List of Household Expenses Standard Family Budgeting Example
Below is the calculators list of household expense categories and suggested standard budget percentages for $45,000 annual gross income with a $7,000 tax bill.

Housing: 36%
Food: 12%
Auto: 12%
Insurance: 5%
Debt: 5%
Entertainment / Recreation: 6%
Clothing: 5%
Savings: 5%
Medical / Dental: 4%
Miscellaneous: 5%
Investments: 5%

Thanks Giddy...I have been sitting down with my take home and trying to figure it all out...basically without his support, which by the time child care expenses and schooling is taken out (and he wants him to attend private school) I have nothing. So, I am trying to figure out how to raise 2 little ones on what I make so I don't have to rely on him.

I know it is tough but I am sure you can do it.
I am no financial wiz, I am just lucky. I do know that I made up a long time ago that a lot of the stuff we think we need we really don't need.

If all you have is a cell phone I think you should be able to find an apartment. I would find one that is convenient for you to get to work. It may be cramped in there but you should be able to find some happiness in a small place with two boys.

Best of Luck.

If "HE" wants them to have private schooling, then "HE" needs to be paying for it..... The budget I sent you does not include childcare.... ut I would think that childcare would be taken out of the child support that you will get.....

You can do it sweetie.... I did with allot less than what you have!

Hugs for strength!

It can be done as I had less income than you have...with three kids. Of course the child support will be added to your salary. You can apply for subsidized housing, which can be in a nice neighbourhood. I tried that but didnt qualify because of pending house assets when it would be selling. Keep looking for an affordable home and remember when you are on your own with the boys, he has to pay for their support. I live a very different lifestyle now but you cannot put a price on happiness.. it cant be bought. Good luck and think positive because something will present itself for you. Hugs Kate

You are making a hell of a lot more money when I was alone with my two little ones. If I did it, I have no doubt that you will!

Work with your earnings only. Child support is just a supplement. I've seen too many women count on CS, purchase homes counting on it or rent counting on that said amount. What they don't count on, is the fact that CS can be yanked out due to several reasons....it is dependent on whether or not the ex still works or if the ex adheres to the law which often, we know that there are several men and women gets the short end of the stick.

So, don't plan your livelihood counting on CS. Budget with what you earn and start small. I put all the CS into the savings account. I dip into it only during special circumstances. It is the rainy day fund and a savings for my son.

Great advise here, plan for the low end of the pay scale, that is how I have made it with no cs.

in addition the the great advice already given, may I suggest that you get really good at understanding your rights (and your children's rights) regarding child support. it is very important for you to learn the system so that income will always be coming in from your children's father.

do not get discouraged. force him to give the money for the entire duration of your children's childhoods.

non-custodial parents should never be allowed to slack.

You can do it! Oh and the private school...if he wants him to attend, he can pay it. I wanted my kids to finish in their P-8 private school (they had been there since PK and son was in the 7th grade, daughter had already graduated) and since my ex said that he didn't want to pay anymore and son could go to a public school , he didn't have to....it wasn't considered necessary. I ended up paying for it until son graduated last May. And it's not easy. IMO, since you will be moving out anyway, try to move into an area with good public schools. However, if the private school is important to YOU, then maybe you can do without other things. If it's important to HIM, then I'd do what YOU wanted to do unless he wants to pay for it.

You need to decide what monthly bills are absolutely necessary and only have those until you get a better idea of your monthly expenses.