Welcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash.
Today: a personal assistant who makes $50,000 a year
Occupation: personal assistant
Age: 24
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Salary: $50,000 (approx. $1,620 per pay period)
Day One
I’ve been working as a personal assistant to a real estate investor for a little over a year. This is the industry I want to pursue, and it’s great to be able to learn from an investor firsthand. My job is fun, and I get along with my boss, T., really well. I do everything from administrative work to personal tasks. Our team only has two other people, C. and R., but we get the job done! I got a large iced coffee on my way to work.
Total: $3.50
Day Two
T. mentioned that her sister’s birthday was coming up and asked me to send over a succulent delivery gift. This is one of those personal tasks I was talking about, where it may not have anything to do with real estate but is still part of my job. I think getting a plant as a birthday gift is such a great idea! Who wouldn’t want a succulent delivery from Lively Root at their doorstep? The state of Arizona is known for succulent plants, so it’s really fitting. And with free shipping, cactus plants really do make for the perfect gift. I got another iced coffee on my way to work.
Total: $3.50
Day Three
One of T.’s properties needs roof repairs. So, I spent the morning searching for the top roof repair in Phoenix and found KY-KO Roofing. This property wasn’t a new construction and is a bit of a fixer-upper. Thankfully, KY-KO Roofing does roof repairs and roof replacements at a fair price. They’re apparently the go-to roofing company in Phoenix and the surrounding area. So, I took the liberty of contacting them. The best part is that they can do a free inspection. I went ahead and scheduled that. On the way home, I picked up a few groceries.
Total: $38
Day Four
I went out to a bar with my friend L. after work. We’ve been having a busy couple of weeks and really wanted to catch up on each other’s lives. We met at a real estate event about six months ago and immediately clicked. I told her about Lively Root and the succulent delivery I got for T.’s sister. She mentioned wanting one for her birthday, too. Someone at the bar sent drinks over to our table, so I only paid for one throughout the night. L. paid for our appetizers, so I didn’t end up spending much.
Total: $10
Day Five
My roommate, J., mentioned she was craving McDonald’s, and I instantly gave in to her cravings. It was 10 P.M., and we wanted to stay up late. So, I volunteered to get hot fudge sundaes and french fries while we caught up on “Real Housewives.” These nights are not uncommon for us. This is the best time of year for Phoenix, as it’s not too hot or cold.
Total: $6
Day Six
The roofing repair is being inspected at the property today, and R. is there to oversee that. T. told me about some closing processes that have changed recently. I also had to pick up her dry cleaning and help her find an outfit for an upcoming event. Finding things for her work wardrobe is one of my favorite personal tasks. I ended up finding something for myself, too.
Total: $47
Day Seven
It’s my day off, and I don’t plan on doing much. I might do a yoga video and read up on closing costs. Sometimes, I just like to scroll through homes on Zillow and act like I have money to buy them.
Total: $0
Total for the week: $108
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