I'm trying to figure out my jars for the first time and from watching your show, I notice that the # of jars varies. I know my variable expenses should include food and transportation, but can't really see the others as being applicable. Also where do the after school sitter expenses go? I think fixed but it does vary week to week? TTFN

The number of jars are usually fixed at 5 (yes, sometimes they vary, when I’m trying to make a point) and include: Food, Transportation, Entertainment (you have fun, right?), clothing & gifts (if you have kids, you need this jar) and other, which includes everything from medical to pets to bank charges… all the things that are not in the first four jars.

As for your after-school childcare costs, those are fixed expenses and go under childcare. If they vary, then take the most you pay and use that as your budget amount so you don’t go over-budget.