Kathi breaks down her spending in a bustling week filled with family activities, personal care, and a bit of shopping.
Age: 48
Occupation: School Counselor
Marital Status: Married
Children: 2 teenagers
Monthly Income: $5,000–$8,000
Estimated Annual Salary: $60,000–$96,000
Total Spending This Week: $1,186.65
“This week was packed with events,” shares Kathi, a school counselor from the Philadelphia area. With family visiting, birthday festivities, and vacation preparations, spending was higher than usual, which she acknowledges isn't typical.
In our series, A Week In Her Wallet, Kathi outlines her expenditures throughout this action-packed week.
? Day 1 — Monday
? Total spent: $25.00
- Pants alteration: $25.00 (Dry cleaner)
Kathi starts the week with a necessary alteration for her pants. “I found these on sale, but the hemming cost more than the pants themselves,” she mentions. “I plan to wear them all summer, so it’s worth it.”
? Day 2 — Tuesday
? Total spent: $119.40
- Legoland tickets for two: $63.33
- Lego minifigure gift: $6.89
- Pizza lunch at the mall: $9.18
- Medical co-pay (X-ray): $40.00
With family in town, Kathi takes her nephew to Legoland for a day of fun. “The cost didn't matter much,” she reflects. “Creating memories is priceless.”
? Day 3 — Wednesday
? Total spent: $135.90
- Ulta beauty restock (makeup, SPF, moisturizer): $135.90
Kathi visits Ulta for some beauty essentials, and the bill surprises her. “I intended to grab just a couple of items,” she explains, “but it quickly added up. Still, these are everyday necessities that will last.”
? Day 4 — Thursday
? Total spent: $33.99
- Vet bill: $33.99
A routine vet bill serves as a reminder that pet care is also part of family expenses.
? Day 5 — Friday
? Total spent: $100.00
- Lunch for mom’s birthday: $100.00 (Senior living facility)
This day focused on celebrating Kathi’s mother’s 84th birthday with family. “We see each other so rarely, so it’s a worthwhile expense,” says Kathi.
? Day 6 — Saturday
? Total spent: $303.71
- Pedicure: $40.00
- Swim top: $39.22
- Shorts: $24.49
- Soccer uniform + early birthday gift: $200.00
As vacation approaches, Kathi treats herself to a pedicure and buys new summer outfits, alongside spending for her son’s soccer gear. “When they announce new uniforms are mandatory at $200, you just have to accept it,” she laughs.
She notes that additional income from her summer gig helps manage these costs, providing her with a sense of financial security.
? Day 7 — Sunday
? Total spent: $468.65
- Grocery shopping: $148.65
- Family dinner out: $320.00
On the final day, a large grocery haul and a special dinner cap off Kathi’s spending. “This total is quite high — that's not typical for me,” she admits.
? Final Thoughts:
Total spent: $1,186.65
“If you had told me I'd spend over $1,000 this week, I would’ve disagreed. That’s definitely not my usual,” Kathi reflects. “But when I see it itemized... I can accept those expenditures.”
She emphasizes that tracking her spending helped clarify her financial picture: “Life has its surprises. It’s beneficial to know where your money goes.”
