Your Daily Expenses

Help us learn about the buying habits of people in the United States

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

When you write down what you purchase in this diary, you will help

provide a bigger picture of how U.S. consumers spend their money.

Field representative’s name:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

Acting as a collecting agent for

U.S. Department of Labor

Bureau of Labor Statistics

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERC

E

BUREAU OF THE CENSUS

I will return on: _______________________________________

Field representative supervisor’s name:

Telephone:

Telephone:

If you have any questions, please call:

Please record your expenses and purchases

for the following period

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Day Date

If you have comments regarding this survey, please send them to the Division of

Consumer Expenditure Surveys, 2 Massachusetts Avenue N.E., Room 3985, 

Washington, DC 20212.

OMB No. 1220-0050

By law (Title 13, U.S. Code), we must keep your information confidential;

we use it for statistical purposes only.

receipts

jpg file

Currency_2

curled $1 jpg file

mug

credit card

phone_jpg file

family unpacking

groceries jpg file

dinner party

jpg file

Lady holding

credit card

jpg file

couple

shopping

jpg file

couple_gift

jpg file

internet

shopping

man_jpeg file

daughter_dad

pet shop jpg file

Measuring America’s 

Spending Since 1888
Fill out this diary for an entire week, writing

down EVERYTHING you and the people on

your list spend money on each day – the

products you buy, the services you use, the

household expenses you have during the

week – no matter how large or small they

are.

■

We recommend that you record your

expenses each day. Think about where you

went and what you did.

■ Include payments by 

Expenses of people on your list while 

they were away from home overnight.

■

■ Business or farm operating expenses

Sales tax, except for Meals, Snacks, and 

Drinks Away from Home

■

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

Talk to the people on your list every day

to find out how they spent their money.

■

Cash

Check

SNAP Card

Credit/Debit Card

Money Order

Keep receipts and other records so that you

will remember to record what you bought 

or paid for. Use the pocket at the back of the

diary to store them. 

■

Receipts

Bills

Pay Stubs

Bank Statements

Catalog/Internet Purchases

Credit Card Statements

Some record types include:

Include items that you bought for people

who are not on your list, such as gifts.

Do NOT record Do NOT record

General Instructions General Instructions

Automatic Withdrawal

Payroll Deduction

■■

Gift Certificate

Store Charge Card

WIC Voucher
FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

How to Fill Out How to Fill Out 

Your Diary Your Diary

Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Away from 

Home

Mark one of the four choices that best 

describes the type of meal.

■

2.

Mark one of the four choices that best

describes where you made the purchase.

■

■ Enter the total cost with tax and tip.

■ If alcohol was part of the purchase, check

whether it was wine, beer, and/or other

alcohol and enter the total cost of the alcohol.

The diary is divided into 7 days and each

day is divided into 4 parts.

1.

■ Describe the item.

Mark whether the item was fresh, frozen,

bottled/canned, or other.

■

Enter the cost without tax and deduct any

discounts or coupons.

■

■ Mark the column if the item was purchased

for someone not on your list (e.g. gifts).

Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories

Describe the item and enter the cost without

tax.

■

3.

Mark the appropriate sex and age range of 

the person for whom the item was bought.

■

■ Mark the last column if the item was 

purchased for someone not on your list (e.g.

gifts).

All Other Products, Services, and 

Expenses

Describe the item and enter the total cost

without tax.

■

4.

Mark the column if the item was purchased 

for someone not on your list (e.g. gifts).

■

There is an Additional Pages section 

on pages 18–23 in case you run out of

lines on any particular day.

If you are unsure about whether to

include an item or where to record an

item, write it down wherever it seems

best or make a note and ask your field

representative. 

Food and Drinks for Home Consumption

See back fiap for answers to 

Frequently Asked Questions

Enter each item in the appropriate part 

for each day.

■ Enter the name of the store, business, or

website where the item was purchased.

Enter the name of the restaurant, vendor, or

cafeteria where you made this purchase.

■

Enter the name of the store, business, or

website where the item was purchased.

■

Enter the name of the store, business, or 

website where the item was purchased.

■
Record Your Daily Expenses Record Your Daily Expenses

The people on your list:

Record the purchases and expenses made by ALL of these people.

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

Notes Notes
Questions?

Thank you for agreeing to fill out this diary.

Here are some of the uses of the Consumer Price Index:

We understand that this task takes time; however, your information is 

very important to us and will be used for many purposes that affect all

Americans. Among the most important, it is used to help calculate the

Consumer Price Index, or CPI, which is a basic measure of the rate of

infiation.

♦

♦

♦

♦

Some Frequently Asked Questions are answered on the fiap attached to the back cover. 

If you still have questions after reviewing these, please call your field representative.

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

Thank you for agreeing to fill out this diary.

Questions?

Office Use: Place the barcode label here

1

For more information about the survey, visit: www.bls.gov/cex and www.census.gov/programs-surveys/ce.html

§)""¤

080101

Adjust Federal income-tax brackets

Determine the cost of school lunches

Adjust Social Security payments

Provide cost-of-living wage adjustments for millions of American workers
Food and Drinks for Home Consumption

bottled/

canned

Cost

without tax

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

119

120

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

§)"#¤

080102

2

What did you buy or pay for? Is this item:

fresh frozen other

121

122

123

124

125

bread

eggs 1 50

chicken wings

apples

beer

milk

orange juice

candy

vegetable oil

baby food

potato chips

1 49

6 78

2 80

4 29

2 99

3 99

2 50

2 99

4 95

2 79

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

frozen meals X 8 97

ketchup

soup

soda

pork chops

shrimp

cookies

ground beef

carbonated water

apple pie

ground coffee

bagels

wine

juice boxes

X 1 59

X 42 00

X 20 85

X 1 98

X 4 96

X 89

X 6 36

X 11 20

X 3 50

X 5 87

5 25

2 79

4 99

X

X

X

X

X

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

3 4

Mark (X) one

X

126

127

128

129

130

131

132

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

133

134

135

136

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 3 4

Use the pocket on the inside of the back 

cover to store your receipts until you’re 

ready to record your purchases.

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Examples Examples

2

1

1

2

2

Store or Website

where purchased

"

NY Bagel Bakery

Foodway Grocery Store 

Total Wine

Amazon.com

Level of detail needed

PORK – Specify the cut

and describe, such as

whole ham, bacon,

spareribs, etc.

OTHER FOOD – Give a

complete description, such 

as scalloped potatoes.

BEEF – Specify the cut

and describe, such as

round roast, ground

beef, etc.

dog food

X 21 45

Pets&More.com

Name of
Examples Examples

X

Mark (X) one that

best describes 

the type of meal

Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Away from Home breakfast lunch dinner snack/drink

Fast Food

Take-out

Delivery

Full 

Service

Places

Total Cost

with tax & tip

If alcoholic

beverages

included,

mark (X) all 

that apply

Enter the

total cost of

the alcohol

Vending

Machines

or Mobile

Vendors

Employer 

or School

Cafeteria

Mark (X) one that best describes

where you made this purchase

201

202

203

204

205

206

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

wine

beer

other

3

Restaurant or Vendor

Starbucks

X Millbrook school cafeteria

YMCA vending machine

Lupo Verde Italian restaurant

Mister Days sports bar

X

X

X

X

X

X

09

X X

X

45

62

15

50

00

23

00

2

12 00

X 15 00

X

X McDonald’s 25

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3 4

4

4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

All Other Products, Services, and Expenses

Cost

without tax

401

402

403

404

405

406

407

408

409

410

411

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

bus fare

6 95

gasoline

highway tolls

music cd

cigarettes

dry cleaning (clothes)

lottery tickets

piano lessons

electric drill

Netfiix subscription

X

12 86

2 00

10

8

99

99

15

1

1

00

50

50

150 00

65 00

9 99

1 2 3

1 2 3

§)"$¤

080103

412 veterinarian fees 85 00

X

7

Walmart

Liberty

Tri-River bridge

Amazon.com

Jim’s Mart

Green cleaners

Jim’s Mart

MetroCounty transit

Private Individual

Village Hardware

Netfiix

Bay County Vets

cold medicine 

(non-prescription)

Level of detail needed

DOCTOR BILLS – Specify

type of doctor visited, such

as an internist,

orthodontist, etc.

MEDICINE – Specify if

prescription or

non-prescription.

TOOLS – Specify if power

or hand tool.

DRY-CLEANING – Specify

whether household item

(such as drapes) or apparel.

1

X

Concession

Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories

Cost

without tax

301

302

303

304

305

306

307

308

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for? Was the item for:

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Child

Under 2

Boy

2-15

Girl

2-15

Man

16 &

over

Woman

16 &

over

Store or Website 

where purchased 

dress

shirts

running

shoes

non-prescription sunglasses

baseball

cap

bib

child’s costume (returned for refund)

wallet

necklace

Level of detail needed

SHOES – If sports shoes,

specify sport, such as football

cleats, etc.

JEWELRY – Specify type of 

jewelry, such as watches, etc.

EYEWEAR – Specify prescription

or non-prescription.

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

75 00

69 00

59 00

14 99

3 50

15 00

29 00

250 00

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Dillards.com

Target

Sweet Dreams

 boutique

Olde Towne jewelry

Walmart.com

Partysupply.com

Name of

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Name of

Name of
bottled/

canned

Cost

without tax

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

119

120

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

See pages 2-3 for examples. If you need additional space, use pages 18-23.

§)"%¤

080104

4

What did you buy or pay for?

Is this item:

fresh frozen other

121

122

123

124

125

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

Mark (X) one

126

127

128

129

130

131

132

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

133

134

135

136

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

DAY 1 DAY 1

ENTER 

DAY AND

DATE

Food and Drinks for Home Consumption

Store or Website

where purchased

Name of
Mark (X) one that

best describes 

the type of meal breakfast lunch dinner snack/drink

Fast Food

Take-out

Delivery

Full 

Service

Places

Total Cost

with tax & tip

If alcoholic

beverages

included,

mark (X) all 

that apply

Enter the

total cost of

the alcohol

Vending

Machines

or Mobile

Vendors

Employer 

or School

Cafeteria

Mark (X) one that best describes

where you made this purchase

201

202

203

204

205

206

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

wine

beer

other

5

Restaurant or Vendor

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3 4

4

4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

All Other Products, Services, and Expenses

Cost

without tax

401

402

403

404

405

406

407

408

409

410

411

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

1 2 3

1 2 3

412

§)"&¤

080105

DAY 1

FR USE:

VC

413

Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Away from Home

None

Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories

Cost

without tax

301

302

303

304

305

306

307

308

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for? Was the item for:

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Child

Under 2

Boy

2-15

Girl

2-15

Man

16 &

over

Woman

16 &

over

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Concession

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Name of

Name of

Name of
bottled/

canned

Cost

without tax

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

119

120

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

See pages 2-3 for examples. If you need additional space, use pages 18-23.

§)"’¤

080106

6

What did you buy or pay for?

Is this item:

fresh frozen other

121

122

123

124

125

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

Mark (X) one

126

127

128

129

130

131

132

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

133

134

135

136

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

DAY 2 DAY 2

ENTER 

DAY AND

DATE

Food and Drinks for Home Consumption

Store or Website

where purchased

Name of
Mark (X) one that

best describes 

the type of meal breakfast lunch dinner snack/drink

Fast Food

Take-out

Delivery

Full 

Service

Places

Total Cost

with tax & tip

If alcoholic

beverages

included,

mark (X) all 

that apply

Enter the

total cost of

the alcohol

Vending

Machines

or Mobile

Vendors

Employer 

or School

Cafeteria

Mark (X) one that best describes

where you made this purchase

201

202

203

204

205

206

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

wine

beer

other

7

Restaurant or Vendor

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3 4

4

4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

All Other Products, Services, and Expenses

Cost

without tax

401

402

403

404

405

406

407

408

409

410

411

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

1 2 3

1 2 3

412

§)"(¤

080107

DAY 2

FR USE:

VC

413

Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Away from Home

None

Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories

Cost

without tax

301

302

303

304

305

306

307

308

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for? Was the item for:

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Child

Under 2

Boy

2-15

Girl

2-15

Man

16 &

over

Woman

16 &

over

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Concession

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Name of

Name of

Name of
bottled/

canned

Cost

without tax

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

119

120

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

See pages 2-3 for examples. If you need additional space, use pages 18-23.

§)")¤

080108

8

What did you buy or pay for?

Is this item:

fresh frozen other

121

122

123

124

125

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

Mark (X) one

126

127

128

129

130

131

132

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

133

134

135

136

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

DAY 3 DAY 3

ENTER 

DAY AND

DATE

Food and Drinks for Home Consumption

Store or Website

where purchased

Name of
Mark (X) one that

best describes 

the type of meal breakfast lunch dinner snack/drink

Fast Food

Take-out

Delivery

Full 

Service

Places

Total Cost

with tax & tip

If alcoholic

beverages

included,

mark (X) all 

that apply

Enter the

total cost of

the alcohol

Vending

Machines

or Mobile

Vendors

Employer 

or School

Cafeteria

Mark (X) one that best describes

where you made this purchase

201

202

203

204

205

206

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

wine

beer

other

9

Restaurant or Vendor

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3 4

4

4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

All Other Products, Services, and Expenses

Cost

without tax

401

402

403

404

405

406

407

408

409

410

411

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

1 2 3

1 2 3

412

§)"*¤

080109

DAY 3

FR USE:

VC

413

Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Away from Home

None

Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories

Cost

without tax

301

302

303

304

305

306

307

308

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for? Was the item for:

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Child

Under 2

Boy

2-15

Girl

2-15

Man

16 &

over

Woman

16 &

over

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Concession

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Name of

Name of

Name of
bottled/

canned

Cost

without tax

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

119

120

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

See pages 2-3 for examples. If you need additional space, use pages 18-23.

§)"+¤

080110

10

What did you buy or pay for?

Is this item:

fresh frozen other

121

122

123

124

125

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

Mark (X) one

126

127

128

129

130

131

132

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

133

134

135

136

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

DAY 4 DAY 4

ENTER 

DAY AND

DATE

Food and Drinks for Home Consumption

Store or Website

where purchased

Name of
Mark (X) one that

best describes 

the type of meal breakfast lunch dinner snack/drink

Fast Food

Take-out

Delivery

Full 

Service

Places

Total Cost

with tax & tip

If alcoholic

beverages

included,

mark (X) all 

that apply

Enter the

total cost of

the alcohol

Vending

Machines

or Mobile

Vendors

Employer 

or School

Cafeteria

Mark (X) one that best describes

where you made this purchase

201

202

203

204

205

206

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

wine

beer

other

11

Restaurant or Vendor

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3 4

4

4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

All Other Products, Services, and Expenses

Cost

without tax

401

402

403

404

405

406

407

408

409

410

411

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

1 2 3

1 2 3

412

§)",¤

080111

DAY 4

FR USE:

VC

413

Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Away from Home

None

Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories

Cost

without tax

301

302

303

304

305

306

307

308

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for? Was the item for:

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Child

Under 2

Boy

2-15

Girl

2-15

Man

16 &

over

Woman

16 &

over

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Concession

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Name of

Name of

Name of
bottled/

canned

Cost

without tax

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

119

120

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

See pages 2-3 for examples. If you need additional space, use pages 18-23.

§)"-¤

080112

12

What did you buy or pay for?

Is this item:

fresh frozen other

121

122

123

124

125

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

Mark (X) one

126

127

128

129

130

131

132

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

133

134

135

136

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

DAY 5 DAY 5

ENTER 

DAY AND

DATE

Food and Drinks for Home Consumption

Store or Website

where purchased

Name of
Mark (X) one that

best describes 

the type of meal breakfast lunch dinner snack/drink

Fast Food

Take-out

Delivery

Full 

Service

Places

Total Cost

with tax & tip

If alcoholic

beverages

included,

mark (X) all 

that apply

Enter the

total cost of

the alcohol

Vending

Machines

or Mobile

Vendors

Employer 

or School

Cafeteria

Mark (X) one that best describes

where you made this purchase

201

202

203

204

205

206

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

wine

beer

other

13

Restaurant or Vendor

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3 4

4

4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

All Other Products, Services, and Expenses

Cost

without tax

401

402

403

404

405

406

407

408

409

410

411

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

1 2 3

1 2 3

412

§)".¤

080113

DAY 5

FR USE:

VC

413

Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Away from Home

None

Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories

Cost

without tax

301

302

303

304

305

306

307

308

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for? Was the item for:

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Child

Under 2

Boy

2-15

Girl

2-15

Man

16 &

over

Woman

16 &

over

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Concession

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Name of

Name of

Name of
bottled/

canned

Cost

without tax

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

119

120

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

See pages 2-3 for examples. If you need additional space, use pages 18-23.

§)"/¤

080114

14

What did you buy or pay for?

Is this item:

fresh frozen other

121

122

123

124

125

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

Mark (X) one

126

127

128

129

130

131

132

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

133

134

135

136

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

DAY 6 DAY 6

ENTER 

DAY AND

DATE

Food and Drinks for Home Consumption

Store or Website

where purchased

Name of
Mark (X) one that

best describes 

the type of meal breakfast lunch dinner snack/drink

Fast Food

Take-out

Delivery

Full 

Service

Places

Total Cost

with tax & tip

If alcoholic

beverages

included,

mark (X) all 

that apply

Enter the

total cost of

the alcohol

Vending

Machines

or Mobile

Vendors

Employer 

or School

Cafeteria

Mark (X) one that best describes

where you made this purchase

201

202

203

204

205

206

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

wine

beer

other

15

Restaurant or Vendor

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3 4

4

4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

All Other Products, Services, and Expenses

Cost

without tax

401

402

403

404

405

406

407

408

409

410

411

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

1 2 3

1 2 3

412

§)"0¤

080115

DAY 6

FR USE:

VC

413

Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Away from Home

None

Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories

Cost

without tax

301

302

303

304

305

306

307

308

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for? Was the item for:

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Child

Under 2

Boy

2-15

Girl

2-15

Man

16 &

over

Woman

16 &

over

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Concession

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Name of

Name of

Name of
bottled/

canned

Cost

without tax

101

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

119

120

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

See pages 2-3 for examples. If you need additional space, use pages 18-23.

§)"1¤

080116

16

What did you buy or pay for?

Is this item:

fresh frozen other

121

122

123

124

125

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

Mark (X) one

126

127

128

129

130

131

132

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

133

134

135

136

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

DAY 7 DAY 7

ENTER 

DAY AND

DATE

Food and Drinks for Home Consumption

Store or Website

where purchased

Name of
Mark (X) one that

best describes 

the type of meal breakfast lunch dinner snack/drink

Fast Food

Take-out

Delivery

Full 

Service

Places

Total Cost

with tax & tip

If alcoholic

beverages

included,

mark (X) all 

that apply

Enter the

total cost of

the alcohol

Vending

Machines

or Mobile

Vendors

Employer 

or School

Cafeteria

Mark (X) one that best describes

where you made this purchase

201

202

203

204

205

206

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

wine

beer

other

17

Restaurant or Vendor

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3 4

4

4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

All Other Products, Services, and Expenses

Cost

without tax

401

402

403

404

405

406

407

408

409

410

411

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

1 2 3

1 2 3

412

§)"2¤

080117

DAY 7

FR USE:

VC

413

Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Away from Home

None

Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories

Cost

without tax

301

302

303

304

305

306

307

308

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for? Was the item for:

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Child

Under 2

Boy

2-15

Girl

2-15

Man

16 &

over

Woman

16 &

over

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Concession

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Name of

Name of

Name of
FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

§)"3¤

080118

18

127

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

124

125

126

Additional Pages

101

128

129

130

131

132

133

134

135

136

137

bottled/

canned

Cost

without tax

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

Is this item:

fresh frozen other

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

Mark (X) one

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Food and Drinks for Home Consumption

Store or Website

where purchased

1 2 3 4

Name of
FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

§)"4¤

080119

19

Additional Pages

Mark (X) one that

best describes 

the type of meal breakfast lunch dinner snack/drink

Fast Food

Take-out

Delivery

Full 

Service

Places

Total Cost

with tax & tip

If alcoholic

beverages

included,

mark (X) all 

that apply

Enter the

total cost of

the alcohol

Vending

Machines

or Mobile

Vendors

Employer 

or School

Cafeteria

Mark (X) one that best describes

where you made this purchase

201

202

203

204

205

206

wine

beer

other

Restaurant or Vendor

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3 4

4

4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

All Other Products, Services, and Expenses

Cost

without tax

401

402

403

404

405

406

407

408

409

410

411

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

1 2 3

1 2 3

412

413

Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Away from Home

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Concession

Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories

Cost

without tax

301

302

303

304

305

306

307

308

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for? Was the item for:

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Child

Under 2

Boy

2-15

Girl

2-15

Man

16 &

over

Woman

16 &

over

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Name of

Name of 

Name of
FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

§)"5¤

080120

20

127

102

103

104

105

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

114

115

116

117

118

119

120

121

122

123

124

125

126

Additional Pages

101

128

129

130

131

132

133

134

135

136

137

bottled/

canned

Cost

without tax

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

Is this item:

fresh frozen other

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

Mark (X) one

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Food and Drinks for Home Consumption

Store or Website

where purchased

1 2 3 4

Name of
FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

§)"6¤

080121

21

Additional Pages

Mark (X) one that

best describes 

the type of meal breakfast lunch dinner snack/drink

Fast Food

Take-out

Delivery

Full 

Service

Places

Total Cost

with tax & tip

If alcoholic

beverages

included,

mark (X) all 

that apply

Enter the

total cost of

the alcohol

Vending

Machines

or Mobile

Vendors

Employer 

or School

Cafeteria

Mark (X) one that best describes

where you made this purchase

201

202

203

204

205

206

wine

beer

other

Restaurant or Vendor

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3 4

4

4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

All Other Products, Services, and Expenses

Cost

without tax

401

402

403

404

405

406

407

408

409

410

411

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

1 2 3

1 2 3

412

413

Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Away from Home

Concession

Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories

Cost

without tax

301

302

303

304

305

306

307

308

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for? Was the item for:

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Child

Under 2

Boy

2-15

Girl

2-15

Man

16 &

over

Woman

16 &

over

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Name of

Name of 

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Name of 
FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

§)"7¤

080122

22

176

177

178

179

180

181

182

183

184

185

186

187

188

189

190

191

192

193

194

195

196

197

198

199

Additional Pages

175

bottled/

canned

Cost

without tax

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

Is this item:

fresh frozen other

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

Mark (X) one

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Food and Drinks for Home Consumption

Store or Website

where purchased

Name of
FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

§)"8¤

080123

23

Additional Pages

Mark (X) one that

best describes 

the type of meal breakfast lunch dinner snack/drink

Fast Food

Take-out

Delivery

Full 

Service

Places

Total Cost

with tax & tip

If alcoholic

beverages

included,

mark (X) all 

that apply

Enter the

total cost of

the alcohol

Vending

Machines

or Mobile

Vendors

Employer 

or School

Cafeteria

Mark (X) one that best describes

where you made this purchase

201

202

203

204

205

206

wine

beer

other

Restaurant or Vendor

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3 4

4

4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

All Other Products, Services, and Expenses

Cost

without tax

401

402

403

404

405

406

407

408

409

410

411

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for?

1 2 3

1 2 3

412

413

Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Away from Home

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Concession

Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories

Cost

without tax

301

302

303

304

305

306

307

308

Mark (X) If 

purchased for

someone not

on your list

What did you buy or pay for? Was the item for:

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Child

Under 2

Boy

2-15

Girl

2-15

Man

16 &

over

Woman

16 &

over

Store or Website 

where purchased 

Name of

Name of 

Name of

Keep your records in this pocket.

(These records are only for your reference; we will not keep them.)

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

Receipts

Bills

Pay Stubs

Bank Statements

Catalog/Internet Purchases

Credit Card Statements

■

■

■

■

■

■
FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

FFrequently requently AAsked sked QQuestions uestions

What about gift certificates or gift

cards?

If you buy a gift certificate to give to someone,

write down the cost of it under the appropriate

section (e.g., a certificate to a clothing store

would go under Clothing, Shoes, Jewelry, and

Accessories and a certificate to a department

store would go under All Other Products,

Services, and Expenses. If you use a gift card,

write down the full amount for your purchase as

if paid with cash.

If an item is bought and returned during the

diary week, it can be erased or crossed out. If 

it was bought outside the week and returned

during the week, do not make an entry. If an

item is exchanged during the week, erase or

cross out the item that was returned and enter

the new item and its cost on the day the

exchange was made.

12. What do I do about returns & exchanges?

Yes, but only record the portion that you or 

someone on your list has to pay.

13. Should I record subsidized/reimbursed

expenses?

Include the shipping & handling cost in the total

price of the item. If the shipping & handling

covered multiple items, include the shipping &

handling in the total price of one item from the

order.

14. What should I do about shipping &

handling costs?

A concession stand has to stay in a permanent

location and a mobile vendor does not. Some

mobile vendors may seem permanent because

they are usually in the same location, but they

are still considered mobile vendors because

they have the option to change locations.

15. What’s the difference between a

concession stand and a mobile vendor?

(continued on other side)

11.

Fast food, Take-out, Delivery, Concession 

You pay BEFORE you eat/drink

16. How do I categorize the establishment 

for Meals, Snacks, and Drinks Away from 

Home?

■

■

■ Full Services Places

You pay after you eat/drink

Employer and School Cafeterias

Includes school meal pre-payments

Vending Machines or Mobile Vendors 

Include vending machines, carts, and 

trucks that move from place to place

■
FFrequently requently AAsked sked QQuestions uestions

1. How detailed should my descriptions be?

Refer to pages 2–3 for examples of the level of

detail needed in each part. Do not rely solely 

on brand names.

(continued on other side)

2. How should I record multiple quantities?

You may group identical items on the same line

and enter a total cost of all the items, or you 

may write each item on a separate line with the

individual cost.

3.

Record the expense when you pay for it, not

when you use it.

How should I record pre-payments such

as a subway fare card?

Record the purchase on the day that you use

your credit card to pay for it, not on the day you

receive or pay your credit card bill.

4. How should I record credit card

purchases?

5.

Yes, record automatic deductions (such as

health insurance premiums taken out of your

account or paycheck) only if they are deducted

that week. Write them in the section called All

Other Products, Services, and Expenses.

Should I record automatic deductions

taken from my paycheck or bank

account?

6. Should I record typical monthly bills?

Yes, record typical monthly bills only if you pay

them during the week that you have the diary.

Write them in the section called All Other

Products, Services, and Expenses.

7.

Subtract the discount from the original price 

and write the amount that you paid.

What should I do when I use coupons,

discount cards, or loyalty cards?

8.

No, we need you to write the information in the

diary. We encourage you to save your receipts

to review them with your field representative 

at the end of the week. You can use the pocket

on the inside of the back cover to store your

receipts until you’re ready to record your

purchases.

Can I just give you receipts instead of

writing the information down?

9.

Write down the amount paid.

How should I record items if I don’t 

know whether it includes tax?

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

(continued on other side)

Record money contributions or donations in 

the section called All Other Products, Services, 

and Expenses.

10. What if I make a contribution or

charitable donation?
Example

Daily Reminder List

Did you or anyone on your list pay for . . .

Please review the list of expenses below with the people on your list at the end of each day.

If you have forgotten to record any expense, please do so on the appropriate page.

■

catered events or meal plans?

food & drinks from a grocery store or other 

speciality food store such as a bakery, candy shop, 

or liquor store?

FORM CE-801 (1-2021)

clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories or clothing 

services such as dry cleaning?

personal care items or services such as cosmetics, 

soaps, haircuts, etc.?

housekeeping supplies or services for home 

decoration/maintenance?

toys, books, electronics, hobby supplies, etc.?

cigarettes, tobacco, or other smoking supplies?

commuting costs such as public transportation, 

parking fees, gasoline, or tolls?

meals, drinks, or snacks from restaurants, fast 

food, cafeterias, vending machines, concession 

stands, etc.?

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

couple

shopping.jpg

mug_credit card

phone.jpg

family_

groceries.jpg phone_Ipad.jpg

currency 2_

curled $.jpg dinner party.jpg

daughter_dad_

pet shop.jpg

internet shopping

man.jpg

receipts.jpg lady holding

credit card.jpg

currency 1.jpg couple_gift.jpg

bank/ATM service fees?

credit card interest or finance charges?

internet or catalog orders?

fees for lessons or instructions?

gifts, contributions, donations?

■

■

■

■

■

RO 

code Spinoff 

Indicator

Control Number Week

Survey

code

PSU

state

Frame Sequence

#1

HH

No.

CU 

No. 1 2

PSU

county

Sample

Designation

Sequence

#2

(1-2) (3-4) (5-7) (8) (9-11) (12-15) (16-17) (18) (19-20) (21-22)

21 04 26 999 U D15 0001 01 1 01 00

FR USE: Use the example below to transcribe the Control Number:

■ medicine or medical/dental services?

entertainment or recreational activities?

typical bills such as utility bills, cable bills, 

telephone bills, etc.?

automatic deductions from a paycheck 

such as insurance premiums?

■

■

■

RO 

code Spinoff 

Indicator

Control Number Week

Survey

code

PSU

state

Frame Sequence

#1

HH

No.

CU 

No. 1 2

PSU

county

Sample

Designation

Sequence

#2

(1-2) (3-4) (5-7) (8) (9-11) (12-15) (16-17) (18) (19-20) (21-22)