She Strengthens

Getting Honest About My Spending Habits

As someone who’s been wanting to take a closer look at their finances, I decided to track every single transaction I made in March. I categorized my expenses, added up the totals, and reflected on each category to identify areas for improvement. The exercise was eye-opening, and I’m glad I did it.

Food and Drink

I spent a total of $448.71 on food and drink in March. While I was pleased with my restraint in some areas, I was disappointed with how much I spent needlessly in others. Upon reviewing my transactions, I noticed that I went out to eat a lot, especially during my first week in NYC. I rationalized it as “exploration,” but it definitely kicked my food budget up higher than it should have been.

Some notable transactions include:

• $22 at a cafe where I worked for the entire day
• $8.71 for a bagel and lox that I split with my boyfriend
• $21 for dumplings with a friend
• $28.67 for dinner out on a Saturday night with friends
• $17 for happy hour sushi

Coffee and Tea

I spent a total of $39.73 on coffee and tea in March. While it’s not awful, I realized that I need to keep my mindset in check as someone who works remotely. I tend to justify buying coffee as a necessary expense for using coffee shop working spaces, but I need to be more mindful of my spending.

Some notable transactions include:

• $2.75 for coffee while out reporting for a story
• $9 at a coffee shop for two cold brews
• $3 for tea
• $4.50 for coffee
• $7.38 for Dunkin Donuts coffee and treats

Transportation

I spent a total of $117.16 on transportation in March. I typically don’t take many Ubers or Lyfts, but I took more than usual while working on a reported piece about ride-sharing. However, my Uber and Lyft apps were acting up, so I had to have my boyfriend or a friend call the ride for me, which added to the total.

Some notable transactions include:

• $1 for a parking meter
• $5.15 for a Lyft
• $3 for parking
• $20.25 for gas
• $10.52 for a Lyft Line
• $26.38 for an Uber from Newark airport to the hotel

Health and Wellness

I spent a total of $317.52 on health and wellness in March. This category includes a three-month supply of generic-brand birth control, which I had to pay out of pocket due to insurance issues. I also had to pay for a cavity filling without dental insurance, which was a significant expense.

Some notable transactions include:

• $72.52 for three months of generic-brand birth control
• $245 for one cavity filling without dental insurance

Entertainment and Miscellaneous

I spent a total of $213.46 on entertainment and miscellaneous expenses in March. I’m pleased that I only have one subscription, and it’s only $4. I also only purchased one item, a thrift store denim jacket, which was a great find.

Some notable transactions include:

• $15 for a comedy show ticket
• $21 for a thrift store denim jacket
• $34 for two games of bowling for two people
• $22.45 for my internet bill
• $4 for Inklings, a digital magazine
• $25.41 for my half of the electric bill for two months
• $16.30 for making copies of keys
• $25.30 for toiletries at Rite Aid
• $50 to see a Broadway show in previews