ECONOMICS (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Discretionary income is the money you have left over after paying taxes and necessary cost-of-living expenses-like your rent or mortgage, utilities and groceries. It’s called “discretionary income” because it can be used for discretionary expenses-nice-to-haves but not necessities.

Detailed explanation-2: -Pertaining to the Income-Contingent Repayment Plan, discretionary income is the difference between your annual income and 100 percent of the poverty guideline for your family size and state of residence. The poverty guidelines are maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Detailed explanation-3: -For instance, your disposable income is the amount of money you have left over after you’ve paid all of your federal, state and local taxes. On the other hand, your discretionary income is the money you have left over after you’ve paid your taxes plus all of your necessary living expenses.

Detailed explanation-4: -Some expenses, such as vacation costs and luxury items, are not necessary to maintain a household and, thus, are classified as discretionary expenses. In other words, the income-earner can pay for these goods or services at their own discretion.

Detailed explanation-5: -Discretionary income is the amount of an individual’s income that is left for spending, investing, or saving after paying taxes and paying for personal necessities, such as food, shelter, and clothing. Discretionary income includes money spent on luxury items, vacations, and nonessential goods and services.