Living on $46k - where the money goes

The median income for an American household is $46,242, according to the Census Bureau. Here's how five couples from different walks of life are managing now.

By Chris Zappone, CNNMoney.com staff writer

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Boone, North Carolina

Susan Slingland

Housing is by far Susan Slingland's greatest expense at $675 a month, although her other costs are relatively contained.

Healthcare, which Susan gets through the state, costs only about $50 a month. [Correction: An earlier version of the pie chart, at right, showed Slingland's spending on housing at 47% of total spending.]

The Ogles The Ogles' spending The Thibaults The Thibaults' spending Andrew and Ozgul Leone The Leones' spending The Wheats The Wheat's spending Slingland Slingland's spending