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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Ruidoso, New Mexico

Brent and Shawna Wheat

The lack of health insurance makes for an uncomfortable variable in the Wheats' monthly expenses. The percentage is based on a $4,000 in healthcare expenses from last year.

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