Weekly budget goes a long way
A marketer who also doubles up as a professional makeup artist tells us how she spent her money this week
Welcome to Money Diaries where we get insights into how millennials spend their hard-earned money over a seven-day period.
Occupation: Marketer
Industry: Communications
Age: 30
Do you have a monthly budget (how much and do you stick by it?): Yes I do have one and I try to stick to it as much as I can, but let’s be honest, who can resist the urge to treat himself or herself? (wink)
Loan Payments: No
Insurance Payments: Yes, Ksh 10,378 per month is deducted
Other fixed bills/ expenses:
Netflix: Ksh3,499, Phone Bill: Ksh3,000, Chama: Ksh 3,000, Electricity: Ksh3,000, Water: Ksh 1,000, Personal grooming: Ksh 11,200, Barber: Ksh300)
What you spend most of your cash on: Food, daily commute, online shopping, personal grooming
Day One
8 a.m. — Today I have managed to have breakfast early in the morning before leaving the house. I’m lucky enough to get a ride from my neighbour, which saves me a lot on my commute fare, considering the new hike following an increase in fuel prices. Unfortunately, the cold seems to be making me hungrier, so I get two sausages to have with some herbal tea from the restaurant near the office. That costs me Ksh120.
12:30 p.m. — I always do weekly meal preps to avoid spending on food unnecessarily and try and eat healthy as much as possible. So having carried my lunch from home, I’m sorted, and don’t have to spend any money.
3 p.m. — Tea always helps with my digestion so I grab a teabag I carried from home and have me some herbal tea that has an apple and cinnamon flavour.
7 p.m. — My best friend wasn’t feeling well so I treated her to some hot lemon and ginger from Java. Unfortunately, owing to the fact that our date lasted longer than I expected, I have had to take a cab home, so that sets me back Ksh1,120.00 (Java drink: Ksh220, Cab: Ksh900)
Daily Total: Ksh 1,240
Day Two
8 a.m. — Today has just been one of those days. I forgot to carry a healthy snack from home to get me through the morning. I’m craving a chocolate muffin, so I pass by the café near the office and grab one for Ksh 220
1 p.m. — I did however remember to carry come lunch. I packed some chicken with a salad from home, and that seems to be just what I needed. Even my spirits are up now.
3.00 p.m. – There’s that period between lunch and 4 p.m where concentration is just a rumour. I’ve been scouring the internet looking at different clothes and stumbled on some nice tights. I’ve been dying to get them! (being a thick girl is a struggle). Just got a nice deal for Ksh 1,950.00 and I couldn’t pass it up.
7:30 p.m. — Today I am just beat. Need to buy some airtime for some internet bundles and catch up with Netflix. I just want to take the load off. That sets me back Ksh 1070 (Ksh1,000 – airtime and Ksh70 – bus fare)
Daily Total: Ksh 3,170
Day Three
7.45am. – Managed to wake up early and get some breakfast before I left the house. Today should be a good day.
8:30 a.m. — At least I remembered to carry a snack from home to get me through the morning.
12:30 p.m. — Never throw away food. Some left over dinner from last night is my lunch today. Some beef curry and rice with a touch of salad. Eh, today I’m doing good, haven’t spent no money on breakfast and lunch.
5.15 pm – I’m running late for my evening class so I take an uber chap chap because I cannot afford to be late, my lecturer can be extra when he needs to be. That costs me about Ksh 200.
7:30 p.m. — My best friend still isn’t feeling well so I pass by to see her after class and buy her some “dawa” from Java for Ksh 220.
7.45 pm – It’s still early so I opt to take a matatu home which costs me Ksh 70.
Today has really been a good day, I didn’t even spend Ksh 500. Every day should be like this.
Daily Total: Ksh 490
Day Four
8 a.m. — Can’t wait for the weekend…I’m exhausted. As usual, I had an early breakfast from home to stay on track with eating healthy food.
1 p.m. — I ended up having lunch with one of my clients on the company’s tab so, my lunch bill is sorted!
6 p.m. — I’m working late but that’s okay…it’s surprisingly quiet and I’m able to focus even though I’m exhausted. On the plus side, I get to use company transport to go home, which is great.
The heavens have smiled upon me oh! I haven’t spent a single coin today!
Daily Total: Ksh 0
Day Five
8 a.m. — Had breakfast from home as usual. I’m beginning to think I love eating way too much or am I just eager to have breakfast, the most important meal of the day?
1 p.m. — Had lunch I had carried from home, but I got a soda from the company bar for Ksh 50.
6:30 p.m. — Class is cancelled today because our lecturer isn’t around so I’m on my way to see my best friend and hang out with her for a bit. It’s been a long week and I need to unwind. The cab fare to my friend’s house and then home later on cost me Ksh 1,000.00
Daily Total: Ksh 1,050
Day Six
8 a.m. — I had an early morning training in the office and I’m running late (sigh!). I have to take a cab and that will cost me about Ksh 700.
2 p.m. — I got treated to lunch by the company, Yes! Now I don’t have to worry about eating junk (as I order some garlic naan, lol). What’s a low carb life?
5 p.m. — Finally got to pay for my gym membership…I really need to get back in shape. I’m still chasing the elusive six-pack and bikini body! That sinks a hole in my pocket; a Ksh4,500. hole.
Daily Total: Ksh 5,200
Day Seven
8 a.m. — Excited for the new week, I’m off to church to celebrate mass. Cab fare sets me back Ksh 100.
10.00 a.m – Popping into the supermarket with the husband for some weekly shopping as we gear up for the week. FYI majority of the shopping is his, so is it really my expense? Okay, I threw in a small ice-cream and pack of Oreos…as the saying goes “treat yourself” Ksh 2,150.00
Daily Total: Ksh 2,150
Also read:
Being a MOM (Manager of Money) with your expenses
