where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.
I did not have many conversations with my parents about money. We talked loosely about saving up for things and donating money to our church congregation, but I didn’t know how we were doing financially or how to set aside money every month for big expenses. When I was very young, my family was on food stamps, but we always had enough to eat and I did not pick up on any stress.
9 p.m. — I get into bed early, snuggle my dog, read for a bit, and eventually fall asleep while listening to an audiobook.7 a.m. — I wake up and then go back to sleep. I had every intention of going to church today, but I feel kind of weird and sick and so I spend the morning sleeping in and watching TV.
7 p.m. — I preheat the oven and season some broccoli. While it heats up, I play on my Switch for a few minutes. This can only happen because my dog has actually relaxed and chewed on his bone, which is a rarity for him. I put the broccoli in the oven and cook the tilapia on the stove.6 a.m. — I wake up and have the normal case of the Mondays. I throw on some work clothes and take my dog on a 15-minute walk. I eat a Kodiak muffin for breakfast, scoop the cat litter, and head to the Metro station.
5:30 p.m. — I take my dog out on a walk and let him sniff a lot. We have been taking it easy because he is limping a little. I am not excited for another vet expense. I finalize some travel plans to visit a friend in March. I notice that Southwest is having another sale and so I change my flight to a different time, which credits me $77 for a future flight. I love Southwest!8:30 p.m. — I get in bed and play a few games of Wingspan on my Switch.