3.9. Qualitative budget analysis
Answer the following questions about your own budget, Sarah’s budget, or both as directed by your
instructor.
3.9.1. Savings
1 Given that there are other expense categories in the budget that you (or Sarah) have not yet estimated,
do you feel saving five percent of take-home pay will be easy or difficult?
2 If you think it will be difficult, what are some strategies you (or Sarah) can use to provide for adequate
savings? If you think it will be relatively easy, do you think you (or Sarah) could or should
save more? Why?
Consider adjusting your own budget to reflect a larger (or smaller) savings amount.
3.9.2. Housing
1 Considering that you (or Sarah) will also have to pay for utilities and the other items in the Housing
category (unless these are included in the budget) and considering the suggested percentage of
income to be allocated to this category, explain why you think the apartment you (or Sarah) chose
will be affordable or unaffordable.
3.9.3. Transportation
1 Understanding that you (or Sarah) will have additional expenses such as insurance, gasoline, and
service and repairs (and possibly a garage fee) for a car (unless these are all included in the budget)
and noting the suggested percentage of income to be allocated to this category, explain why the
choice you (or Sarah) made for a car purchase is wise or, perhaps, unwise. If you are saving for the
car, comment on the wisdom of your car choice given the amount you need to save relative to the
suggested guideline.
C.P. Guthrie, C.M. Nicholls/J. of Acc. Ed. 33 (2015) 138–163 149
2 If you now have a car and are saving for your next car, comment on how you feel about not having
a car loan payment in the future.
3 If you are using public transportation instead of purchasing a car, reflect on this decision.
3.9.4. Debt
1 How does your (or Sarah’s) debt as a percentage of income compare to the guideline?
2 Do you think Sarah’s decision to pay for furniture and other apartment expenses with her credit
card is wise?
3 Why or why not?
4 If you were Sarah, how do you think you would feel about having such a lengthy payment schedule
ahead of you before beginning your first job?
5 What can you do to prevent or change this from happening in your own situation?