This table shows Lucas's budget from last month. He also included his actual expenses after the month ended.

\begin{tabular}{|l|l|l|}
\hline
& Budgeted & Actual \\
\hline
Net income & \[tex]$400.00 & \$[/tex]375.00 \\
\hline
Total income & \[tex]$400.00 & \$[/tex]375.00 \\
\hline
Rent & -\[tex]$200.00 & -\$[/tex]200.00 \\
\hline
Bus pass & -\[tex]$20.00 & -\$[/tex]20.00 \\
\hline
Total fixed & -\[tex]$220.00 & -\$[/tex]220.00 \\
\hline
Food & -\[tex]$75.00 & -\$[/tex]125.00 \\
\hline
Discretionary & -\[tex]$30.00 & -\$[/tex]50.00 \\
\hline
Total variable & -\[tex]$105.00 & -\$[/tex]175.00 \\
\hline
Savings & \[tex]$75.00 & -\$[/tex]20.00 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

Which of these changes should Lucas consider making to his budget for next month? Check all that apply.

- Less for income
- Less for food
- More for discretionary spending
- More for food
- Less for discretionary spending



Answer :

Let's analyze Lucas's budgeted and actual amounts to determine the necessary changes he should consider making to his budget for next month.

1. Net/Total Income:
- Budgeted: \[tex]$400.00 - Actual: \$[/tex]375.00
- Change: \[tex]$375.00 - \$[/tex]400.00 = -\[tex]$25.00 Since Lucas's actual income is \$[/tex]25.00 less than his budgeted income, he should consider less for income.

2. Food Expenses:
- Budgeted: \[tex]$75.00 - Actual: \$[/tex]125.00
- Change: \[tex]$125.00 - \$[/tex]75.00 = \[tex]$50.00 Lucas spent \$[/tex]50.00 more on food than he had budgeted. Therefore, he should consider more for food.

3. Discretionary Spending:
- Budgeted: \[tex]$30.00 - Actual: \$[/tex]50.00
- Change: \[tex]$50.00 - \$[/tex]30.00 = \[tex]$20.00 Lucas's actual discretionary spending was \$[/tex]20.00 more than what he budgeted. Therefore, he should consider more for discretionary spending.

Based on the analysis of changes:
- Lucas's income decreased by \[tex]$25.00. - His food expenses increased by \$[/tex]50.00.
- His discretionary spending increased by \$20.00.

Hence, Lucas should consider the following changes to his budget for next month:
- less for income
- more for food
- more for discretionary spending

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