Scenario: You are currently in the lower class in the U.S., trying to move into a higher social class. You are a 20-year-old individual living with your 13-month-old child (*you are the sole provider). You are also a waiter / waitress at the Cheesecake Factory earning $16 per hour after tips. To succeed in this activity, you must be able to financially support yourself and your child (*living with parents is not an option), all while being enrolled in college. A college degree will help increase your social mobility.

• Below is a sheet containing costs of living expenses. Please outline a monthly budget, leaving enough spending money for college courses.
• You may work as many hours as you want but you must enroll in at least three credits. It may help to keep track of your work hours, school hours, child care hours, etc. If you run out of money, try to find a way to make it work. (*note: you may get creative in your quest for social mobility).

*Please also include a paragraph on how you succeeded (or did not succeed) in the activity.

FEDERAL TAXES

Take out 15% of your monthly income for taxes

FOOD

Food on sale (lower quality, mostly prepared foods): $120 per person

Food not on sale (higher quality, fresh vegetables, etc.): $175 per person

CLOTHING

Buying new or cleaning old $20.00 per person

SHELTER

Renting a 1 bedroom apartment: $900 (heat included)

Renting a 2 bedroom apartment: $1,300 (heat included)

Renting a 3 bedroom apartment: $1,600 (heat included)

Mortgage on a 3 Bedroom home: $1,500 (heat not included) + Property tax: $600

UTILITIES

Electric & Gas $100

Water $30

Phone (cell phone family plan $200 -or- landline phone only $20)

Basic cable $50

Extended cable $100

Internet $50

Heating for a house: $200

TRANSPORTATION

New Car Payment:

• Lexus $850
• Honda Civic $350
• Ford Focus $225

Used Car payment: $170 (monthly costs for car for repair and service)

Car Insurance:

• Package 1

$60/month/car, $500 deductible

(No coverage for uninsured drivers)

• Package 2

$90/month/car, $250 deductible

(Uninsured driver coverage)

Gasoline: $200/car/month (minimum)

CHILD CARE

Basic daycare (no activities or educational programs): $400/month per child

High-quality daycare (activities and educational programs): $1,000/month per child

Diapers: $70/month per child

Baby wipes: $15/month per child

Baby food/milk: Choose either breastfeeding or the food on sale cost thats listed above. Breastfeeding is free, but it will take up approximately 4 hours per day.

COLLEGE TUITION

Community College (in county) $411/class per semester (approx. $103/month for 1 class)

Community College (out of county) $501/class per semester (approx. $125/month for 1 class)

State School $11,217/year

HEALTH INSURANCE

Family plan package 1: $250/family per month

$500 one-time emergency room deductible

$40/office visit

50% off prescriptions

Family plan package 2: $500/family per month

No emergency room deductible

$10/office visit

$10 co-pay on prescriptions

MISCELLANEOUS PERSONAL AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES

Costs for everything from toothpaste to home repairs. $50/person

OPTIONAL EXPENSES

Netflix $9/month

Going out to the movies $15.00/person

Donations (religious organizations, charities) You determine amount.

Personal (haircuts, cosmetics) You determine amount.

Gym membership $10 through $60/month depending on location

Pet food/Pet Care $50/month

Live-in nurse: $300/week

Physician (office visit only) $50

X-rays and other tests $400 per x-ray/test

Hospital stay $400/day

Braces $2,000

Car Repairs $300

Plumber $100/hour (3 hour minimum)

Hotel $95/night

Motel $45/night

Dining out (fancy) $40/person

Dining out (fast food) $5/person