Start with actual cash flow
Use recent statements to distinguish monthly recurring expenses from irregular costs. Include food, utilities, transportation, insurance, debt payments and any support assumptions that your attorney says are appropriate.
Separate confirmed income from estimates. A projected settlement or benefit may not arrive when expected; show the timing uncertainty explicitly.
- Current monthly income after withholding.
- Essential recurring costs and minimum payments.
- Annual expenses divided into a monthly reserve.
- One-time moving, deposits and professional-service costs.
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A worked cash-flow example
Compare monthly income after withholding with recurring expenses. Add monthly reserves for annual insurance, maintenance and other irregular costs before estimating what remains. These categories are a planning prompt, not a recommended budget or an estimate of support.
A one-time moving deposit is separate from recurring costs. Do not assume uncertain settlement proceeds will arrive before a bill is due. A month-by-month cash-flow calendar can show timing gaps even when annual totals appear balanced.
Compare scenarios without making legal decisions
A smaller monthly housing payment may still come with maintenance or transportation costs. Compare realistic totals and stress-test a change in income or insurance premiums.
The CFPB toolkit includes cash-flow budgets and spending trackers. Use these as educational tools rather than as a determination of support or what a court will consider.