Welcome to Spending Notes, where we do a weekly deep dive into how our readers spend their cash.
Today: a global sales manager who makes $75,000 a year
Occupation: global sales manager
Age: 32
Location: Washington, D.C.
Salary: $75,000 (approx. $2,300 per pay period)
Day One
As a global sales manager for a company that manufactures paper products, I tend to travel back and forth between the U.S. and Canada. I coordinate everything from locating equipment to shipping products overseas.
And I work with both sales teams and help facilitate communication between them in order to ensure that operations run smoothly. I even get to work with the marketing team to streamline advertising efforts and ensure there’s a consistent message on both ends.
While Canada and the United States are both English-speaking countries, they have different markets and respond to promotions differently. Today, I bought a few travel-sized toiletries because I ran out.
Total: $14.82
Day Two
Since I’ve been going back and forth between countries, I’ve decided to check out a few of the online banks Canada has available. It might be beneficial to get a new credit card that doesn’t charge a fee for foreign financial transactions.
It’d be nice to have the ability to access everything through a mobile banking app, too. I am trying to find the best online bank that doesn’t require an annual fee or a monthly fee and came across a page at Wealth Rocket with a list of online banks.
Total: $0
Day Three
I got a cup of coffee on my way to work. The company has been looking into threat management software to improve its cybersecurity protocols. With the organization getting bigger and expanding its clientele, the risk of potential threats and breaches has increased.
LifeRaft is a platform that prevents security threats, cyberattacks, and data loss. Any company could benefit from implementing a security intelligence platform to identify any advanced threats and protect sensitive information.
Total: $4.50
Day Four
I’m leaving for Canada in a couple of weeks, so I went out to dinner with a couple of friends after work. Because my company sponsors me to work in Toronto, I have a work permit, and this document classifies me as a temporary resident and allows me to open a checking account in Canada.
Through Wealth Rocket, I found an online bank that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees or a monthly fee. It was free to open an account as long as I deposited a certain amount.
Total: $32.64
Day Five
At work, I make a few phone calls to improve client relations and ensure they’re satisfied with our products. Our manufacturing company sells eco-friendly and compostable paper products. Canada is the first market they’ve expanded to outside of the United States. That’s why it’s important to ensure that our system is protected from cyber threats or a security breach.
As a global sales manager, I try to maintain a positive professional relationship with everyone. Before I left work, I ordered groceries to get curbside pickup on my way home.
Total: $68
Day Six
My friend J. and I are cycling through the city today to get some exercise. Washington, D.C., is known for being bike-friendly. It’s a really great way to get around without having to get stuck in traffic. It’s also really nice to get some fresh air before it gets really cold. After the ride, we stopped by a cafe for drinks and lunch.
Total: $18.12
Day Seven
I just spent most of the day resting after yesterday’s long bike ride. I called my sister, T. She has been asking me to visit her in Connecticut because she just got a new dog. I ordered some new snow boots online.
Total: $145.22
Total for the week: $283.30
