Welcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash.
Today: a head hunter who makes $65,000
Occupation: head hunter
Age: 30
Location: Houston, TX
Salary: $65,000 (approx. $1,731 per pay period)
Day One
Recently, my best friend, J., had a rude awakening when his HVAC system went out just as the cold season (as cold as Houston really gets) started, just due to normal wear and tear. After watching him go through that, I decided to do some preventive maintenance in my own place. I started by having technicians come to check out my air conditioner, heating system, and other home systems, just for a little peace of mind. Then, I started researching home warranty companies in Texas. I’ll be getting a bonus soon and am excited to invest in a home warranty with some of those funds—and I’ll be encouraging J. to do the same! After the tech leaves, I go pick up dinner from my favorite Indian restaurant.
Total: $450
Day Two
One of Texas’s biggest companies is currently looking for a director of marketing, and they‘ve entrusted me with that mission. So, I’m spending my day calling a few potential recruits and booking them rooms in the best downtown Austin hotels available. After all, we want them to fall in love with the city and Texas more broadly. That’s a lot easier when they have a cozy place to stay! After work, I meet a friend for drinks.
Total: $16.50
Day Three
I start my day with a stop at the local drug store, grabbing some aspirin and a sports drink—I’ve got to remember that I’m not 22 anymore and shouldn’t be drinking on an empty stomach! I grab a coffee next, then make my way to work, where I’m primarily following up with yesterday’s leads.
Total: $18
Day Four
Today’s another average workday, filled with lots of emails and phone calls. I meet some friends for lunch, then have a few Zoom meetings in the afternoon. I have leftovers from lunchtime to eat for dinner, so I spend that same time starting a book series that I keep hearing recommended. It’s pretty good so far! After a few chapters, I scroll through social media for a while before bed.
Total: $14
Day Five
My work week ends in the best way, with a few of those top leads from earlier this week agreeing to come to Texas and learn more about the job opportunity. We might just have some new Texans in the making! I make sure to eat a decent lunch (a sandwich and chips) because my friends and I will be celebrating tonight.
Total: $29.50
Day Six
I forgot to pay my credit card earlier this week, so I’m starting off my weekend with an irritating fee. That leads me to the local dollar store, where I pick up a budget planner and some bill envelopes. I spend the afternoon hyperfocusing on my finances, planning out my bills, and making a plan for how to improve my personal financial situation a little more. With my planner filled out, a few new apps downloaded, and a budgeting book in my Amazon cart, I’m feeling a little more confident by the day’s end.
Total: $83
Day Seven
Today, I’m chatting with J. over FaceTime while we eat our lunches (takeout in our respective cities) and spend some time at home. That’s the sort of friendship we’ve always had—we don’t have to really do something in order to spend time together. Before we sign off, we end our hours-long call exchanging silly YouTube videos.
Total: $17
Total for the week: $628
