| Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Directions | Conclusion | Evaluation |
In completing this assignment, you will practice life skills. You will explore different careers and you will prepare a budget based on your career income. You will need to use the internet to find affordable housing and transportation. Your grade will be based upon the criteria which can be found at the bottom of this page.
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Choose a career and find your yearly salary |
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Use your salary to calculate a monthly budget |
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Choose a house that fits into your monthly budget |
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Choose a car that fits into your monthly budget |
First, click on the worksheet link to get the worksheet you will need for the project. Print the worksheet. You will begin using the worksheet after you have chosen a career.
Select the following link to get directions for finding a career. Print these directions.
Directions
for Finding a Career 
Go to the following website to choose a career. Make a hardcopy of your career choice and income. Since you are just starting out in your new career, you must use the low end of the salary range for your budget calculations.
So, do you have your career? Do you have your yearly salary?
Well, guess what? 30% of that money goes to Uncle Sam for taxes. So right now, deduct 30% off of your yearly salary. Take the remaining amount and divide by 12. This is how much money you now have for your monthly household budget.
Use the following percent values to calculate the maximum monthly amount allowed for each category.
| Vehicle | 10% |
| Housing | 25% |
| Food | 15% |
| Savings | 10% |
| Utilities | 20% |
| Entertainment | 5% |
| Other Expenses | 15% |
Enter your answers on your worksheet.
Select the following link to get directions for finding a house. Print these directions.
Directions for Finding a
House
Now, using your answer for housing, visit the following website to find a place to live which you can afford based upon your monthly budget. You can live anywhere you want in the U.S., but remember, housing on the beach front in Florida is not cheap.
Select the following link to get directions for finding a used car. Print these directions.
Directions for Finding a Used Car
Now you are ready to buy a car. Use the following website to find a used vehicle which will adhere to your monthly budget. This website will help you choose a vehicle and calculate your monthly payment.
I hope that by doing this assignment, you have learned more about the real life experiences of budgeting money and buying a home and a car. To conclude your work, answer the three essay questions on your worksheet.
Career Choice 15 points Worksheet Calculations 35 points (1 point for each category) House Selection 15 points (must work with budget) Car Selection 15 points (must work with budget) Essay Questions 20 points
