Welcome to The Purse, a newsletter about money and women and motherhood and careers and all that good stuff!
Before I get to today’s Home Economics, I just want to say a big thank-you to all of you who reached out, left a comment, and signed up as paid subscribers after reading last week’s newsletter. The response has been just amazing! I haven’t been doing a good job keeping up with the comments, but I’ve read them all, and I really do appreciate the feedback.
While I sometimes feel lonely, hearing from so many of you was a good reminder that I’m not alone. And I think we’re building such a special community here—one where people are kind but also honest, and they aren’t afraid to share their own experiences. I feel so lucky to be a part of it, and I’m excited about what the next year holds. I’ve also got a few new things in the works that I can’t wait to roll out over the summer. Stay tuned!
Just a reminder that paid subscribers now get access to an extra Home Economics each month. (The first one will go out on Saturday, June 22.) All paid subscribers will also be entered to win a monthly giveaway. This month, paid subscribers will get a chance to win a copy of Matt Schulz’s new book, Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More, along with the Revitalash Cosmetics Double-Ended Volume set (which includes primer and mascara)1.
Now onto this week’s Home Economics! And just a reminder, I’m always looking for new submissions.
You can fill out the form here!
Age: 32
Location: Chicago
Relationship status: Married (1 year this summer!)
Age of partner: 34
About me: I am originally from a small town in Colorado, and I moved to Chicago shortly after graduating college. I had never been to Chicago before moving here aside from a 12-hour visit for my job interview, but I completely fell in love with the city. I met my husband, a Chicago native, a year into living here, and we married last year in my hometown. I work as a financial analyst and have been with the same company for the past seven years. I love running on the lakefront path, listening to audio books, and hanging out with my cat.
Income:
Your job title/salary: Financial analyst, $95,000 plus ~$30K in bonus
Partner’s job title/salary: Chef, $65,000
Your monthly take-home pay (paycheck amount after taxes and other deductions): $4,551.61 (doesn’t include bonus)
Partner’s monthly take-home pay (paycheck amount after taxes and other deductions): $2,264.02
Additional monthly income (freelance/side hustle/rental property; include any that apply): ~$500 a month from my pet-sitting (house-sitting and drop-ins)
Total monthly take-home pay: $6,815.63 (doesn’t include pet-sitting side hustle)
