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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Salem, Oregon

Matt and Ginger Ogle

Planners Matt and Ginger Ogle are smart about housing. Still, there is little they can do about sudden jumps in energy prices. One area of contained cost and stability: their healthcare. Matt, as a public employee, pays $122 a month for coverage.

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