What We Spend: How a couple in Brisbane with an age and income gap spend their money

Money is a major element of any relationship, and in 9Honey's series 'What We Spend', we're exploring the different ways couples spend and save their money.

From frugal partners to marriages between super-savers and blow-out spenders, we're digging into the weekly finances of Aussie couples.

This week we're looking at how Kate and Lee, a couple living in Brisbane, spend their money during a week.

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The couple

Kate: 24-year-old social media producer living in Brisbane, earning $58,000 a year.

Lee: 38-year-old marketing manager living in Brisbane, earning $102,000 a year.

What are your weekly bills/expenses? Any savings? 

Kate

Gym membership: $17.99
Groceries: $65
Rent: $240
Phone bill: $27.50
Public transport: $40
Utilities (internet, electricity etc): $54
Health insurance: $25.50
Savings: $150

Total weekly costs: $619.99

Lee

Gym membership: $17.99
Groceries: $65
Rent: $240
Phone bill: $23
Netflix/Spotify/other subscription services: $76
Car/petrol: $16.50
Utilities (internet, electricity etc): $54
Car insurance: $33
Health insurance: $28.75
Savings: $400

Total weekly costs: $954.24

How much do you think you spend per week outside of bills and other expenses? What are your thoughts on your spending habits?

Kate: I'm trying to be very money-conscious at the moment, so outside of groceries, rent and bills, which Lee and I split down the middle, I probably spend around $150 a week. My most frequent purchase is definitely coffee! I buy coffee before work every day.

Lee: I reckon I spend between $200 and $300 a week. I earn a bit more than Kate, so I'm probably not as considerate as she is.

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Monday

Kate: I got a coffee before work ($4.40) and I made a trip to the pharmacy at lunch time and spent $13.99. I always try and get my regular prescription from a budget pharmacy near my work because otherwise it can be so expensive.

Lee: I bought lunch at work ($15.70) and I ordered a hat online which cost me $60.

Tuesday

Kate: I had my regular coffee ($4.40) before work and I put in $15 for a colleague's farewell present.

Lee: I bought lunch at work for $15. I also bought a bottle of water at the gym ($3.50).

MORE IN OUR 'WHAT WE SPEND' SERIES

- How a retired married couple from Western Australia live day-to-day
- How a Sydney journalist's finances compare with her partner's
- Gold Coast housemates reveal their weekly spending in lockdown
- How a couple in their late 20s spend their money

Wednesday

Kate: Coffee first, always! $4.40. Annoyingly I left my lunch in the fridge at home, so I had to go buy something at lunch time. I got a salad for $11.

It's a friend's birthday, so a girlfriend and I got her some flowers and split the cost. That ended up costing me $37. I also bought some makeup for $40.

Lee: I got a $90 parking fine today at work. I paid it immediately so I wouldn't have to stress about it later. Lunch cost me $12.

Thursday

Kate: I was home sick today and didn't spend a cent. I had a home-made coffee.

Lee: I brought lunch to work today, so saved a bit of money there. I ordered takeaway dinner for Kate and I tonight because she was sick and I wanted to cheer her up. That cost me $44.

Friday

Kate: Today was an extra-long work day so I ended up buying two coffees ($8.80) throughout the day. I bought a few groceries we needed and spent $36.99.

Lee: I bought lunch at work ($14). After work, I picked up a bottle of wine for Kate and I, which cost $42.

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Saturday

Kate: I went out for brunch with some girlfriends. I spent about $28. I always get something kind of fancy (this time it was corn fritters), because I know I won't make it myself at home. Plus a coffee always contributes to the cost!

Lee: I went out for beers with some friends. I spent around $90 all up including the Uber home.

Sunday

Kate: I bought a coffee ($4.40) and I got the new Sally Rooney book for $16. Pro tip: Google the book you want before you buy it! There's usually a shop selling it much cheaper than everywhere else.

Lee: I bought a bacon and egg roll this morning for $11. It one of those mornings.

Total weekly spend

Kate: $224.38 spending + $619.99 bills = $844.37 weekly

Lee: $397.20 spending + $954.24 bills = $1351.44 weekly

Final thoughts

Kate: I spent much more than I thought I would, but I don't feel like I splurged. I wouldn't normally buy books and makeup in one week. This exercise has made me realise that I should probably use the coffee machine we have at home instead of buying from a café every morning, but I genuinely love the social aspect of going to my local! I don't think I'd change anything about my spending habits.

Lee: I am pretty relaxed about what I spend, but this was eye-opening. I think Kate has the right idea meal-prepping each week, because she seems to save a lot of money by doing that. A lot of my money definitely goes towards lunches at work. Also the parking fine was an unexpected hit.

*Names changed for privacy.

If you would like to participate in 9Honey's What We Spend money diaries, please email airyan@nine.com.au.