‘I Can't Save A Penny With This Salary’

A kindergarten cook honestly tells about her income and expenses.

A resident of Baranavichy, who works as a cook in one of the kindergartens, told intex-press.by how much she earns, spends on food and why she does not buy anything for herself:

- Ever since I was a child I liked to help my mother cook. Sometimes I cooked a substantial meal. Therefore, I made my choice quickly.

I worked as a cook in a canteen after graduation from a technical college. I used to work in the Chernobyl zone for a while. After practical training, I have been working in a kindergarten for more than twenty years.

I knew that chefs don't earn much, so I didn't expect a high salary. When I lived with my husband (I am divorced now) it was better to get two salaries. And I spent my earnings as I wanted.

Now I work full-time and get about 600 rubles on hand. I don't go hungry for that kind of money.

Utilities come first

Usually, my salary distribution is as follows: I pay the utility bills first. I spend about 160 rubles on it. I have a two-room apartment. In winter, I pay even more - a decent amount goes for heating.

I have no Internet at home. I use my cell phone. Every month I spend 30 rubles on my cell phone.

"I take a lunchbox with me. It's a more money-saving option".

I spend most of my salary on food: about 250 rubles a month. I do not buy products in large quantities. How much do I need alone? Run out of cereal - went and bought a package. I do not buy in. What is the point? I only buy a little pork or poultry to have at least something in the fridge in case someone drops into me. Or to feed my grandchildren when they come.

I always take a lunchbox to work. It's a more money-saving option. Especially since cooks are not allowed to leave the workplace until the workday is over. I usually take a sandwich, so I always try to have a slice of sausage in my fridge.

I also buy tea and coffee and some sweets. It costs 15 rubles.

Another expense item is bus fare. My job is a bit far from my home. And sometimes I have to go into town. That's why I take a bus pass every month.

"I used to renew my closet every month"

I don't buy outerwear or shoes at all now. I wear what I have.

When I lived with my husband, I renewed my closet every month. I had the opportunity to buy good quality things: leather shoes, and clothes made of good fabrics. Now my clothes are things that my daughter sometimes gives me. We wear the same size things.

From time to time, I buy an inexpensive T-shirt if I manage to save some money.

"Children usually give perfume"

I spend about 50 rubles on household chemicals, skincare and decorative cosmetics.

I have long hair. I take hair care products monthly. I usually track promotions. When I'm short of cash, I can get the cheapest shampoo and balm.

I buy decorative cosmetics rarely and choose the cheapest. My children usually give me perfume or eau de toilette.

I do manicures and pedicures myself to save money. However, I always go to a hairdresser. It costs 50 rubles.

I go to cafes with friends rarely. It's expensive. Girls usually come to me and always bring something with them. I always have tea and coffee at home.

"I dream of renovating my apartment when I retire".

I can't save any money with this salary now. Not a penny at all! If there is an extra ruble, I try to save it for the birthday of my grandchildren. I have two of them.

I hope for the best. I am about to retire and hope that I will have a job. Then I'll save something and do repairs in the apartment. I've been dreaming about it for a long time.