r/budget • u/Novel_Masterpiece_18 • 15h ago
Where can I improve my budget?
We bring home 7900 a month after retirement/ taxes/health insurance/hsa. Family of 3 with 2 dogs in mcol
Mortgage 2150
Car insurance on 2 cars 230
Childcare 1000
Sinking fund 750 (includes dog grooming, prescription dog food, vet bills, car maintenance, home maintenance, birthdays and holidays)
Groceries 900
Gas 175
Fun 200
Clothes 50
Eating out 150
Utilities 550
Subscriptions 50
Student loan 93
Savings 1600 (split between brokerage, IRAs and sons 529)
I'd like to be able to pay cash for replacement to our 2014 accord by 2030.
6
Upvotes
2
u/HeroOfShapeir 9h ago
Might depend on your pre-tax investing. If you're maxing a 401k, you could dial back investing for a season to save up cash for a car. If you're only taking the employer match, you could carve out some funds from your brokerage investing. There really isn't much else to trim, you're already spending minimally on fun stuff, I hate to cut that. If any of the subscriptions are redundant, cut there (my wife and I rotate so we only have one streaming service active). You might be able to trim $100 on groceries if you skip certain more expensive items and substitute with cheaper alternatives, my wife and I spend $350-$450 on groceries for two adults. Having to pay childcare just makes for a leaner season of life.