At 48, Larisa takes charge of her family’s finances, owning a rental condo for almost two decades. She meticulously tracks every dollar spent.
? Age: 48
? Location: Annapolis, MD
? Occupation: HR Director
? Marital Status: Married
? Annual Income: $375,000 (combined)
? Total Weekly Spending: $6,963
Larisa considers herself “the money person” in her household. She assesses her expenses weekly, maintains annual budget spreadsheets, and keeps tabs on her subscriptions. She even shares her budgeting techniques with friends to help them manage their finances.
“I genuinely enjoy it,” she mentioned, “even if that sounds odd to some.”
This particular week was unique, coinciding with spring break preparations and unexpected expenses like an AC repair for her rental property.
Day 1: Car Registration, Condo Repair, and Book Fair Funds
? Total Spent: $934.08
Monday started with a wave of bills. Larisa spent $204 on her husband's car registration, $425 for AC repairs at her rental condo, $248.32 on two cell phone bills, an EZ Pass refill, and $31.76 for her son’s book fair.
“These expenses were anticipated, except for the repair,” she noted, adding that she keeps a distinct checking account for rental income and expenses.
Larisa purchased the condo as her first home right after college. After marrying, they decided to rent it out and have been landlords for years. With a mortgage nearing its end and a property that has appreciated well, her financial outlook is bright.
Reflecting on her retirement plans, she joked, “Maybe I’ll return to the condo where it all began. Who knows?”
Day 2: $1,200 Water Bill and Sam’s Club Splurges
? Total Spent: $2,616.70
Tuesday was the week’s most expensive day. Larisa had her annual eye exam ($105 out of pocket after insurance) and two medical bills from previous visits ($76.71 and $80.88, both covered by her HSA). She also paid $68.56 for a condo escrow shortage, $386 for her husband’s car payment, $375 for a home equity line payment, and a $1,214 water assessment.
Then came the Sam’s Club visit. Larisa intended to buy just paper towels but left with strawberries, coffee, shorts, a swimsuit, and popcorn, totaling $107.68.
“I never seem to exit Sam’s with only one item, even though I plan to,” she said, explaining why she often opts for pickup or delivery instead. “I get distracted by all the fun items on display.”
Her day also included a $15 prescription at Walgreens, a $70.30 water bottle for her daughter’s Easter basket (including shipping), and a $117.63 emergency trip to Dick’s Sporting Goods for soccer cleats that didn’t fit.
“I usually compare prices before buying,” she mentioned. “But we had to act quickly for soccer.” She uses cashback services like Rakuten and Capital One Shopping when possible, a practice her kids have adopted too. “They always ask, ‘Mom, is it on sale? Is there a coupon?’”
Day 3: Cleaning Service, AppleCare, and a Manicure Before Vacation
? Total Spent: $453.20
Wednesday felt more routine. Larisa’s biweekly cleaning service costs $145 and is a non-negotiable expense she’s embraced for years. “Cleaning isn’t my favorite, and I cherish my weekends,” she admitted.
She also paid a quarterly security bill ($95.40) and AppleCare fees for three phones ($37.45), though she’s beginning to question the necessity of the coverage, especially for her aging iPhone 13.
Before her trip, she treated herself to a manicure and pedicure for $67 including tip, something she does monthly but still feels guilty about. “It feels unnecessary,” she reflected. “I sometimes wonder if I should just do it myself.”
The day closed with an $83.15 Old Navy order for her son’s new clothes, as he had outgrown last summer's wardrobe.
Day 4: Camp Fees, Dog Food, and Vacation Prep
? Total Spent: $601.96
Thursday was about logistics. Larisa realized she needed dog food before departing, ordering a large bag from Amazon for $84.72. A Target trip covered Easter basket goodies and coffee essentials, totaling $55.26.
She also paid $40 for a car wash ahead of the trip, a $338 summer camp fee (which her dependent care spending account will reimburse), purchased vacation clothes for her daughter totaling $37.93, and filled up at Sam’s Club gas station for $46.05, noting it typically has better prices.
Day 5: Kicking Off the Road Trip: Wawa, Gas, Buc-ee’s, and Lodging
? Total Spent: $1,365.71
Friday marked the start of their Florida spring break road trip. One car payment was automatically deducted ($925), and the family hit the road.
They first stopped at Wawa for lunch and snacks, costing $52.84. Although Larisa usually packs food, the week had been hectic, leaving her unprepared. Gas was $51.54, plus $12.65 for snacks and coffee.
Next was Buc-ee’s, a unique blend of gas station and grocery store that’s a family favorite. Her son bought a Buc-ee’s lunchbox and stuffed animal with his birthday and Christmas money, while her daughter got a bathing suit. They spent $110.40 on dinner, snacks, and souvenirs, which they consider a fun tradition. They also booked a hotel for the night at $213.27.
Day 6: The Last Leg: McDonald’s, Another Buc-ee’s, and Arrival in Florida
? Total Spent: $325.27
Saturday, they continued their journey to Florida. Breakfast from McDonald’s for the kids cost $16.06, while Larisa and her husband spent $21.87 at Starbucks. They made another stop at Buc-ee’s for gas ($55.84) and snacks ($43.13).
Upon arriving in Florida, Larisa’s grocery delivery from Walmart was split with her sister, totaling $153.69. They also shared a pizza for $34.63 on their first night.
Cost-sharing comes naturally for them. “One of us pays with a credit card, and we Venmo each other,” she explained. “It’s simple.”
Day 7: First Full Day in Florida
? Total Spent: $666.44
Sunday was their first full day of vacation. Larisa visited Publix for items missed by delivery ($43.72), stopped at a beer and wine shop for the week’s supplies ($35.13), had dinner out ($107 including tip), paid $20 for parking downtown, bought her son $10.59 in Roblox, and sent $450 via Venmo to the dog sitter for the entire trip.
Final Thoughts: Systems, Spreadsheets, and Getting Started
? Total Weekly Spend: $6,963
Was this an average week? Not at all. It included a hefty water bill, the rental repair, vacation preparations, and the start of a family getaway, all within a week. Yet Larisa feels she wouldn't change much.
“Everything felt manageable and planned,” she shared. “If it wasn't these expenses, it would have been something else.”
Larisa’s advice for women aiming for financial control is simple: know your income, understand your expenses, and take action. “For women especially, if you’re not handling the bills, you should at least be aware of the income and expenses,” she advised. “It’s always been important to me. Just start.”
