And away it flows ...

Here are some of the ways average American families of four - in two different income groups - spend their money each year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Survey.

Income level

$50,000 $70,000 Expenses by category to $69,999 and over

Housing $14,918 $23,783

Transportation 10,254 13,523

Personal insurance/pensions 6,310 11,674

Food at home 4,462 5,022

Income taxes 4,093 9,658

Utilities 3,117 3,807

Food away from home 3,111 4,094

Apparel and services 2,872 3,779

Entertainment/pets 2,654 4,370

Healthcare 2,341 2,738

Household furnishings/equipment 2,166 3,320

Household maintenance 1,065 2,129

Cash contributions 1,065 1,921

Gifts 1,013 1,957

Education 821 1,650

Source: Dept. of Labor (1998 figures)

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