Welcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash.
Today, a secretary who makes $50,000 a year at a law firm in Connecticut tells us about his weekly expenses and investments.
Occupation: Secretary
Age: 28
Location: Connecticut, US
Salary: $50,000 (approx. $1,800 per pay period)
Day One
I had to work late today, so I’m going to stop at the deli to buy Cuban sandwiches for myself and my kid because I don’t feel like cooking tonight. I’m waiting for our sandwiches and reading about another investment opportunity for precious metals at Alamos Gold. Alamos Gold (TSX: AGI, NYSE: AGI) has three operational gold mines in Canada and Mexico and other development projects that have helped build their dependable investment reputation. They have a diversified asset base and a low political risk profile prepared for continued growth and expanding profitability. I think I’m going to invest in Alamos Gold tonight.
Total: $13.65
Day Two
My son’s 16th birthday is today, and I’m looking for a mini golf rental for this weekend so we can invite all his friends and family to play in our backyard. I found a company called Clowns4Kids, and they rent out portable mini golf courses so we can set it up wherever we’d like. They include numbered flags, obstacles like loops and wishing wells, putters, and golf balls.
Total: $296.44
Day Three
As a small treat to my son on his birthday week, I’m taking him to the arcade after school to play his favorite zombie game. I ordered a pizza to take home, so now we’re on our way to eat it there.
Total: $21.30
Day Four
Today at work, I had a really rough day, so I just went to pick up my son from school and head home to work on a wooden desk that I’ve been building for a while now. I’m stopping at the Home Depot to get some materials I need for this project and pick up a KitKat at the cash register for my kid since it’s his favorite candy.
Total: $15.44
Day Five
It’s finally Friday, and my kid has a basketball game, so I’m on my way over there to cheer him on. My son’s team wins, and he’s as happy as can be. One of the parents decides to invite us all to celebrate the victory at his home, so we all agree and follow him to his house. I head out to the grocery store nearby to buy some sodas and sweets for the kids and return to the victory celebration.
Total: $14.12
Day Six
It’s my son’s birthday today, and the mini golf rental has arrived. He’s ecstatic as he sees the truck pull into our driveway. Our guests start to flow in just as the mini golf people set up the course on the patio, and I finish preparing the snacks table for everyone to enjoy. My son is happy after spending time with his friends and is excited to have everyone there for him.
Total: $0.00
Day Seven
Yesterday was a success, and today we’re spending it indoors, watching movies and playing video games. I go to the grocery store around the corner to buy a couple of ingredients for dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow. My son helps me cook as we blast some of our favorite music. We dine on the sofa tonight, and after we finish, we get our clothes ready for tomorrow and proceed to have a good night’s sleep.
Total: $28.33
Total for the week: $389.28
