It's the new year and we've decided that we need to get our finances in order. Whenever I tell people how much it costs us to live as a family of 4 (two young kids nearly 2 & 4) eveyone is stunned. Including all of our bills, loan repayments and saving plan (christmas club $100/month) it is between $5,600 - $7,000. Am I completely off the mark or does this seem reasonable. What is your monthly cost of living if you don't mind sharing something personal.

Our monthly bills are: Mortgage (plus extra payments), car loan, food, petrol, child care, phone, internet, mobile, work insurance, health insurance, our allowance ($200/month).

Other bills are: gas, electricity, water, car insurance/reg x2, rates, building & contents insurance, motorbike rego & insurance, dog groomer, ambulance, work registration, life insurance, car services, easter, christmas, mothers/fathers day & family birthdays.

The kids do swimming lessons.

So am I on the right track or way off in the field somewhere, LOL!! I am in process of trying to become a cash family. We've been so lucky and I've never had to budget before so I am a bit confused on how to do it.

Thanks everyone,
Dan.