1. HOW LIFE WORKS PROJECT

2. This project will allow students to preview their lifestyle the first year after they have completed their education plans. The assignment will count for one test grade in the nine weeks average. 5 daily grades 2 quiz grades – job description and final monthly budget

3. YOUR JOB This section will give information about your job you will likely be having at this time. – Level of income – Location – Major job responsibilities – Picture of a person performing this job.

4. LIVING ARRANGEMENT Do you have a roommate? If so, how do you share expenses?

5. TAXES Calculate your income taxes using an federal income tax bracket website that will fit your income level and then subtract that amount from your income. Then divide by 12. Then take another 5 % from your monthly income for FICA taxes. Determine your monthly take home pay after these deductions.

6. HOUSING Where do you live? Describe the location, amenities, etc. (Also include a picture– website URL is also acceptable) What is your monthly cost for housing (rent)? Why did you select this particular place? Enter this cost on your monthly budget.

7. UTILITY COSTS List all utilities you will need (water, electricity, trash, cable, etc.). Determine the cost for each and then total the cost per month. Enter this cost on your monthly budget.

8. TRANSPORTATION COSTS Assume you will need to buy a vehicle and use an online resource (auto-trader.com, cars.com)to locate an appropriate vehicle. Provide a picture of the chosen vehicle. Determine the monthly cost of purchasing/leasing that vehicle. You have a 20% down payment to star with. Show your financing…monthly payment x number of months, taxes, etc. Why did you chose this vehicle? How much will it cost monthly to operate/maintain this vehicle (gas, oil change, maintenance)? Enter this cost in your monthly budget, as “car maintenance” as well as your “car payment”.

9. CLOTHING COST Select items to comprise three outfits suitable for your work (top= blouse or shirt, bottom= pants or dress, any appropriate accessories, and shoes) Provide pictures of your choices. Enter the cost of these three outfits to your monthly budget divided by 12 (monthly cost/savings).

10. HOME MEAL PLAN Create a “realistic” 7 day menu covering the basic three meals a day. You will cite each food item in each meal and determine the cost of each item. Enter the cost of your weekly menu X4 into your monthly budget. DO NOT consider eating out or fast food here.

11. ENTERTAINMENT COST Determine how many times/nights per month you will go out with friends for meals, movies, etc. Then determine the average cost of these events, multiply by the number of events. Enter the total cost of entertainment into your monthly budget

12. VACATION PLAN Assume that you have one week vacation each year from your job and wish to go out of town. Develop a plan for this week, then determine the cost of this vacation, including transportation, food, etc. Divide the total cost by 12 to find the monthly savings needed and enter in your monthly budget.

13. “OTHER EXPENSES” Determine the percentage of your income you wish to save each month (emergency fund, 401K). Determine the amount you wish to save for presents each month (Xmas, birthdays, etc.) Determine the cost of insurance you will need to pay for each month (car, life, renters). We will assume your job pays for health insurance. Be sure to think about all other expenses here.

14. MONTHLY BUDGET Create a spreadsheet or Word document listing all of the costs above, as well as any others you deem appropriate to your lifestyle. Indicate your monthly income after taxes, then list all of your expenses, then assure that you have adequate funds for this budget. If not, you will need to adjust.

15. CREDIT PLAN Do you have a credit card? If so, how do you plan to use it and manage your credit? If not, how would you manage an unexpected expense?

16. SUBMISSION TO TEACHER DUE DATE The project will be due “A” day…Friday 13 December 2013…”B” day…Thursday 12 December 2012.