WELL-SPENT: 'I’m 29, earn $105k and quit gel nails and injectables to afford flights overseas'

The 101 on affording a Euro-summer

Funding the holiday meant cutting back on some regular but unnecessary beauty costs. Image: Getty

In Body+Soul’s money series WELL-SPENT, we delve into the health and wellbeing budgets of everyday Australian women, and a snapshot of their lives.

Income: $150k

Profession: Public service executive 

Age: 29

Lives: Canberra, ACT

Housing situation: Renting a two-bedroom flat, $600 per week (split 50/50 with partner)

Relationship status: Long-term relationship

Total monthly health and wellness spend: $714

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You know how half of your entire Instagram feed seemed to be gallivanting across Europe this entire Northern Summer, and even as you enviously scroll up past post over post of bikinis and white-washed walls and Aperol Spritzes and Greek sunsets, all you can think is - ‘but how are they affording this?’

Well, that was me last year, but this year I was one of those smug Instagram posters, so I will explain precisely how I afforded it.

Firstly, I put a huge chunk of accommodation on credit - not all of it, but a lot of it, because I wanted to book in and make sure I didn’t miss out, and also, I didn’t want to scrimp on what was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

Secondly, my flight and spending money would amount to roughly $5000. So, I set myself the goal of finding that money inside my existing budget, which meant cutting back on some regular but unnecessary beauty costs.

The 29-year-old now focuses on skincare instead of injectables. Image: Pexels

Medication, therapy and supplements

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD, and as a result, I take slow-release medication that helps me focus across the day ($14 for a three-month supply). I also see an ‘ADHD coach’, who mentors me for success in my career and personal life through a neurodivergent framework. I see her once a month, and it costs me $130 per session.

I take a gut-support tonic to help heal the lining of my stomach after a lifetime of issues. I got onto it through Dr Zac Bush, who’s really into talking about the links between soil and the microbiome. It’s called ION* Gut Support, and it’s $61.20 for a two-month supply.

I pay for top-tier private health insurance because I want pregnancy coverage for when we start trying for kids in a year or two – that costs $370 per month, but I split the cost with my partner.

Total monthly medication, therapy and supplement spend: $351

Medication and supplements were non-negotiable. Image: Getty

Cosmetics and beauty treatments 

Brow lamination has changed my life. I get them done every ten weeks ($110), but I used to have regular tints in between ($30 every three weeks) that I gave away this time last year to try and save for the trip. Over the course of a year, that saved me $520, and instead, I use a home tinting kit from Woolworths ($20) that lasts about six months per pack! I am a massive fan of builder gel when it comes to nails - I used to religiously have them done every fortnight for $60 a pop, but I gave them up when I realised I could put away $1560 in a year with the savings.

This makes me sound like a vapid idiot (but whatever, it’s anonymous) – I have really missed getting Botox. I have very fair, dry Irish skin, and while 29 might sound young to be mucking around with injectables, I have some pretty hectic lines beginning to form on my forehead, and I loved the ‘tight’ look that Botox gives. I had lip-filler ($400) just before I went on my budget-tightening kick, and I think that had lasted until a few months ago when I started noticing it dissolve a little bit. I calculated that over the past year, I’d saved about $600 on Botox, which makes me feel better about the lines, and I’ve continued using my favourite Drunk Elephant retinol cream ($119 for a four-month supply) as well as Alpha-H Liquid Gold ($69 for a three-month supply).

I get my hair trimmed every six weeks. I have a short bob that requires a fair bit of maintenance, which costs me $150 per appointment, but I don’t colour my hair at all. I use Bondi Boost sea salt spray ($29.95 for a four-month supply), and whatever supermarket shampoo is on special!

Total monthly cosmetic and beauty treatment spend: $220

Fitness

I have a gym membership, which I use less frequently than I should – primarily for reformer Pilates classes. It costs me $33 per week, and I worked out that if I go at least twice, it’s a way better deal than paying per class. Honestly, I’ve been going through a lull in motivation since returning from Europe and need to revisit my fitness strategy!

Total monthly fitness spend: $143

Originally published as WELL-SPENT: 'I’m 29, earn $105k and quit gel nails and injectables to afford flights overseas'