Type in your monthly take-home income to see where you should be allocating your money.

Housing – 30%: This includes a mortgage or lease, taxes and insurance.

Transportation – 18%: If you drive, make sure you count gas, insurance, maintenance and parking. If you use public transportation, include your commuter pass or rail card.

Debt – 10%: If you’re lucky enough to live debt-free, use this slice of your pie toward something else, like savings or toward an emergency fund.

Food – 14%: This is tricky, because as food prices go up you will see that it becomes harder to keep this expense flat. It also includes toiletries and other things you need on a daily basis.

Household – 7%: Energy, phone and cable bills. Don’t forget to plan for what will likely be a massive heating bill this winter.

Savings – 10%: You can either use this money for short-term items like vacations or longer-term goals like retirement.

Everything Else – 11%: Whether it’s charity, clothing, childcare or additional medical costs, make sure to leave some room for miscellaneous monthly expenses.

>>Click here to see Carmen's original budget breakdown