How Much Does It Really Cost You to Live? Here Are My Numbers.
Smart women know their fixed expenses. Period.
I used to feel like I was drowning in financial fog. I didn’t know how much I owed, how much I needed, or what was even coming in consistently. Getting crystal clear on my fixed expenses changed everything. It was the beginning of feeling powerful with my money instead of passive.
Here’s the one number we want every Wealthkind woman to know:
What percentage of your income goes to your fixed expenses?
Fixed expenses are the bare-bones basics you need to live every month. Think rent, utilities, cell phone and internet bill, health insurance - any anything else you refuse to go without.
Your fixed expenses should generally represent about 50-60% of your income. That gives you enough breathing room to save, invest, and dream bigger.
If your fixed costs eat up most (or all) of your income, it’s no surprise if money feels stressful. Knowing the number is your first step toward reshaping it.
I’m obsessed with knowing other people’s numbers (is that weird?) so I decided to show you my fixed costs. When we know other people’s numbers we can get ideas for how to save in certain areas. Below is a snapshot of our family of 3’s monthly fixed expenses (me, my husband, and our 1-year-old daughter).
💡 Therapy is non-negotiable for me — a core investment in mental and emotional wellbeing.
💡 My housekeeper has been with us for 8 years — she’s a pillar of our family rhythm and my peace of mind.
It is so important to know how much it costs you to live each month.
When you know your fixed costs, you can:
✨ Determine how much to keep in your emergency fund (start with 3–12 months of fixed expenses in a high-yield savings account)
✨ Make money decisions with clarity, not guesswork
I moved to Mexico eight years ago for two reasons:
People here are joyful and present.
My financial life can thrive here.
I’d love to hear from you! How much do you spend on fixed expenses? Did the number surprise you? Have you ever considered moving to another country? If so, where?
