As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a solo parent who was recently made redundant worries they may soon have to sell their house. This instalment of The Cost of Being is brought to you by Westpac.

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Gender: Female.

Age: 46.

Ethnicity: NZ-born European / Chinese.

Role: Just made redundant.

Salary/income/assets: Was $180,000 pa, now zero. Have a mortgage on a central Auckland home.

My living location is: Urban.

Rent/mortgage per week: $1,165 per week – I’m a solo parent with one child and a dog, so I pay for it all.

Student loan or other debt payments per week: Credit card and hire purchase – $100.

Typical weekly food costs

Groceries: Approximately $300 per week, but always seem to be topping up for school lunches etc.

Eating out: Once a week, something low key and cheap for a change.

Takeaways: It’s usually fakeaways – something like home made burgers and hand cut chips.

Workday lunches: When working it was $10-$12 on something from an average cafe, now I’m unemployed it’s a cheese and lettuce sandwich and coffee at home.

Cafe coffees/snacks: Minimal, but once or twice a week will stop at a bakery for convenience.

Other food costs: Wine! $20 per week.

Savings: Zero – I just can’t afford to save anything with the cost of living.

I worry about money: Always.

Three words to describe my financial situation: Highly anxious… if I don’t find a job soon, I’ll have to sell the house and move in with my parents – not a great option given I’m 46 and have a child.

My biggest edible indulgence would be: I love to dine out, but do need to be measured about how often – Auckland restaurant month menus allowed for a delicious dinner at Origine for $45.

In a typical week my alcohol expenditure would be: $20-$30.

In a typical week my transport expenditure would be: Petrol, $80 on average weekly.

I estimate in the past year the ballpark amount I spent on my personal clothing (including sleepwear and underwear) was: $2000 – I’d love to shop more but can’t afford to.

My most expensive clothing in the past year was: After I got burgled, I splurged on a ring for $1,100 (thanks to insurance).

My last pair of shoes cost: $120, Adidas Originals SL72.

My grooming/beauty expenditure in a year is about: $1,200 – I’m low maintenance because I can’t afford to be anything more.

My exercise expenditure in a year is about: $50 – it’s easy to see why I’m so unfit 🤦🏻‍♀️

My last Friday night cost: $40 – the cost of Ubers and dinner at a friend’s house.

Most regrettable purchase in the last 12 months was: My power bill and council rates – essential, but excruciating to pay for.

Most indulgent purchase (that I don’t regret) in the last 12 months was: A ski trip to Queenstown last winter.

One area where I’m a bit of a tightwad is: Myself – home ownership and solo parenting is a challenging combo.

Five words to describe my financial personality would be: Struggling to prepare for the future.

I grew up in a house where money was: Super tight, and not talked about. But we knew there wasn’t enough. No planning for retirement.

The last time my Eftpos card was declined was: Last week.

In five years, in financial terms, I see myself: Selling the house to afford to live / affording today to afford retirement. Downsizing.

I would love to have more money for: Holidays and treats!

Describe your financial low: Right now – unemployed, and the job market is the worst I’ve ever seen it. I’m anticipating my next job to pay 50% of the last one, just so I can have one.

I give money away to: Charities on occasion, but I can’t afford to really.