What we spend: A young couple with very different saving goals
By Jemima Skelley|
With our What We Spend series, we're taking a look at the different ways Aussie ?couples and housemates spend their money each week.
This week, we're dissecting the spending and saving habits of Rina and Damian*, a couple living in the suburbs of Adelaide.
Rina: A 30-year-old childcare worker earning $54,000 per year
Damian: A 28-year-old IT specialist, earning $80,000 per year
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What are your weekly bills/expenses? Any savings?
Rina
Mortgage: $380
Groceries: $80
Credit card debt: $50
Petrol and parking: $25
Gym membership: $17
Phone: $22
Internet: $8
Streaming: $22
Utilities: $34 (paid quarterly)
Total weekly bills and expenses for Rina: $638
Damian
Rent: $170 (To Rina)
Groceries: $80
Public transport: $38
Gym membership: $27
Phone: $15
Internet: $8
Utilities: $34 (paid quarterly)
Total weekly bills and expenses for Damian: $372
What are your thoughts on your spending habits? Do you spend much outside your weekly regular expenses??
Rina: I bought a house about a year ago จC living in outer Adelaide means that I paid $270,000 for a four-bedroom house. It's a huge amount to me, but I'm so thankful for the cost when I see house prices in the eastern states.
My mortgage isn't huge, but I'm also not on a great salary. I've had to be a bit more mindful of my frivolous spending in the last year. Damian moved in and is paying me rent, which really helps.
Damian: Living out in the suburbs isn't ideal จC I have a 45-minute commute every day จC but it's worth it for the low rent.
I'm trying to save as much money as I can, we're hoping to have kids in the next few years. My regular expenses aren't too high, but I find it hard to stop spending on 'fun' things during the week.
Monday
Rina: I start work at 7.30am so usually don't spend any money during the day until I finish work จC unless I buy lunch or a coffee. After work I went to Kmart and bought a new blanket and cushions for the couch, which cost $43.
Damian: I picked up a $4.50 coffee on the way to work, then bought a muffin for $6 when I was falling asleep at my desk at 2pm.?
Tuesday?
Rina: I got a coffee on the way to work for $5.70, and bought a sandwich from Coles for $5 on my lunch break. After work I just went home and cooked dinner with groceries we bought on the weekend.
Damian: I bought my lunch today, $17 for a salad and drink combo. After work I stopped in at the pub to see a friend on the way home, and spent $13 on two happy hour beers.
Wednesday
Rina: I start work late on Wednesdays, so went to the gym and had brekky with a friend, which cost $22. After work, I was exhausted so I got Macca's for dinner on the way home, $12.80
Damian: I spent $4.50 on a coffee, but brought lunch from home. I had a work dinner at 7pm, so I had a couple of drinks จC $19 จC beforehand, but dinner was free. I got the train home, but an Uber from the station for $11.
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Thursday
Rina: It was a big spending day จC $5.70 on a coffee, $8 on a sandwich for lunch, and dinner out with a friend for $32. I also picked up some art I found on Facebook Marketplace which was $30.
Damian: I worked from home today because I got home so late last night. At lunch time I took a walk and bought a $6.20 coffee, but had leftovers for dinner.
Friday
Rina: I took on a double shift today to help out a coworker, so worked from 6am to 6pm. I bought two coffees for a total of $11.20, but that's all I bought today.
Damian: On Friday we always go out for lunch near work, so I spent $33 on a meal and two beers. After work, I met up with some mates for more drinks and dinner. We hadn't seen each other in ages so it turned into a big night. I spent $23 on a pub dinner, about $70 on beers, and also put $50 in the pokies. I won $8.50 but then just spent that on one more drinks before getting an Uber home for $39.
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Saturday
Rina: It was a quiet day today, just cleaned the house and went for a long walk with a friend. I bought a juice after the walk, $8. A friend came over for dinner which I cooked, and she brought wine and dessert so I didn't spend anything.?
Damian: I spent zero money today, just cleaned the house and watched movies on the couch.
Sunday
Rina: Damian and I started the day with a walk and the gym, then we went to my mum's place for lunch. I picked up a little cake from the bakery for $17 for the family.?
Damian: I bought Rina and I coffee for $12.20, then I got us Thai takeaway for dinner, which cost $36.
Total weekly spending for Rina: $200.40
Total weekly spending for Damian:? $444.40
Final thoughts
Rina: In an ideal world I wouldn't spend money on food outside of groceries, but that's just not realistic. I'm happy with my spending this week, I didn't have any big nights out or any online shopping blow-outs. Not every week is perfect, but if I can save a little every month then I'm happy.
Sometimes I wish Damian and I had similar savings goals but I guess he makes almost double my salary, so it makes sense that he can spend more.?
Damian: This is a pretty realistic week for me. Yes, I want to save, but I just love going out with mates and it's impossible to do that without spending. When we start getting serious about having a baby I'll step up, but for now I think it's fine.
