A Week in New Jersey on a $65,000 Salary
On October 13, 2021 by Sarah WellsWelcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash.
Today: an event planner who makes $65,000
Occupation: event planner
Age: 52
Location: Hoboken, NJ
Salary: $65,000 (approx. $2,500 per pay period)
Day One
I’ve moved a few times in my life, and it’s invariably difficult. So, I’m especially glad to be a business owner these next few weeks. It’s easier to meet with realtors, contractors, and other pros at a moment’s notice when you set your own schedule! Or, like today, I can take the afternoon to stock up on moving boxes. Even still, I’ll gladly take convenience where I can get it, like in my box truck rental. Normally, finding a box truck, cargo van, or even pickup truck is one of the most frustrating parts of the moving process. But, this time, I came across a company called Fluid Truck, which specializes in budget truck rental made easy.
Total: $27
Day Two
My moving agenda is minimal today, so my day is focused instead on my normal efforts: planning great parties for my clients. It’s sometimes hard to believe that I only started this company a little over a year ago! But, occasionally, I stumble across a new-to-me tool that reminds me that I really am a beginner. Today, that discovery was a basketball hoop rental opportunity I found while planning a birthday party. How exciting is that? After work, I pick up dinner for my husband, B., and I, which we eat while watching our favorite television program.
Total: $33
Day Three
Today, I’m planning my first bachelorette party, which is loads of fun. I had no idea that Hoboken had so many exciting activities! I stop by my favorite deli for lunch, then call a few clients to discuss their upcoming events. With a hard day’s work in, I head home, where B. has spaghetti and meatballs waiting, with a generous loaf of garlic bread perfectly toasted. I knew I made the right choice in marrying him 30 years ago!
Total: $16.50
Day Four
My Thursday begins at home, where I work while waiting on the cleaner I hired. We’ll soon be starting showings in our current home, so we want it in tip-top shape! I eat some leftover spaghetti for lunch, then plan a few other events to finish the workday. B. and I watch TV after dinner.
Total: $300
Day Five
Since it’s Friday, I’m settling in to finish as much work as possible to leave my weekend free. In this case, that includes planning a corporate holiday party, a bridal shower, and a family reunion. After, B. and I meet up for our weekly date night at a local diner. We’ve been splitting their fry platters for decades!
Total: $19.50
Day Six
Like most weekends, B. and I head to the local park before we run the necessary errands—picking up his workwear from the dry cleaner, refilling any prescriptions that need it, then heading to the four o’clock church service. From there, we head to a local restaurant with our friends and fellow parishioners, J. & J. and B. and K. We’ve been following this same after-mass ritual for years, and it hasn’t failed us yet.
Total: $63
Day Seven
Sunday is another day that follows a ritual, with B. getting up early to meet friends on the golf course. I get up myself and enjoy a light breakfast of toast and hot tea before heading to the supermarket to pick up our groceries for the week. I meet some friends for lunch, then head home for a quiet night in.
Total: $112
Total for the week: $571