Mamamia’s Money Diaries asks Australians to record a week in their financial lives. Kind of like a sex diary but with money. So not like a sex diary at all. We still find out the best kept secrets though. We discover what women are really spending their hard-earned cash on. Nothing is too outrageous or too sacred. This week a 28-year-old office worker tells all.
Industry: Human Resources
Age: 28
Salary: $60,000
Housing: Renting with my husband
Regular expenses: Monthly (my share)
- Rent : $1000
- Car Repayment: $350
- Car Insurance: $90
- Gym: $220 (F45)
- Health Insurance: $105
- Charity: $50
- Wifi: $55
- Entertainment (Foxtel, Stan, Netflix, Apple music): $120
- Mobile Phone: $110
- Opal Card: $150
Savings: A novel thought.
Debt: HECS debt approx. $10,000.
Assets: None, just savings.
Are millennials really spending all their money on smashed avo toast instead of saving to buy a home? And do they even want a mortgage? Listen.
Monday: Day One
5:00am – Wake up and go to the Gym (F45) which sets me back $55 a week. It initially seemed expensive until I became one of those people I use to hate, the ones that start their sentences with, I just LOVE working out. F45 got me hooked and therefore it seems more cost effective to spend more on a gym membership I will actually use, rather than paying for a gym I will never set foot in.
8:30am – My husband did the grocery shopping on Sunday (hooray!) so this morning I am eating two boiled eggs and avocado on toast. Technically this didn’t cost me anything because I didn’t *pay* for the groceries, even though we share money (we still have separate accounts).
12pm – For lunch I eat a salad I prepared last night – Turkey, Chickpeas, Avocado, etc.
12:20pm – I realise I am still starving so I go downstairs and spend $5.50 on a Vietnamese chicken roll. Aware this defeats the purpose of bringing my lunch, but at least I am too full for afternoon tea.
1pm – Life admin – Was holding out for payday to order baby shower invitations for my sister, thank you cards for my wedding and a first birthday present for a party this Sunday. Decide to buy my unborn nephew some cute beanies and puffer vests (they’re on sale!), and throw in two pairs of gym tights. Total cost: $180
7pm – It’s at least 38 degrees and it seems inhumane for either one of us to cook, so I decide to give ourselves a night off – despite the fact we have a fridge full of food that will most likely go to waste. Splash out and spent $60 on sushi delivery. Because #treatyoselfgirl
10pm – Read Big Little Lies in one sitting last week so decide I MUST read Liane Moriarty’s entire collection. Start with The Hypnotist’s Love Story, $9.99 on Kindle.
Daily Spend: $255.49
Tuesday – Day Two
I skip the gym this morning as I need to take a family member to the hospital. We decide to head to a cafe while we wait. I order protein pancakes and a cappuccino. Delicious. Worth the $20 it is going to cost me. Except, no split bills and I have no cash. Despite offers from my (80 year old) Nana and (pregnant) younger sister, I decide they deserve a meal on me. Total Cost : $62.
