Occupation: Journalist
Age: 30
Location: New York, NY
Refinery29 Money Diaries offer a fascinating glimpse into the financial lives of others. This week, we dissect a diary from a 30-year-old journalist living in New York City, analyzing her spending habits and drawing insights into the cost of living in one of the world’s most expensive cities. Join us as we break down her weekly expenses, from concert tickets and Ubers to grocery hauls and cat food.
A woman holding a coffee cup and looking at her phone
Dissecting the Diary: A Week of Expenses
This journalist meticulously tracked her spending for a week, providing a detailed account of every dollar spent. Her diary reveals a balanced lifestyle, prioritizing experiences like concerts and dining out while remaining conscious of her savings goals.
Day 1: Concert Night Out
The week kicks off with a Big Thief concert at Radio City Music Hall. Transportation, concert merchandise, and drinks contribute to a higher than average daily spend.
A concert venue with a stage and bright lights
- Key Expenses: Concert T-shirt ($40), Drinks ($20), Subway Fare ($5.50)
Day 2: Payday and a Brooklyn House Show
Payday brings a sense of financial organization, with the journalist transferring money to savings and paying off credit card bills. The evening involves a more budget-friendly house show in Brooklyn.
- Key Expenses: Pizza ($12), Uber ($28)
Day 3: A Quiet Saturday and Grocery Shopping
A relaxing Saturday includes a Whole Foods grocery run, highlighting the cost of healthy eating in the city.
- Key Expenses: Groceries ($19.50), Wine ($19)
Day 4: Brunch, Running, and Cat Supplies
Brunch with friends, a long run in Central Park, and stocking up on cat supplies make for a busy Sunday.
A person running in Central Park
- Key Expenses: Taxi Fare ($18), Cat Supplies ($56.33), Shared household expenses ($15.50)
Day 5: A Work-From-Home Day
A productive work-from-home day involves minimal spending.
- Key Expense: Gatorade and Prescription Co-pay ($2.50)
Day 6: More Poshmark Success and a Movie Premiere
Selling clothes on Poshmark provides a small income boost. The evening features a movie premiere and dinner in Brooklyn.
A city street at night with lights blurring
- Key Expenses: Dinner and Drinks ($53), Subway Fare ($5.50)
Day 7: Office Day and Dinner with a Friend
A day at the office includes free lunch, while the evening involves dinner with a friend.
Two friends sitting at a table in a restaurant
- Key Expenses: Starbucks Reload ($25 – not all spent this day), Dinner ($36), Subway Fare ($5.50)
Key Takeaways and Refinery29 Money Diaries Reflections
This Refinery29 Money Diary provides valuable insights into budgeting, saving, and the cost of living in New York City. The journalist’s detailed tracking highlights areas where she could potentially reduce spending, such as transportation, while also showcasing her commitment to saving and enjoying cultural experiences. This diary exemplifies the power of tracking expenses and provides a relatable snapshot of a journalist’s financial life in a major city. It allows readers to compare their own spending habits and consider different approaches to budgeting and saving.
