Welcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash.
This week, we’re tagging along with a Systems Analyst who makes $75,000 per year to get an insight into his eventful spending.
Occupation: Systems Analyst
Age: 37
Location: Washington, DC
Salary: $75,000 per year (approx. $2,800 per pay period)
Day One
It’s Monday, and as tough as my job gets on Mondays, I know I deserve to game the night away in the comfort of my home. I bought the best gaming controller for Xbox, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, on my way home, so you know it’s going to be a great night for gaming. I can’t wait to test out the smooth and magnetic joystick and D-pad features, as well as use the shorter hair-trigger locks to beat my friends on the virtual battlefield. This wireless controller looks and feels luxurious and surpasses my expectations on Xbox controllers so far. Let’s see how the unboxing goes!
Total: $189.74
Day Two
It’s Tuesday, and work hasn’t slowed down one bit. So I decided to treat myself and went out for lunch at Hinata Sushi Bar. I went with a few friends and ordered a Firecracker Roll and a seaweed salad, and to help digest my meal, I drank some ginger ale. Unfortunately, I had to get back to work fast afterward because I almost missed a meeting, so instead of taking the Metro, I ordered an Uber.
Total: $28.67
Day Three
Today, I decided to meet with my friend P. for a 4DX movie at the Regal Gallery Place after work. It’s been a while since I had been to the movies because I’m more of a stay-at-home kind of fella, but P. convinced me otherwise. So I bought popcorn and drinks for both of us and enjoyed the night. After the movies, I headed straight home to catch up on my Zs.
Total: $45.76
Day Four
Thursdays are happy hour nights at Old Ebbitt Grill, so as I usually do, I ordered some oysters at half-price and a pan-seared swordfish along with a couple of cocktails. The night got even better when I bumped into my old high-school friend L. He bought a couple of rounds of draft beers. After that, I took the Metro home and prepared my Friday outfit for tomorrow.
Total: $78.34
Day Five
It’s finally Friday, and my coworkers and I decided to watch a stand-up comedy show at D.C. Improv Comedy Club on Connecticut Avenue. I ordered a DC Swiss Burger and a draft beer for the night and called an Uber to get back home. Since I’m not ready for bed just yet, I decided to play some Xbox with my Elite controller.
Total: $101.43
Day Six
Saturday is here at last, and I didn’t wake up in time for breakfast, thanks to last night’s series of events. So I decided to go for a DC rooftop brunch at Takoda down on Florida Avenue. I love going here for weekend brunches because they offer bottomless mimosas and a delicious brunch menu. This time around, I had a smoked salmon bagel and eggs benedict with bacon along with a couple of mimosas. Unfortunately, I had to go alone this time because my sister canceled on me, but next weekend, we’re probably going for some chocolate chip waffles at Takoda.
Total: $68.04
Day Seven
Last but not least, I decided to order some groceries from Instacart and a new Xbox game because I can’t get enough from my new Elite controller. It’s been a super chill Sunday, so I decided to stay home today and enjoy the calm before the storm (also known as Monday).
Total: $150.23
Total for the week: $662.21
