My weekly spending
While many of this Sydney local’s costs are shared with his partner, the day-to-day figures outlined below are ones he’s paid for over the course of a week.
Monday: $1060
We have three dogs and our latest addition has to get some teeth extracted. The vet picks her up early in the morning and, when she returns, gives me a bill for $860 for the procedure, plus a further $200 for a blood test. Our pets are probably our biggest expense.
Tuesday: $0
On an average week, I spend $250 on petrol. Not this week though, as the car has stayed parked in the driveaway – so I’m spending far less there.
Wednesday: $130
We visit the supermarket most days rather than doing a weekly shop and my quick stop this morning costs $130 for basics.
Thursday: $510
Another supermarket visit ($63 this time for ingredients for dinner), and then I do a dog food order that comes to $420 for three 20kg bags. I throw in a new dog chew toy for $27 because they’re spoilt and I’m a softie.
Friday: $70
I skip buying my usual $15 lunch and make something at home, redirecting that money toward Friday night takeaway from a local Chinese restaurant instead.
Saturday: $86
Aside from the gym (my weekly membership is $26), most of my activities today are free. This weekend is all about puppy potty training. It’s going well, so my partner and I get Mexican food delivered for $60.
Sunday: $0
Today I’m happy to just lay on the couch and watch movies. There are plenty of leftovers in the fridge and no need to go out – I don’t spend a cent.
Total spend: $1856
The expert view: Protect your income and build a pet buffer
For Karen Eley, certified money coach at Women Talking Finance, this diary highlights the ultimate vulnerability of being a sole trader. “When a physical injury stops work, your cashflow instantly faces a stress test,” she explains, though she praises his strategic use of a secondary business to weather the current storm.
To ease the immediate financial pressure, Eley’s first step is to hunt for hidden safety nets. She urges the diarist to check if he’s entitled to any income protection insurance benefits. “If you don’t have a policy of your own, it could be tucked within your super fund.”
Then looking ahead, Eley recommends tackling hefty pet expenses by setting up a dedicated ‘dog fund’ to buffer against future vet bills. And while cash flow is tight, she suggests being watchful of store-bought treats and impulse spending. “Just until you have more funds coming in,” she says.
