A self-employed chiropractor, passionate about her community, offers a unique take on real-life budgeting.
Age: 41
Marital status: Married
Children: 2
Monthly income: $8,000–$10,999
Estimated annual salary range: $96,000 – $131,988
Total spending this week: $1,190.32
“This week was a love letter to my town,” shares Lizzie, a chiropractor and mother of two living in a quaint New England town.
In the inaugural episode of our series, A Week in Spending, Lizzie monitored her expenses over seven days.
Day 1 — Sunday
? Spent: $276.86
- Bulk loose leaf tea – $94.00 (CC) – “Want” → “Great!”
- Parents’ anniversary bouquet contribution – $37.00 (mailed check) – “Family obligation” → “Okay”
- Utilities – $145.86 (bank transfer) – “Need” → “Good”
Lizzie starts the week by replenishing her cherished tea supply, a purchase that delights her and supports a local business. “I’m trying to be deliberate about where I spend my money, using my financial influence positively,” she explains. She also contributes to her parents’ anniversary flowers, despite some hesitation. “I’m still learning to set boundaries with my family,” she adds.
Day 2 — Monday
? Spent: $84.98
- Kickboxing (silent auction win) – $43.99 (CC) – “Want” → “Great!”
- Child’s ballet class deposit – $25.00 (CC) – “Want” → “Great!”
- HBO Max – $16.99 (CC) – “Want” → “Okay”
Lizzie scores a month of kickboxing from a preschool fundraiser. “I was curious about it, and I got a month for $44. No one else was interested, so I consider it a big win.”
Day 3 — Tuesday
? Spent: $231.72
- Gas – $27.36 (CC) – “Need” → “Okay”
- Town pool pass – $130.00 (Cash) – “Want” → “Great!”
- New windshield wipers – $74.36 (CC) – “Need?” → “Fine”
A family pool pass is a summer must-have for Lizzie. “Having enjoyable, accessible, and well-maintained amenities in our town is crucial, especially for kids,” she remarks.
Day 4 — Wednesday
? Spent: $100.00
- Automatic investment in brokerage account – $100.00 (Bank transfer) – “Future need” → “Great!”
Day 5 — Thursday
? Spent: $106.77
- Groceries/snack contribution for preschool party – $86.77 (CC) – “Want/Need” → “Good”
- Pick-your-own strawberries – $20.00 (Cash) – “Want” → “Delicious!”
Day 6 — Friday
? Spent: $257.99
- Birthday present for children’s friend – $42.00 (Cash) – “Social contract” → “Great!”
- Groceries – $198.00 (CC) – “Need (mostly)” → “Good”
- Netflix – $17.99 (CC) – “Want” → “Good”
Lizzie stocks up on groceries for the week. “Our grocery haul was smaller since we bought extras earlier, totaling around 200 bucks,” she notes.
Day 7 — Saturday
? Spent: $90.00
- 2 hours of babysitting – $40.00 (Cash) – “Want” → “Amazing”
- Dinner delivery – $50.00 (CC) – “Want” → “Good when ordered, less so after”
To wrap up the week, Lizzie hires a babysitter and orders takeout. “I got a neighborhood teen to watch my kids while I attend yoga since my husband is away this weekend. I wasn’t ready to skip my self-care,” she explains.
? Final Reflections:
Total spent this week: $1,190.32
“This is why we’re working,” she reflects. “It’s why we pay attention to our spending and avoid impulse buys. I feel reassured that I’m on the right path.”
