What We Spend: How a couple in their late 20s with vastly different incomes 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 Jenna and Paul*, a young NSW couple with significantly different incomes, spend their money during a week.

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The couple

Jenna: 28-year-old Communications and Content Specialist living in Sydney, making $88,000 a year.

Paul: 29-year-old Tech Sales Manager, making $185,000 a year.

What are your weekly bills/expenses? Any savings? 

Jenna:

Gym membership: $29
Groceries: $100
Rent: $325
Utilities (internet, electricity etc): $52
Netflix/Spotify/other subscription services: $12.50
Health insurance: $25.50
Savings: $200

Total weekly costs: $744

Paul:

Gym membership: $17.50
Public transport: $15
Groceries: $65
Rent: $325
Phone bill: $23
Netflix/Spotify/other subscription services: $14
Car/petrol: $14.50
Utilities (internet, electricity etc): $52
Health insurance: $25.75
Savings: $1250

Total weekly costs: $1801.75

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

Jenna: Most likely $150-$250 depending on what is on. For example, if I need a cute outfit and a nice bottle of rosé, ASAP!

Paul: I'm in the same ballpark — something between $150-$250 a week on top of bills, unless (outside of lockdown) I have something significant on, like a festival/wedding/trip etc.

Monday

Jenna: We needed to get groceries for the week so it was $126 for two of us, which is about average for us. I got Paul and I coffees too because it's Monday and our brains are a wee bit tired from the weekend. That cost $12. 

Paul: Apart from the groceries I spent $12 on a sports-based streaming app.  

Tuesday

Jenna: I caved and got an iced coffee for $5. 

Paul: Today is monthly phone bill day! $93 for that. Other than that I let my wallet rest. 

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

Wednesday

Jenna: I didn't spend any money today, I was too swamped with meetings and calls for work I didn't have a chance to leave my desk.

Paul: It's one of my mate's 30th coming up so I chucked in $50 for that.

Thursday

Jenna: Today was rough so I decided to treat myself to something from The Iconic — some fluffy ugg slides. They've been on my wishlist for ages but they finally came on sale for $100 (reduced from $150 fyi!).

Paul: I didn't spend anything today, thanks to my trusty budget!

Friday

Jenna: As this is my favourite day of the week, I skipped over to the bottle shop to get some provisions for both Paul and I, $60. 

Paul: Jenna was kind enough to get beers for us. I mean, it was her round but still, so kind! I got myself some NFL New Orleans Saints merch. The season is approaching so I decided to grab a new beanie for $50.

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Saturday

Jenna: I went off to get some artisan sourdough from a Sydney fave, which cost $8. I needed to get a few fun snacks for the afternoon and evening at the local IGA, which came to $15.

Paul: I got a bottle of whiskey for $50.

Sunday

Jenna: I went out for breakfast with Paul and he paid! So I guess today is another free day for me!

Paul: I paid for breakfast for Jenna and I, which came to $50. We usually get takeaway once a week, so we got some Thai from a local restaurant for $65.

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Total weekly spend

Jenna: $200 spending + $744 bills = $944 weekly

Paul: $265 spending + $1801.75 bills = $2066.75 weekly

Final thoughts

Jenna: I am not surprised, to be honest. This week, like many, I just gave up towards the end and became the lazy person my mother fears. But hey, at least I got new fun slippers in the process!

Paul: I'm not really shocked since I have perfected my budgeting system and, as Jenna says, I'm a "Virgo", whatever that means. But I've found this process very interesting!

*Names changed for privacy.

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