Reference no: EM133263541

Description:

Using the Nutritious Food Basket Scenarios from Public Health Sudbury & Districts prepare a reasonable budget for a family of four using scenario 2 the minimum wage earner. You will need to make some arguments for your financial decisions as you will not be able to afford everything that is needed and/ or wanted by your family. 

Family Situation:

You are a family of four. A husband and wife and a female child, 11 years and male child, 10 years old. It is October and your children are both in school and your 11-year-old daughter is struggling with math and your son is in need of braces that are only partially covered. Your son wants to play competitive volleyball with a league and your daughter wants to take dance. The mother is working a minimum wage job, 40 hours a week but is upgrading her skills taking night classes at the local university. The dad is not working and in need of medication to treat lyme disease which is not covered through Ontario benefits. The mother works five kilometres from home and takes the bus as the family does not have a vehicle. 

Total Monthly Income Available:

$3287.00

Item Monthly Costs:

Monthly rent: $1,111.00	Heat per month: $250.00	Family YMCA fitness membership: $125.00
Dance Lessons (daughter): $90.00	Volleyball league (son): $150.00	Medication for Lyme Disease (dad): $120.00
Bus Pass (mom): $90.00	School supplies just in October (children): $40.00	Naturopath to help with Lyme disease (not covered): $110.00
Telephone (landline): $60.00	Cell phone (Mom): $55.00	Household miscellaneous items (toilet paper, cleaning supplies, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.) $45.00
Clothing (children) $60.00	Clothing (mom) $60.00	Clothing (dad) $40.00
Cat food: $30.00	Food (basic): $884.00	Math help (daughter): $80.00
Night classes (mom): $325.00	Internet: $45.00	Vitamin supplements for family: $60.00
Cable television: $45.00	Dental Braces: $120.00	Speciality food (spices, condiments, baking ingredients, etc.): $40.00
Cell phone (dad): $55.00	Piano lessons (son): $80.00	Running shoes - just in October (children) $60.00
Life insurance: $90.00	Birthday gift (mom): $90.00	Additional school fees (field trips, etc.): $45.00

1. What items would you suggest are essential for the family of four? What is the financial total of the items selected. Give a rationale for your argument.
2. What items did you leave out? Why?
3. What are the impacts on each family member after the October budget is made?