When students examine the figures, they often realize that they must find more realistic housing prices and transportation or better job opportunities. They must see both sides - the income levels and expense incurred in living. Budgets and grocery lists are formed weekly. Grocery and retail ads are used to locate prices or coupons of supplies on the list. A list is provided with room for most common products.
Students often call stores to check prices of other things needed.
This project can and should take at least one nine-week period. Students often have no concept of all things involved in living independently. Students search ads in newspaper for movies and other things they desire to do. One thing students do not always take into consideration, insurance for cars, housing, etc. All bills are figured into this formula.