As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, an arts and NGO contractor details their expenses.
Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here.
Gender: Female.
Age: 30.
Ethnicity: Pākehā.
Role: Independent contractor in the arts and NGO space.
Salary/income/assets: I’ve just left a full-time salaried role to work as a sole trader. I hope to make at least $70,000 this financial year from contract work. I also own a home in Auckland with an ex-spouse, which is currently rented to tenants.
My living location is: Urban.
Rent/mortgage per week: Rent $200 per week (living with two parents), mortgage top up after our tenants’ rent contribution is $225.
Student loan or other debt payments per week: None, however this will change in 2026 with further study.
Typical weekly food costs
Groceries: $200 – $300 per week.
Eating out: $50, usually only once a month.
Takeaways: $60.
Workday lunches: $50 – $80.
Cafe coffees/snacks: $40.
Other food costs: $0, I’m rubbish at indoor and outdoor gardening.
Savings: I have an emergency savings fund for things like teeth and my car. I’m rebuilding my KiwiSaver after withdrawing for my house deposit in 2021, and I have a separate investment fund which I contribute to weekly with a goal to use for retirement – this was started off with an inheritance from a grandparent. I also have a fun money savings account – my best friend and I are saving for a Christmas beach holiday.
I worry about money: Always.
Three words to describe my financial situation: Lucky, thrifty, precarious.
My biggest edible indulgence would be: I’ve recently become gluten free and low carb for health, so delicious meat and cheese are my indulgences.
In a typical week my alcohol expenditure would be: $0 – I don’t drink regularly anymore for health reasons, when I do it is usually one or two $20 cocktails max.
In a typical week my transport expenditure would be: I drive a hybrid car and work remotely, travel is generally close by for meetings, I spend $50 on half a tank which can last between 10 days to two weeks depending on my schedule.
I estimate in the past year the ballpark amount I spent on my personal clothing (including sleepwear and underwear) was: $200 – an outlier this year as I’ve lost a significant amount of weight, and my underwear and most pants became too big.
My most expensive clothing in the past year was: $150 – an emerald green silk wrap dress, hand-made to measure in Vietnam. A souvenir from a trip I took in September 2024, but also well worth the long term investment of a beautiful dress style that doesn’t always fit bigger bodies off the rack.
My last pair of shoes cost: $97.99 – Converse Unisex Chuck Taylor Leather Ox from Rebel Sport. This is the third pair of these shoes I’ve owned in my lifetime, and this particular pair has lasted me eight glorious years.
My grooming/beauty expenditure in a year is about: Haircut and dye at a salon (this cost is ending now I am no longer permanent employed :’) ), acrylic gel manicure sets every 6-8 weeks, laser hair removal and facial treatments secured at a family referral rate as a gift from a family member who also struggles with hormonal hair growth and acne.
My exercise expenditure in a year is about: $5,000, however I probably pay approximately $2000 myself, the rest is gifted.
My last Friday night cost: $75.
Most regrettable purchase in the last 12 months was: A meal kit subscription – I am recently aware that I am ADHD, and it was too much to keep up with, so I found I was giving food I paid for in the subscription away to avoid it going totally to waste.
Most indulgent purchase (that I don’t regret) in the last 12 months was: A gold and zirconia septum ring.
One area where I’m a bit of a tightwad is: Furniture/appliances – I like to find a bargain and am a big believer in Kmart’s homewares section.
Five words to describe my financial personality would be: Calculated, safe, realistic.
I grew up in a house where money was: My family had periods of financial struggle, but we were always comfortable and our health (food, hygiene products, power) always came first during those times. My parents both worked very hard to ensure my sister and I felt we had everything we needed, but we did not live in excess. We were very lucky to live in a home they owned, and continue to be grateful for this.
The last time my Eftpos card was declined was: November 2020.
In five years, in financial terms, I see myself: In student debt, working steadily in a new industry, comfortable.
I would love to have more money for: Travel – this is such a big investment and as a contractor, I also lose money not being available to work, but I want to see more of the world.
Describe your financial low: About two years ago, when I left my ex-spouse. Going from two combined incomes with a partner who earns more than you, to a single income with assets that require a 50% contribution, is tough. I was lucky to be able to get support from family with somewhere affordable to live, and have been able to figure out the new balance since our separation, but I am now driven to make sure I can look after myself as a single woman, which so far I’ve proven I can.
I give money away to: Arts organisations, independent artists (Boosted etc).
