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)
(c) Copyright 2000. The Christian Science Publishing Society
