As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a public servant living in a small town explains her approach to spending and saving.
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Gender: Female.
Age: 46.
Ethnicity: European.
Role: Public servant.
Salary/income/assets: $140,000.
My living location is: Suburban.
Rent/mortgage per week: $350/week mortgage.
Student loan or other debt payments per week: 0.
Typical weekly food costs
Groceries: $200 – me and teen son.
Eating out: $40/week roughly – usually shouting uni son a cheap eat.
Takeaways: Seldom – maybe once a month.
Workday lunches: Maybe $15/week.
Cafe coffees/snacks: Two to three coffees/week ($12-18).
Other food costs: Vege garden supplies $20/month + dog food.
Savings: Pay 8% into KiwiSaver which is approx $10k saving/year. Otherwise not great at savings as spare money goes to home improvements, necessary maintenance (repairs to old house), travel to see family.
I worry about money: Always.
Three words to describe my financial situation: Secure but spontaneous (frivolous with the small stuff, stingy and considered with anything that has 00 or more on the end.)
My biggest edible indulgence would be: Coffee.
In a typical week my alcohol expenditure would be: $0-$20
In a typical week my transport expenditure would be: $100 ($60 train, $40 car).
I estimate in the past year the ballpark amount I spent on my personal clothing (including sleepwear and underwear) was: $800.
My most expensive clothing in the past year was: Approx $250 for Kowtow dress and jersey in a 60% off sale.
My last pair of shoes cost: $100 for Doc Martens high sole shoes (on sale down from $350 – always looking for sales).
My grooming/beauty expenditure in a year is about: $500 – haircuts and Antipodes skincare.
My exercise expenditure in a year is about: $2,000 yoga classes, spa/sauna/pool, running shoes, entry fees for trail running events and hut fees for hikes.
My last Friday night cost: $7 – taking two zero alcohol beers and a bag of chips to Friday drinks at friend’s house.
Most regrettable purchase in the last 12 months was: The Kowtow jersey – the impulse for a bargain topped the proper consideration of if the style and colour would suit me.
Most indulgent purchase (that I don’t regret) in the last 12 months was: Artwork purchased at free Palestine fundraiser.
One area where I’m a bit of a tightwad is: Anything that costs more that $200.
Five words to describe my financial personality would be: Spontaneous magpie, somewhat-savvy systems thinker.
I grew up in a house where money was: Tight but with occasional splurge – grew up on farm eating off land and envious of city kids eating the instant packet food dinners. #didntknowmyluck
The last time my Eftpos card was declined was: Today! Often happens as only have a small $ in the account linked to Eftpos.
In five years, in financial terms, I see myself: Hopefully getting close to mortgage free and able to make difference life choices re my employment and how I spend my time.
Describe your financial low: As first-time home owner, we had $8 left over a fortnight after paying for essentials.
I would love to have more money for: Enabling a brave leap into mahi and activities that supports social and environmental justice.
I give money away to: Free Palestine.
