Now list the amount you pay each month for the following fixed costs. If some of your expenses are not listed, add them to the blank rows in the spreadsheet. By listing your monthly expenses there is no guessing when it comes to how much you need to bring in each month to cover costs.

SPREADSHEET A: PERSONAL FIXED COSTS

FIXED COSTS          AMOUNT
Rent or Mortgage
 
Utilities (electricity, water, gas)
 
Telephone
 
Cable/Digital TV
 
Transportation (car note)
 
Car maintenance or repairs
 
Home/apartment maintenance/repairs
 
Other transportation (tolls, bus/train pass, parking, etc.)
 
Car insurance
 
Health insurance (health, dental, vision)
 
Homeowners/renters insurance
 
Food (groceries, eating out, snacks, Starbucks)
 
Computer (virus subscription, ISP, upgrades)
 
Entertainment (going out, movie rentals, etc.)
 
Personal care (toiletries, haircuts, etc.)
 
Clothing (new purchase or dry cleaning)
 
Computer (virus subscription, ISP, upgrades)
 
Gifts/donations (think upcoming b-days, events, holidays)
 
Prescriptions (if not included in health insurance)
 
Debts (paid monthly such as credit cards or student loans)
 
Fees (bank, credit card, late fees, etc.)
 
Subscriptions (magazines/newspapers/online music)
 
Pet expense (food, toys, medical)
 
Memberships (health club, DVD club)
 
Taxes 
 
TOTAL

As a freelance writer working out of your home you may notice expenses such as utilities and telephone increase, since you will be using these more often. You will also incur new expenses such as subscription fees, postage and supplies.