Alright, I'm ready for some facepunches. To convince my husband to RE I've painted a picture of modest but not 'spartan' (in his definition) living conditions. I am finding it hard to get my post-tax needs under $60k for a family of four (two young kids) living in an area he likes (think Austin, Seattle, or Denver).
Please keep in mind neither of us is handy nor wants to spend our time in that manner. All other suggestions welcome!
Any help trimming here?
Austin
Monthly Yearly
Property tax 333 4,000 <--can't change this?
Home Maintenance 210 2,520 <-- This is supplies like detergent, storage, any repairs amortized
House insurance (if applicable) 58 700 < -- National average figure
Utilities (water, sewer, electric, gas) 246 2,955 <--Quotes from Yelo from people who live there. I suspect the most I could optimize would be 50/month here more
Internet 45 540 <--cheapest I can find
Food 700 8,400 <--organic food. Yes, a luxury
Car 0 0 <--buying cars outright
Car Maintenance 83 1,000 <--the average that I researched amortized over ten years
Car Insurance 100 1,200 <--lowest I could find
Gas 98 1,178 <--15 miles a day 6 days a week.
Transportation 35 420 <--Tolls and bus fares etc
Clothing 140 1,680 <--4-5 outfits per year for four people.
Health Insurance Premiums 604 7,248 <--Cheapest on health exchange bronze plan - unsubsidized. Mid forties with two youngish children
Addtl Health Costs (Deductibles) 417 5,000 <--avg estimated of deductible cost blended over years
Vacation 583 7,000 <Yes, this is huge
Eating Out 350 4,200 <--two family meals out a month and one date night a month
Other Entertainment 150 1,800 <-- family outings
Miscellaneous/CatchAll 333 4,000 <--conservative buffer - need to replace a computer? Dishwasher broken?
Optional: Child Enrichment Programming (Summer camps, lessons, etc.) 417 5,000 <--Husband really focused on giving kids sleepover camp etc. This is the daycare budget when they're younger
Dog 108 1,300 <--Have this dog, can't get rid of him.
Total 4,903 60,141