Welcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash.
Today: a human resources manager who makes $75,000 a year
Occupation: human resources manager
Age: 37
Location: Charleston, SC
Salary: $75,000 (approx. $2,300 per pay period)
Day One
Working in human resources has its fun moments. Today, I helped two new employees with onboarding. They completed paperwork and showed me some documents. We went over a few company procedures, then I directed them to their direct reports. After that, I went over payroll and made sure all of the paychecks are set to go out later this week. When I got home, I noticed that my partner, J., bought some candles. We’ve been trying to make our home feel cozier.
Total: $0
Day Two
A couple of years ago, J. and I bought our home. And as homeowners, we want to establish the perfect cleaning plan and need power-wash and window-cleaning services. We decided to contact Labor Panes Charleston for pressure washing and window cleaning. They use an exclusive streak-free cleaning formula and even get the inside of the windows. Their technicians are the ultimate professionals when it comes to exterior cleaning services. I requested a free quote online. Then, I spent the evening shopping online for new workwear. Sometimes, I just like to freshen up my wardrobe a little. It makes me feel confident and like I can handle any work issue that comes my way. I ended up buying a new silk blouse and some trousers.
Total: $168.44
Day Three
Today, I talked to a few employees about our benefit programs. I also published a new job posting on a few career sites because we have an open position at the company. The day flew by pretty quickly. After work, I met up with my friends D. and S. for drinks. We’ve been best friends for over 10 years. We caught up and hung out for the night and ordered a few appetizers, too.
Total: $32
Day Four
I contacted a few applicants for the job posting and set up a couple of phone interviews. There are a few promising candidates, which is really great for us. On my lunch break, I went out. I love having Starbucks once in a while to try new drinks. Their seasonal options are always really sugary and delicious, which is how I like my coffee. I also got a breakfast sandwich.
Total: $12
Day Five
The administrative team needed some help with a task today. As the human resources manager, I like to help them out when I’m ahead at work. Next year, the company is planning to release a monthly magazine recapping the previous month’s accomplishments and events. They were in search of a magazine creator that allows you to design from a template. It’s also a great way for advertisers to be a part of it. I found Lucidpress, which allows you to design a print or digital magazine with the use of a template. You can even save it as a PDF and post the online magazine on social media. I picked up takeout on the way home to celebrate the end of the week. J. absolutely loves burgers, so I opted for that.
Total: $23.88
Day Six
J. got in touch with a member of the Labor Panes team, and they’ve worked out a day for window washing and pressure washing. Later in the day, we went shopping at our local outlet mall, and I found a really cute denim jacket at a great price. I’m expecting it to last.
Total: $46
Day Seven
I decided to go online to browse for a floor lamp. We’ve been in need of one in the living room area to brighten up the space. I found one that’s affordable and has clean lines.
Total: $67
Total for the week: $349.32
