With the election in November, people are watching the Jobs number and economy closely.

So, how do Americans spend their money today?

Here is a chart that breaks down the percentage going to various categories of household spending.

Also, here is a chart showing how spending has changed since 2000.

Interesting.

After two years of falling incomes and penny-pinching, Americans opened their wallets in 2011, ramping up spending on everything from restaurants and clothing to health care.

The average level of spending in 2011—$49,705—was the highest since 2008.