What The Ideal E-4's Budget Should Be

Real Budget Figures For An E-4 in Colorado

Monthly Pay: 3658.50

Monthly BAH: 2160.00

Monthly Total: 5818.50

Ideal Budget Amounts:

Housing (35%): 2036.48

Transportation (15-20%) 872.76-1163.70

Food (10-20%) 581.85-1163.70

Debt (5-15%) 290.93-872.76

Personal (5-10%) 290.93-581.85

Savings (5-10%) 290.93-581.85

Medical (3%) 174.55

Clothing (3-5%) 174.55-290.93

Utilities (5%) 290.93

Total: 5,003.82-7156.76

There you go! That is what you average E-4 budget should look like. Everyone will have different wants and needs. This one assumes that they live off post and receive BAH. This is a good place to start for your own. I find the percentages to be the most helpful. Perhaps you are overextended on your vehicle or are spending 28% on your housing. Knowing where your money is going is where everything starts! I don't know anyone who falls perfectly within this budget, but I know I work a lot better when I can see an example of what people are talking about. Additionally, if you do fall perfectly within these parameters we need to talk about debt. Some people you can never make happy :-)