ($1600)	100% ($1800)	100% ($2200)	100% ($2700)	100% ($3000)	$	$	$

* Amount rounded to the nearest $100. Brian Kluth developed this chart from budget guidelines organized by Larry Burkett from Christian Financial Concepts in the early 1990’s. Larry’s ministry works with thousands of families each year to get out of debt and to develop a workable family budget. For additional books and materials by

Christian Financial Concepts, call 1-800-722-1976 or visit their website at www.cfcministry.org

© Brian Kluth. Copyright reprint permission for non-commercial purposes can be purchased for $20 to photocopy, fax or print this materials for 1-25 people, $50 for distribution to 26-999 people, and $100 for distribution to 1000 or more. To order flyers or to receive a reprint order form, go to the products page on this website (www.kluth.org), call 1-888-443-7407, or email: bk@kluth.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Brian Kluth is a national and international speaker and writer. He is also a church pastor and the founder of Kingdom Seekers. Kingdom Seekers is a public ministry dedicated to advancing Biblical generosity through inspirational preaching, leadership training seminars, writing, resources and the media. Brian’s written materials have been distributed to more than 350,000 Christian leaders in more than 100 countries .For additional materials or to contact Brian, email: bk@kluth.org or visit: www.kluth.org