Past Commitments: what you spend, on a monthly basis, to cover regularly occurring expenses like rent or mortgage payments, utilities, gym membership fees, and other commitments such as credit card debt and car payments.

Present Choices: what you typically spend, on weekly basis, to cover your unique set of lifestyle expenses such as gas, groceries, eating out, entertainment, and recreation.

Future Needs and Wants: what you save, on a regular basis, to protect yourself from the unexpected, fund special purchases and events, and achieve your short, intermediate, and long-term financial and life goals.