In a first-person column, a 43-year-old Pākehā mental health worker detailed the household finances of a self-employed couple earning a pre-tax income of approximately $260,000. The essay, published as part of the outlet’s “The Cost of Being” series exploring New Zealanders’ relationships with money, outlines how the pair manages living expenses, savings, and occasional financial anxieties despite a recent industry downturn in work.
Income and Housing Realities Without a Mortgage
Tax returns from the previous year recorded earnings of about $260,000 before tax for the household, though work availability has since declined significantly for both partners. The couple owns their suburban home outright, sparing them weekly mortgage payments. They share the property with an elderly dog requiring ongoing medical care. Neither partner carries student loans or other consumer debt.
Grocery Budgets and Daily Living Expenses
Tracking household spending for the year revealed a monthly grocery bill reaching up to $900 for the two-person vegetarian household, an amount higher than anticipated that includes expenses for the dog. Dining out occurs once or twice a week with friends, costing roughly $200 a month, with no additional spending on takeaways. Workday lunches consist of leftovers, and morning tea relies on home baking paired with instant coffee or tea, alongside personal treats like specialty coffee brewed with a Vietnamese filter. Weekly alcohol expenditure stays under $15, while public transport and work-from-home arrangements keep transport costs at about $20 a week.
Savings Habits and Investment Portfolios
Savings contributions include $200 a week directed into regular savings accounts, $300 a fortnight into KiwiSaver, and $200 a fortnight into Sharesies. The author reported experiencing intermittent anxiety regarding whether accumulated funds will suffice for the future, alongside uncertainty about long-term career stability. Charitable giving amounts to about $450 a month distributed to various organizations, including the One Percent Collective, alongside the sponsorship of an overseas child.
Answering questions about clothing spending and savings
How much does the household spend on clothing annually?
Personal clothing expenditure totaled about $300 over the past year, with items primarily sourced from op shops, Trade Me, or partner hand-me-downs to minimize waste.
What are the primary recurring savings allocations?
The author allocates $200 weekly to regular savings, $300 fortnightly to KiwiSaver, and $200 fortnightly to Sharesies.
How much is spent on charitable donations each month?
Spreadsheet records indicate that approximately $450 is donated monthly to charities like the One Percent Collective, alongside sponsoring an overseas child.
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