As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a receptionist reveals where they spend and how they save.
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Gender: Female
Age: 27
Ethnicity: Pākehā
Role: Receptionist
Salary/income/assets: $56,000 per year ($29.00 per hour, 37.5 hours work per week). So $750.00 weekly as take-home pay after tax and student loan deductions.
My living location is: Urban
Rent/mortgage per week: $265.00 per week living with my boyfriend and two other flatmates. Water is thankfully free as it is an apartment. I park my car in the apartment’s garage so weekly fee for that is included in my rent.
Student loan or other debt payments per week: Student loan that will be fully paid off by April 2027 (I studied 2019 – 2021).
Typical weekly food costs
Groceries: Average $160 per week for two people.
Eating out: On average $50 per fortnight.
Takeaways: Don’t do takeaways really.
Workday lunches: I am a proud “Pie day Friday” person! So $7.50 for a vege green curry pie most weeks to cap off the work week.
Cafe coffees/snacks: I don’t drink coffee but love other drinks so $10.
Savings: I try to save $300 per fortnight but always need to dig into that fund when my living costs exceed my budget! I have $6000 in my savings and the goal I am working towards is $10,000.
I worry about money: Sometimes.
Three words to describe my financial situation: Fledgling, unrealistic, splurge, dreamer.
My biggest edible indulgence would be: Love me a good Raglan coco yog.
In a typical week my alcohol expenditure would be: $0
In a typical week my transport expenditure would be: I drive to work (50 mins return trip daily) so around $60 for fuel.
I estimate in the past year the ballpark amount I spent on my personal clothing (including sleepwear and underwear) was: $500 – I wanted to be prepared for winter this year so bought a vintage coat and a couple of warm vests which would have been $300+.
My most expensive clothing in the past year was: $130 for a vest that was on sale but I’m annoyed now because it’s so pilled! I’m warm but look like a sheep!
My last pair of shoes cost: Merrels for $70.
My grooming/beauty expenditure in a year is about: I have sensitive skin so only use a brand called Yours only which is fragrance free. The 1L of moisturiser is $90, and similar price for the soap product, so definitely not cheap but I need it and use daily.
My exercise expenditure in a year is about: I’m starting tap dancing classes soon which will cost $180 for a term.
My last Friday night cost: $27 for a NZIFF film (Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant).
Most regrettable purchase in the last 12 months was: The vest that pilled.
Most indulgent purchase (that I don’t regret) in the last 12 months was: I paid $200 for a hair treatment in Newmarket Mall that focused on scalp health!
One area where I’m a bit of a tightwad is: I am abundantly-minded but not abundantly pocketed so unfortunately no trace of tightwad with me.
Five words to describe my financial personality would be… Rash, hopeful, regretful, lavish, hustle.
I grew up in a house where money was: I was lucky in my childhood as my parents would take my sister and I on trips overseas to see the world and gave us lots of great experiences. We owned a home and it was lucky. My dad is very frugal and my mum is more free with her money, so I was raised with polar opposite money archetypes.
The last time my Eftpos card was declined was: This happens very often. Last week, probably.
In five years, in financial terms, I see myself: More secure, I hope. Earning significantly more would help. I’d like to not need to dip into savings just to make it through a week of my life.
I would love to have more money for: Travel.
Describe your financial low: It’s not a low but more of a reality check that I can’t go to my naturopath or book other specialist appointments for my health as I just can’t afford it right now, even though I love and value those services and they help me immensely.
I give money away to: Greenpeace ($5 a month) and 95bfm ($4.20 a month).
