Shannon reflects on her journey to financial freedom, embracing her mantra, ‘we are wealthy beyond money.’
Age: 41
Location: Suburb of Washington, D.C.
Occupation: Instructional Coach
Estimated Annual Salary: $80,000
Marital Status: Married, mother of two
Total Spending This Week: $1,211.25
?️ Day 1 – Monday
? Total Spent: $363.25
- Starbucks (prepaid): $5.25
- Lawn Service: $198
- Verizon bill: $78
- Hairspray: $55
- Poshmark skirt: $27
Shannon began her week feeling the burden of recurring expenses. “I’m a bit frustrated with our finances,” she confessed. The biannual lawn service fee of $198 was “somewhat annoying,” and she recognized her habit of paying off credit card balances weekly instead of daily.
“I want to reach a point where I can settle it immediately and not wait for Fridays,” she expressed.
?️ Day 2 – Tuesday
? Total Spent: $146 + subscriptions
- IHOP brunch with family: $146
- Recurring Hulu and Red Cross donations
A celebratory day unfolded as Shannon’s daughter graduated from elementary school. “I feel so blessed and grateful today,” she shared. The entire family, along with her parents, celebrated with a festive brunch.
?️ Day 3 – Wednesday
? Total Spent: $90 (excluding FSA or subscription)
- Dunkin’ iced coffee
- Thrift store: ~$40
- Local nursery (plant + mulch): ~$50
- Disney+ subscription
With summer break starting, Shannon treated herself to a day off and spent a bit more than usual. “I spent more than I typically would in a day, but it felt wonderful,” she remarked. “I’m enjoying some kid-free time at the pool.”
Many of her purchases were covered by her “house sinking fund,” designed to alleviate stress from home expenses.
?️ Day 4 – Thursday (Juneteenth)
? Total Spent: $0
Shannon used this day to reflect on her financial journey. “I fully embraced the principles I learned from financial teachings,” she shared. “At one point, we had $17,000 in debt… I managed to eliminate that and build an emergency fund.”
Now debt-free (except for the mortgage), she’s focused on mindfulness: “I try to repeat my mantra, ‘We are wealthy beyond money.’”
?️ Day 5 – Friday
? Total Spent: $612
- Dunkin’ iced coffees: small purchase
- Thrift store: $19
- Marriott hotel (summer trip): $443
- Pool snack (fries): $5
- Daughter’s automatic braces payment: $145
The highlight? Booking a summer vacation using their travel sinking fund. “My husband got paid, so I settled all the credit card bills, and that felt great,” she said. She also found items for a Glinda the Good Witch costume for an upcoming event. “Thrift stores have everything.”
?️ Day 6 – Saturday
? Total Spent: $0
No significant purchases today—just some time for reflection. “I bought more coffee than I intended and visited the thrift store twice, which isn’t my norm,” she noted.
She’s looking forward to larger goals: “My husband and I aim to take our kids on a big trip next summer… so I feel like I need to either cut back or spend more wisely.”
?️ Day 7 – Sunday
? Total Spent: ~$0–$150 estimate
- Recurring donations (NAACP)
- Jazzercise class subscription
- Grocery run (~$225 budgeted; likely under)
Shannon wrapped up the week with grocery shopping and expressed gratitude for the accountability this project provided. “I often think I can buy things and say, ‘It’ll be fine,’” she reflected. “But when it’s time to balance the budget, that’s when the credit card cycle starts.”
She’s eager to implement what she’s learned. “I might continue this tracking because it helped me stay accountable.”
? Final Reflections
Total Weekly Spend: ~$1,211.25
Shannon’s week illustrated the focus she places on her financial habits, from travel savings to thrift shopping. It also highlighted the emotional aspects of money: dealing with past hardships, managing debt, and striving for “joyful spending.”
“I want to ensure my kids don’t feel guilty or like they burden the family,” she said. “It gives me peace of mind, knowing that if something arises, we can handle it.”
