The cost of being: A ‘broke, hungry, stressed’ single mum working full time

As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a registered nurse outlines her financial situation.

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Gender: Female

Age: 41

Ethnicity: Pākehā

Role: Full time RN, full time single mother to two boys ages 8 and 12

Salary/income/assets: $109,000. Homeowner with $450,000 in debt.

My living location is: Urban

Rent/mortgage per week: $600

Student loan or other debt payments per week: $200

Typical weekly food costs

Groceries: $250 per week for one adult and two kids

Eating out: Never

Takeaways: Twice per year

Workday lunches: None

Cafe coffees/snacks: None

Savings: I have $4,500 in savings – this is from IRD working for families at the end of the year. I am not able to save on my own.

I worry about money: Always

Three words to describe my financial situation: Broke, hungry, stressed.

My biggest edible indulgence would be: Protein powder.

In a typical week my alcohol expenditure would be: Zero.

In a typical week my transport expenditure would be: Bus, $15. Petrol, $50. Parking, $12.50.

I estimate in the past year the ballpark amount I spent on my personal clothing (including sleepwear and underwear) was: Zero.

My most expensive clothing in the past year was: I haven’t been able to buy myself clothes in the past year.

My last pair of shoes cost: $350 for nice Asics that I only use for work. I work on my feet all day and have terrible plantar fascitis and Asics are the only ones that help with the pain. I actually got money from my parents for these as I couldn’t afford them on my own.

My grooming/beauty expenditure in a year is about: $85 per year for a haircut for myself.

My exercise expenditure in a year is about: $1,404. OK, this is a lot. But I am trying to get stronger for my kids.

My last Friday night cost: Nothing, we stayed home.

Most regrettable purchase in the last 12 months was: Nothing.

Most indulgent purchase (that I don’t regret) in the last 12 months was: New heater for the house. Had to take out a loan from the bank but being warm inside is essential. My kids’ health is the most important thing.

One area where I’m a bit of a tightwad is: Everywhere! We never eat out, go on trips or buy unnecessary things. Clothes are always secondhand, food is meticulously planned, and any activities have to be planned out way in advance.

Five words to describe my financial personality would be… Very conservative but absolutely necessary.

I grew up in a house where money was: Very tight.

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The last time my Eftpos card was declined was: Yesterday.

In five years, in financial terms, I see myself: In the same place. I am going back to school in February for postgrad studies to further my career and become a CNS, but will have to take out student loans which will add to my debt. Maybe after five years I will be able to take home more money.

I would love to have more money for: My kids’ activities, travel, some new clothes and to pay off debt faster.

Describe your financial low: Last week I went without dinner because I had no money. That doesn’t feel good at all. I had to buy food for the kids but couldn’t afford any for me.

I give money away to… No one unfortunately. ...