Living on $46K or Less - Part 4

Brent & Shawna Wheat - Ruidoso, NM

Brent earns approximately $30,000 a year as a self-employed general contractor. Shawna works as an office coordinator, bringing them up to around $46,000.

Shawna doesn't work enough hours to get insurance from her employer. Last year, their son's car accident that cost them $4,000 in hospital bills and check-ups. This year, he needs braces. They own their own home and put money into a retirement account as often as possible. They own three cars (two are paid in full). They have three kids total, two of which are teenagers that still live at home.

Here is their expense breakdown:

• 25% Housing
• 25% Car, insurance, gas
• 11% Utilities and phones
• 10% Church
• 9% Food
• 9% Retirement savings
  
• 8% Doctor's visits (based on the $4,000)
  
• 3% Credit Cards