Welcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash.
Today, an executive assistant who makes $65,000 a year at an IT company in Carson, California, tells us about her timeless splurges.
Occupation: Executive Assistant
Age: 29
Location: Carson, California, US
Salary: $65,000 (approx. $2,500 per pay period)
Day One
My Monday started out with a white chocolate macchiato from my favorite coffee shop in Carson. I then proceeded to walk to work because I live three blocks away from it. On my way to work, I walked by a construction site and it occurred to me that we should probably hire a confined space rescue team to give my team training on the subject. The trained professionals will teach us how to go into confined spaces to get people to safety before tragedy strikes. I left the construction scene and arrived at work just in time for my first meeting of the day.
Total: $9.54
Day Two
Today for lunch, I went to BO-beau Kitchen with a couple of executives that were talking about something they called the Holy Trinity of watches. They were mentioning how the “big three” were the peak of watchmaking, luxury, and innovation. These three watches include the Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and the Vacheron Constantine. They couldn’t stop admiring these luxurious watches and their hand-finishings and implementation of the finest materials.
Total: $27.80
Day Three
On Wednesdays, I usually treat myself to some ramen from Zabon Ramen over at the Carson Western Center. They make the best Japanese ramen bowls in all of Carson. I couldn’t go out for lunch today, so I’m headed there now after work. This time, I ordered a Shoyu Ramen and I swear I will come back again tomorrow because of how delicious it tastes.
Total: $14.39
Day Four
It’s Thursday after work, and I’m headed out to pick up my friend P. to go to a soccer game at the Dignity Health Sports Park. She’s a fan of the LA Galaxy team, and they’ll be playing tonight against the Minnesota United FC team. I have no idea how these games go, but she tells me they’re a lot of fun.
Total: $105.22
Day Five
It’s finally Friday, and I’m ready to party! I’m heading out with my girls to Southland Bar and then over to The Blind Donkey to conclude the night. We’re at Southland Bar right now, and their happy hour is amazing. We’ve already jammed to a bunch of songs, so we’re heading out to The Blind Donkey in an Uber. When we got there, it was completely different from what we were expecting. This bar is located underground and is dimly lit as if it were a Prohibition-era speakeasy. We love the music and the drinks, but it’s 1:30 in the morning, and we’re ready to leave.
Total: $76.53
Day Six
I woke up today feeling a bit dizzy from last night, but I’m going to make the best of it and have some brunch with my bestie, Z. She picked me up at my apartment, and now we’re headed to The Breakfast Bar over at Long Beach. I ordered a Breakie Sammie, and Z. ordered some BB Sliders. I’m impressed at how perfect the sandwich was, so I’m definitely coming back again soon.
Total: $28.55
Day Seven
It’s Sunday morning at last, and I’m ready to just watch my favorite Netflix show and chill for the rest of the day. The weather is getting colder, so I’m on Amazon searching for a cute coat I can wear to walk to work.
Total: $72.98
Total for the week: $335.01
