In just one week, this nurse and part-time money coach shares her insights on using budgeting systems, dance breaks, and therapy to cultivate a joyful financial experience.
?Age: 35
?Location: New Jersey
? Occupation: Full-Time Nurse, Part-Time Money Coach
?Marital Status: Married
? Total Weekly Spending: ~$700
For Prisca, managing money is all about achieving calm and clarity. As a dedicated nurse, she balances her demanding job with side hustles, all while adhering to a well-crafted financial strategy honed through years of effort and learning.
Her weekly expenditures follow a clear plan, from $8 gas top-ups to $250 donations. “I have a system… even when things are unexpected, there’s a plan for it,” she explained. “That’s the beauty of it.”
Here’s a breakdown of her spending over the week.
Day 1: Comfort Food and Self-Care
? Total Spent: ~$45
Feeling unwell, Prisca opted for pho for dinner, grabbed seaweed snacks at Costco, and incurred an $8.25 therapy co-pay. “It just feels healthy,” she remarked, noting her tendency to shop for comfort when sick. “But I resisted.”
Her therapy costs increased from $5 to $80 due to insurance changes, but she values her sessions. “Every two weeks is my sweet spot,” she shared. “Using my FSA helps ease my anxiety about costs.”
Day 2: Smart Grocery Shopping
? Total Spent: ~$53 (gift card covered part)
Prisca sticks to a “two store max” rule for groceries, focusing on Trader Joe’s and Costco. “Visiting multiple stores made me buy more,” she said. “So I stopped that.”
She allows for a few impulse buys but skipped a bulk toothpaste pack at Amazon Fresh. “For new items, I prefer trying them in normal sizes first,” she added. “Mistakes are just learning opportunities.”
Day 3: EZPass Top-Up
? Total spent: $100
Her only expense that day was a $100 EZPass top-off. “I dislike having negative balances,” she stated. With her husband now commuting, the toll costs increased, but she easily adjusted his budget.
“We maintain separate finances,” she detailed. “EZPass is part of his expenses.”
Day 4: Giving Back and Gratitude
? Total Spent: $250
On payday, Prisca donated $250 to her religious organization and allocated funds for savings and debt repayments. “There was a time I couldn’t give,” she reflected. “I’m grateful I can do so now.”
Her savings strategy involves automatic transfers to a spending sinking fund, which she uses for treats like massages or travel. “If something threatens my budget, the sinking fund saves the day,” she noted.
Day 5: Fueling Up Wisely
? Total Spent: $8.26
Prisca never lets her gas tank drop below half. “Filling up for under ten bucks feels fulfilling,” she shared. “It’s within my control.”
After running out of gas in college, she’s determined not to repeat that experience. “This brings me peace,” she said.
Day 6: Joy from Dance Classes
? Total Spent: $25.98
She spent $25.98 on two dance classes, calling it her best investment of the week. “In those classes, I feel completely myself,” she said, cherishing the energy around her.
Day 7: Costco Strategy
? Total Spent: $72.79
Her week wrapped up with a Costco run, though her husband took charge this time.
“The trick to keeping my Costco bill low is sending him with the list,” she explained. “It used to be $100 or $200 weekly. I’m proud that it’s down to this amount.”
Final Thoughts: Financial Mindset and Flexibility
? Total Weekly Spend: ~$700
While her weekly spending totals may seem high, it’s far from overwhelming. “There was a time I spent daily,” she recalled. “Intentionality leads to spending less without sacrificing lifestyle.”
With her systems in place, she’s prepared for life’s unpredictability. “I don’t have to stress about gas, travel, or family support,” she stated. “As my parents age, it comforts me to know I can step in if needed.”
Her best advice? “Pay yourself first. Women seek security, and a solid financial base provides that.”
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