May 2022 Expenditures

What I Spend in the Month of May as a 27-Year-Old Cybersecurity Vice President

When it comes to financial wellness, the goal is to have control and understanding over your money. There will be months where you spend less and others where you spend more. As long as you’re fully aware and still living within your means (not going into debt), you’re still winning. A couple of months ago, I talked about spending less money in certain areas and going for quality instead of (lower) prices for certain things. Let’s go into my major expenditures in May.

Treat Yo’ Self

May was the first month this year where I made significant purchases for myself. I thought the Louis Vuitton Card Holder was a big purchase back in January – I was wrong.

• Louis Vuitton – $2,930: I’ve been eyeing a new Louis Vuitton bag for this year, specifically for my birthday. The bag kept going out of stock. Eventually, I got the chance to reserve the bag and picked it up in Newport Beach. I inspected the bag when I picked it up but kept it in the box until my birthday this month. Expect another unboxing in the next few months!
• Golf Galaxy – $1,245: I decided to finally buy my own golf clubs after using Mario’s for a while, which is an issue for me because it’s sized for men. I’ve looked through eBay and OfferUp for used clubs but didn’t find a good set. I ended up buying a new set and I’m excited to take them out for some swings.

Health is Wealth

SoulCycle has been a worthwhile experience. I started back in October and have been going back every week because I enjoy pushing myself to keep up. Even though I’m not the best with sprints, I still try and I can say I’m better than I was before. My instructor, Diego, creates a positive and inclusive environment while being a great hype instructor. I spent $285 to add 10 classes to my account.

Transportation

Gas in Los Angeles hit $6.50 per gallon for premium in most places. Thankfully, I am not commuting to the office, so my driving is mostly for errands or personal activities. I’ve driven to Newport Beach in early May, which was a 100-mile round trip. I spent $160 on fuel, which doesn’t warrant me buying an electric vehicle at this time, especially when I don’t have car payments (debt-free life).

Everyday Living

Mindful spending means avoiding $2 stickers at Daiso and saving that money or buying something more useful for everyday living.

• Cash Withdrawl – $200: I ran out of cash for emergencies and withdrew $200 from the bank.
• Lululemon – $196: I became that person and bought some new workout clothes and golf outfits at Lululemon.
• Nordstrom Rack – $186: I wanted new heels because the one I have makes my feet numb within 5 minutes. I found wearing heels with a platform on the sole easier to deal with. I bought 2 heels and a casual sandal.
• Nordstrom – $155: I’m not as crazy into skincare as I was years ago with a # step process. I can live by with just a moisturizer. I’ve been using the Shiseido Vital Perfection cream and it does the job.
• Chanel – $97: While being in Newport Beach, I visited the Chanel boutique to pick up foundation and nail polish. Check out my latest haul.
• Bed, Bath, and Beyond – $79: A former manager recommended the SodaStream, an at-home sparkling water machine. You just load the CO2 cartridge and you’re set to create your own sparkling water or soda. I don’t drink soda, so I’ve been drinking sparkling water as-is. Better game changer than buying $1.29+CRV bottles at the market!
• Best Buy – $57: I used an Apple AirTag for my car and it has been a gamechanger when it comes to finding where I park and other potential emergencies. I bought another AirTag during this trip for my Louis Vuitton handbag (you can never be too careful) and a gift card for my friend’s child before going to their party. Am I at that age where I am now Auntie Nancy?

Good Eats

For the past couple of months, I’ve been cutting a lot of processed foods out of my diet and trying to go for a whole diet. On top of that, I’ve cut out coffee completely and reduced alcohol consumption to lighter beverages once per week. This has been a huge feat for me because I want to be better about taking care of my body. Destroying it with alcohol isn’t it. On top of this, I spend less money on coffee and alcohol.

• Whole Foods – $330: During May, I went a bit crazy with steaks. I bought a New York Strip Steak or Rib Eye Steak every week, and that added $$ to the bill. I mostly go to Whole Foods for meats. I became a regular to the point where the butchers recognize me, whoop. I usually eat beef or chicken in one meal per day.
• Trader Joe’s – $279: The joke about Trader Joe’s is that we love it, but have to go to a second store to get the rest of the things you need. This is very true for me – but I go to Trader Joe’s mostly for vegetables.
• Sugarfish – $174: It is crazy how I used to hate Sugarfish and now, I love this place. Worth it.
• Opus Sushi – $135: Every time I go to Arcadia, I always pass by Opus Sushi. This place is a hole in the wall, located in a fairly outdated plaza, but has high-quality cuts of fish. When Mario and I went, the table next to us ordered a whole yellowtail fish and an entire tray of sea urchins.

Overall, I spent close to $8000 in May. I had two major purchases and a ton of smaller purchases that simply added up. It’s easy to rack up $100 with a few payments to places. On top, eating out is expensive these days. Table for two can surpass $100 considering today’s inflation. I did activities such as going to Erewhon for the lulz and spent $19 on a few things. I also spent $30 on a battle pass for two games. Some lifestyle activities cost money, and as long as you’re happy and within your means, it’s all good.

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