The cost of being: A healthcare worker paying off their mortgage as fast as possible
This article features a healthcare worker in New Zealand who shares her detailed spending habits and financial situation. She earns $96,000 annually and lives in an urban area, paying $850 per week in mortgage, which accounts for 75% of her income. She has significant student loan debt ($28,000 remaining), but she is focused on paying it off within three years. Her monthly grocery expenses are minimal, primarily consisting of affordable staples like fruit and frozen vegetables, while she spends around $350 per month on dining out and takeaways. She owns two cats and incurs additional costs for pet food and litter. She uses a hybrid car, leading to weekly fuel costs of $35, and occasionally uses public transportation. Despite these expenses, she describes her financial situation as secure, comfortable, and relaxed, with no concerns about money.
A healthcare worker in New Zealand has shared detailed insights into her weekly expenses, offering a glimpse into how she manages her finances amid rising living costs. She earns a salary of $96,000 annually and lives in an urban area, paying $850 per week toward her mortgage, representing 75% of her income. Her financial strategy focuses on reducing debt, particularly her student loan, which still owes $28,000 and is projected to be cleared within three years. Her monthly grocery bill amounts to approximately $120, primarily consisting of affordable staples such as fruit, frozen vegetables, and household essentials. To minimize costs, she buys in bulk and limits her consumption of meat, which she identifies as the most expensive component of her shopping. Additionally, she spends around $30 per month on wet cat food, while dry cat food and litter account for another $30 monthly. For dining out, she allocates roughly $350 per month, with about $150 dedicated to workday lunches, mainly consisting of inexpensive options like subs and sushi. Solo meals range from $15 to $25, and she avoids alcohol entirely, keeping her food-related expenses relatively low. While she occasionally treats herself to a large tub of ice cream, this indulgence costs only $7.50 and is considered a minor expense. Transportation costs include $35 weekly for fuel due to her hybrid vehicle, supplemented by $18 per week for public transit. Clothing expenditures remain minimal, with an annual budget of around $300, largely spent on two dresses purchased during sales. Her most expensive clothing purchases were two dresses from Portman’s, each costing $80 after discounts. She also benefited from a union-sponsored program, which reduced the cost of a pair of leather boots to $100 instead of the original $450. Personal grooming and beauty expenses are virtually nonexistent, as she does not use makeup or maintain a regular beauty routine. Similarly, she does not engage in formal exercise, relying instead on walking and occasional participation in free community activities like Parkrun. Her weekly budget also includes a modest allocation for utilities, rates, and insurance, with leftover funds typically amounting to about $200 at the end of each fortnight. Despite these careful allocations, she reports feeling secure, comfortable, and relaxed with her current financial situation. She rarely worries about money and maintains a balanced approach to spending, prioritizing debt repayment while allowing room for small pleasures. Her experience reflects broader trends among working professionals in New Zealand, balancing essential expenses with discretionary spending. By sharing her budget breakdown, she provides valuable insight into how individuals navigate financial planning in an environment marked by increasing living costs and economic uncertainty.
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