Welcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash.
Today, a secretary who makes $50,000 a year in Lake Norman, North Carolina, lets us into her week’s expenses.
Occupation: Secretary
Age: 28
Location: Lake Norman, North Carolina, U.S.
Salary: $50,000 (approx. $1,800 per pay period)
Day One
This week, my boss is out of town, so half of his workload falls on me. As if I didn’t already have enough stress, I have to take his calls and meetings in addition to mine. In addition to that, I have to call Labor Panes for exterior cleaning near Lake Norman because I’m having some friends come over next weekend and I need my house to look perfect for it. They said they would come by the house in the evening today, so I’m ready to clock out and head home early. They said it wouldn’t take too long, so I will continue working afterward. They cleaned my windows, pressure-washed my driveway and exterior walls, and took care of my gutters. They just finished and left my home sparkly clean. I’m definitely going to hire them again in the future.
Total: $375.21
Day Two
Today, I’m in charge of looking for custom printed pocket folders for the office because we want to increase our brand awareness. We think we’re going to go with two-pocket, printed folders from Mines Press. We love the quality of their folders, which are perfect for bulk printing for all of our employees and all of our clients. Their premium semi-gloss prints are durable and ideal for everyday use in the professional environment as well as the casual scene. I just put in a bulk order for printed folders that will last us a couple of months.
Total: $105.89
Day Three
My day today begins with cold weather, so I’m putting on my favorite scarf and heading out the door. I’m finally in the comfort of my desk, the heater is on, and I’m eating my breakfast, which I bought on the way to work. It’s hard to determine if today is going to be an easy day at work, but I already know that I have four meetings today and none of them are as amusing as I would like them to be.
Total: $12.54
Day Four
I just finished my shift for today and I’m on my way to the grocery store to buy a couple of fruits to make some smoothies at home. Not sure why, because the weather is not for smoothies, but I’ve been craving them the whole week. So I’m just going to make that happen. I just picked up my fruits and am headed home.
Total: $21.44
Day Five
It’s Friday, and I’m out of work now, heading home. I just got dressed to go to the movie theater with my friend, C. We’re watching a chick flick because she just got dumped by her toxic boyfriend. The movie just ended and it was pretty cool, but I’m super tired, so I’m heading home to rest.
Total: $22.76
Day Six
It’s Saturday and I’m going to the Concord Mills mall to buy myself a coat because the cold is getting worse. I just found a perfect match, and I can wear it to work as well as to go out. I’m headed straight home to clean up my place and relax for a bit.
Total: $76.98
Day Seven
It’s Sunday and it’s not as cold outside, so I’m headed to the botanical gardens with my best friend, W., and her boyfriend. They opened a new section in the garden, so I am super excited to visit and enjoy the beautiful greenery.
Total: $43.54
Total for the week: $658.36
