Today, as part of Your Spending In Your State: a gaming analyst working in entertainment who makes $50,000 per year and spends some of her paycheck this week on a Tequila Sunrise.

Occupation: Gaming Analyst
Industry: Casino/Entertainment
Age: 24
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Salary: $50,000
Paycheck Amount (Biweekly): $1,495.36

Monthly Expenses
Rent: $0. (I moved back in with my parents post-college and, fortunately, they don't believe in making me pay rent...yet.)
Health Insurance: $0. (I'm on my parents' plan.)
Student Loan Payment: $350
Car Loan Payment: $397.25 
Car Insurance: $184.43
Netflix: $10.99
ICloud Storage: $2.99
Gym Membership: $17.95
401(k): ~$57 per paycheck
Roth IRA: $500
Savings: $500-$1,000, based on how much “fun money” I spend per month.

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

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NOW WATCH: Why you should never release your pet goldfish into the wild

• A 27-year-old male sugar baby shares his experience, which includes having his rent and gym membership covered by a sugar mama.
• He tried dating platforms like Tinder and Bumble for five months before he looked into sugar dating. 
• His current arrangement is with a 46-year-old woman who gives him around $3,300 a month. 
• He views his arrangement as more than just paying something, but wouldn't consider it a full-blown relationship. 

In our last three interviews with sugar babies, we talked to women who treat their relationships like jobs, plan on marrying their sugar daddies, and consider it to be sex work.

In our fourth interview, we talk with a male sugar baby, whose sugar mamma pays his rent and gym membership. Ahead, how one 27-year-old man feels about being a sugar baby.

Where do you live?

"I grew up in Long Island, and I spent a few years in NYC after I graduated college. I moved out to San Francisco, and it’s been about two-and-a-half years. I’m doing my masters in finance, and I work as a barista right now.

"I moved out to SF not knowing if I was going to get my masters or not, but I wanted to move to the West Coast. Still, I didn’t know a ton of people. I’ve always been pretty active in dating, so I started looking at different platforms two months into living here."

What platforms were you on?

"I did Tinder; I did Bumble, and then I waited probably five months until I tried Arrangement.com. I was reading stories about various dating platforms with the sugar daddy and sugar mommy concepts, so I decided to give it a shot.

"At first I was really skeptical about how the platform would work. I didn’t even know about these arrangement sites until I moved out here. I had no idea people went on this site as a younger guy looking for women with money. Then I saw one or two stories that highlighted a similar situation that I’m in, and I thought, well, let’s try to give it a shot."

What would you say is the difference between Tinder, Bumble, and these sugar baby sites?

"The biggest difference with Tinder is that it’s so much easier to tell people how you met your date. Like, Hey I met this girl on Tinder and I took her out. But that changes drastically when you meet someone on Arrangement.

"I also think in general, with the girls I’ve dated in the past, you go on the first date and you don’t expect a ton from it. You play this game where you put your best foot forward, and you look at how everything goes and reassess after that. When you’re going on an Arrangement date, it’s like, something could potentially happen here. You feel more confident knowing that someone is going to be like, 'Hey I’m going to pay for your apartment.'"

When you dated on Tinder and Bumble, did you pay for the dates?

"In the past, I've always paid for everything on dates — drinks and dinner. So this is a completely opposite approach for me.

"I don’t feel like every person I date going forward is going to have to pay for me, and I've definitely felt weird sometimes. I have gotten more comfortable with the arrangement at this point, but I understand how it looks from the outside."

Did you offer to pay on your first Seeking Arrangement date?

"I actually did offer to pay for the bill, which looking back, didn't make sense. She didn’t let me. The second one I got a little smarter. I did the wallet reach on both those dates, and I genuinely would have paid, but now I don’t even do the wallet reach anymore."

Tell me about your first date from the site.

"I didn’t really know what I was doing. It was like dinner and a drink, and that was really it, to be honest with you. Everyone always thinks there’s going to be more details, but they were just dates. The second date I had was with a different woman, and it was her first time using the site. And it was the same — dinner and drinks. Not too exciting as far as perks.

"I’ve only been on the platform for about a year — maybe 11 months. This is the third arrangement I’ve done, and sometimes I forget where I met her and how long it’s been going on."

So who is your current arrangement? What are the terms?

"The woman I see is divorced with one kid and has a pretty good job. She works in tech, and she’s 46 — her birthday is actually next month.

"Right now she pays for my apartment in San Francisco, which is amazing — I live in the Marina right now — and a membership for my gym. I pay for a trainer and SoulCycle. My rent comes to $3,000 a month, which is so much more than I paid in New York. And with the gym membership, she gives me around $3,300 a month. I’ve also been to Miami and Cancun with her, and we have one more vacation planned."

How did these terms come about?

"The rent was specifically an offer from her; she was the first one to throw that idea out there. I was talking about the biggest differences between New York and San Francisco, and I think there’s a perception they have similar housing costs, but they’re not. SF has a lot less inventory and much higher prices.

"Then the gym was a joke that turned into something that is now included. She pays me via Venmo. But with Venmo, you can only do $3,000 max, so she breaks it down into $2,500 and $750, or $800 the following week."

Do you sleep with her?

"Yes. The first two times I slept with her, I felt a little different, but now I don’t feel weird about it at all."

What was weird about it at first?

"I think it was knowing that someone had agreed to pay for my apartment, so there was that first thought of, Hey, is this really happening? It’s not the most common way of dating. So it was just going through the experience first time, mentally checking in at where I was with it. Does this make sense? Is this something I want to be involved in? And I really enjoyed it."

What are you in this for?

"The financial reward is definitely a bump for me. I’ve probably made around $30,000. It’s something I can use. I also do like her to a point. So I don’t know where that leaves me. Obviously, she’s paying for my apartment and my gym membership, and I have genuinely a good time with this woman. I like her. I think if you take out the financial gain from it, I would still want to see her. But I don’t know how that emotion or feeling would change if there wasn’t a financial gain as well."

Would you ever do the reverse? Be a sugar daddy?

"My immediate response is yes, but I don’t know how I would feel about paying for a 24-year-old’s apartment somewhere. That could drastically change, though. I have no problem looking into that.

"I really don’t think it’s any different from going on a regular dating platform. Yes, there’s a financial aspect to it, but honestly, I’m not walking around with more money in my pocket. Instead of cash, it’s just someone paying for my rent. It’s not that crazy. It’s almost like a matching platform, where I want to find someone to date, but I also need help with something else."

Would you change anything if you were to start a new arrangement?

"I would definitely ask for vacation more. I would put that into the terms. It can be hard to find someone who has the time to take the vacation and the money to pay for it. I would take less rent in order to travel more. It’s always a good time, and I would love traveling to Barcelona, Cuba, Italy, or Southeast Asia."

But you're just seeing this one woman right now?

"You can make some pretty big financial gains by seeing a few people at a time, but I’d rather just see one. If it ends, I would try this route of dating again, especially while in school. I’ve always been a serial dater. I don’t think I would be on this platform to see multiple people. I’m just seeing where this is going right now."

Do you see this going somewhere more serious?

"I definitely am getting to a point where I see it as more than just a hookup. I don’t think I would say it's a full-blown relationship, because of the terms and things like that, but it’s more than just paying for something. I see her three times a week, but we haven’t had the deep-dive conversation. I expect she’s going on dates, and I’ve gone on a few dates, and we’ve made jokes about it. But we’ve never really sat down and said, 'Are you seeing other people right now?' I think we’ll probably have that conversation at some point."

Would you consider marrying someone you met on the platform?

"I can’t give you the best answer. These arrangements are still in the infancy of being socially accepted, so I have to really think about that. I have to really like the person.

"I’m just trying to think about how that conversation goes. Like, 'Hey, you don’t have to pay for my apartment anymore.' How would you have that conversation? If you’re personally gaining from the relationship, what is it like when you say, 'Okay, this is enough?'"

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NOW WATCH: What will happen when Earth's north and south poles flip

• Female-focused digital media company Refinery29 is the latest publisher eyeing OTT expansion, and plans to launch its very own live and on-demand lifestyle channel in late 2018.
• The channel will bring together video, events and shopping on a single destination, across a variety of connected devices as well as the company's existing digital platforms.
• The company plans to monetize the channel with native branded integrations with its programming.

Turns out, more digital media publishers want to take a page from video startup Cheddar's playbook. 

Refinery29, the female-focused digital media company, plans to launch its very own live and on-demand lifestyle channel. The company timed the announcement with its presentation at the Interactive Advertising Bureau's annual Digital Content NewFronts conference on Wednesday. 

"Channel 29" will go live in the fourth quarter of 2018, bringing together video, events and shopping on a single destination, across a variety of connected devices as well as the company's existing digital platforms.

"Everything that we do is rooted in what our consumers want," Sarah Personette, Refinery29’s chief operating officer, told Business Insider. "Channel29 will take the best of Refinery29, and bring it to our audiences in the way they want it."

In a digital ad market that continues to be dominated by Google and Facebook, publishers have been trying to figure out sustainable business models. Refinery29 is no different, and was forced to trim 7.5% of its staff back in December 2017.

In such a climate, the move is a bid by Refinery29 to expand its core businesses and deepen the relationship it has with its audience. The publisher was encouraged by video engagement and viewership growth across its platforms. Over the past year, for example, time spent on Refinery29 video has reached 4.1 billion minutes.

"We've been watching this audience and how consumer appetite for OTT content has grown," said Amy Emmerich, Refinery29's chief content officer. "And we’ve always been in playing in the livestreaming space — the only difference is how we stay focused on a specific channel versus doing multiple programs."

Channel 29's content will be a mix of both short-form premium digital content as well as two hours of live programming daily, focusing on everything from pop culture and entertainment to home and travel

It will also make a conscious effort to feature "radically inclusive content that subverts category norms," bringing new perspectives to trending news, fashion, beauty, shopping and wellness, according to the company.

The channel will initially be streamed on the publisher's own redesigned website, Facebook Live and YouTube Live, as well as on connected devices such as Apple TV and Roku.

"We want to flip traditional TV on its head," said Emmerich. "Our goal is to break up the clock — and not stick to 22 minutes or 40 minutes of programming. Our ideal block would be six to 15 seconds in length."

Refinery29 does not have plans to monetize the channel by selling traditional pre-roll or mid-roll ads, at least not initially, and is instead seeking out brand partners for native integrations with its programming. A beauty brand, for instance, could theoretically sponsor a live segment on the latest contouring trend.

The company is in sponsorship discussions with several of its current brand partners already, said Emmerich. The hope is that its NewFronts presentation will help close some of those deals as well as generate more excitement and buzz, according to Personette.

Refinery29 is not the only publisher eyeing expansion in over-the-top (OTT) streaming. Condé Nast too announced that it was expanding its OTT offerings, with channels for Wired, Bon Appétit and GQ at its NewFront presentation this week.

But Refinery29 believes it has an edge over its competitors. 

"Our differentiator is that we're bringing live events, shopping and premium content all together," said Personette. "Through our insights into our audience and who they are today, we're able to authentically integrate them into our brand experiences."

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NOW WATCH: Ally Financial CMO says that too much data hurts a brand — and is dangerous for the industry in the long-term

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NOW WATCH: Why you should never release your pet goldfish into the wild

• A 33-year-old senior manager makes $110,000 working in the tech industry in New York City.
• She did not negotiate her salary for her first two jobs, which she regrets, she said.
• Eventually she learned how to ask for more money, and secured a big raise.
• Her two best pieces of salary advice: Know your worth and position yourself to be an employee who could be promoted.

In our series My Salary Story, women with years of career experience open up about the most intimate details of their jobs: compensation. It’s an honest look at how real people navigate the complicated world of negotiating, raises, promotions, and job loss, with the hope it will give young women more insight into how to advocate for themselves — and maybe take a few risks along the way. 

Previously, we talked to a 30-year-old unionized attorney in Brooklyn, New York, who has been working since she was a teenager. Today, we connect with a senior manager in tech who weathered Wall Street layoffs.

Age: 33
Current Location: New York City
Current Industry: Technology (Business Development & Marketing)
Title: Senior Manager
Current Annual Salary: $110,000
Number of years employed: 11
Starting Annual Salary: $40,000
Biggest Salary Jump: $13,610 (base) increase moving from a manager to senior manager
Biggest Salary Drop: 5%. "This was during the recession in 2009. My employer chose to reduce salaries across the board based on income, rather than pursue major layoffs. This was for a one-year period and then salaries were brought back to the original wage."
Biggest Negotiation Regret: "There was very limited room to negotiate my first salary out of college during the recession. However, years later when I was promoted to manager, I still had not mastered my negotiation skills and did not negotiate pay. I was intimidated by the process and like many, feared that if I negotiated, the offer would be rescinded. I estimate that I left $5,000-$10,000 on the table by not negotiating. So, although I think I am underpaid by $10,000-$15,000, some of it is self-inflicted."
Best Salary-Related Advice: "Know your worth by researching the industry average for your role and evaluating the percentile where your current salary fits. Also, position yourself to be promotable. Go beyond the basics of your role, document your achievements, and pursue advance certifications and training in order to learn new skills. Lastly, be flexible: Compensation is not limited to just your base salary. You can also negotiate your bonus structure, personal time off, benefits, and more."

First job (2007)

$40,000/year: Communications Coordinator

"My first job out of school was as a communications coordinator at a major financial services institution. I did not negotiate. I was so excited to have a job and to work for such a prestigious company.

"I started as a consultant with no benefits and the goal was to transition to a full-time employee after one year. However, the recession hit, and there were major layoffs within the company. I lasted through October of 2008, which was quite impressive considering the number of layoffs taking place on Wall Street that year."

Second job (2008)

$47,000/year: Training Specialist

"The last 30 days at my communications coordinator job were primarily spent job-hunting and interviewing. Two weeks after my last day, I received a job offer through a recruiter to be a training specialist for a major technology company. I felt proud to have secured a position so soon.

"As an added bonus, this job included a higher salary and full benefits — 401(k) matching after one year, paid time off, and medical, vision, and dental insurance. I did not negotiate my salary for this position because again, I was so happy to have found a job during the recession, and finally have health benefits and paid time off.

There was an opportunity for me to negotiate, however. The HR contact asked me if the salary was OK; I think it was her way of giving me an opportunity to ask for more. I did not take the opening, and I’m not exactly sure why. I guess it’s because in addition to being grateful, I was not comfortable having a conversation about money back then."

Third job (2010)

$55,000/year: Junior Business Analyst

"There was an internal opening for another position within my division. I spoke with the director of that line of business at a social event, and she asked me if I was interested in the job. Toward the end of the process, I tried to negotiate for more pay this time around but because I was so underpaid, it was difficult to get where I wanted to be. Now that I'm a manager, I recognize there are usually percentage limits that must be adhered to for promotions.

The director, who eventually became my internal sponsor, came up with a plan to bring me on in a junior role and promote me within a year so that I could maximize my earning potential. Though I was qualified for a higher analyst title, I agreed to the strategy — and I am happy I did!"

"No one had looked out for me this way before, and I was incredibly appreciative of her support. Today, I pay it forward with other hardworking professionals."

Promotion (2011)

$67,000/year: Business Analyst

"My director kept her promise and promoted me to an analyst role. I took on more complex projects within the team, making this a period of extreme learning and growth for me. I averaged 12-to-14-hour days and helped the company to secure impressive multi-million dollar accounts. In hindsight, I was definitely underpaid for my performance."

Promotion (2013)

$71,859/year: Senior Analyst

"My team's management changed twice due to a reorganization. My first new manager promoted me to senior analyst and the second manager implemented my bonus structure: $4,000 annually, paid out each quarter."

Fourth job (2014)

$78,427/year: Business Manager

"An internal mentor recommended that I apply for this position, and it was the first role I had to 'fight' for internally. I was hesitant at first because I didn't have any managerial experience, and I was a little afraid of the unknown. However, I decided to pursue this opportunity as a new challenge and leveraged all of my internal knowledge.

I secured the position at a much lower salary than I wanted to because my manager at the time used my lack of managerial experience against me. This was a major lesson learned for me: If you're good enough to do the job and take on the responsibilities of the role, you should be paid fairly for that role.

This job came with a bonus structure of $13,000, paid out quarterly each year."

Raises (2015-2016)

Approx. $2,000 — $2,800/year

"I received a merit increase to my base salary in 2015, bumping me up to $80,400. In the first half of 2016, I received another merit increase to my base salary, moving me to $83,202."

Raises (2016-2017)

Approx. $4,500 — $8,500/year

"In August 2016, I negotiated a base salary increase to $91,800 by researching industry compensation trends and presenting all of my achievements to the division head. I also received back payment up to the spring."

Promotion (2018)

$110,000/year: Senior Business Manager

"In 2017, I received a merit increase to my base salary, bumping me up to $96,390. I was later promoted to senior manager and am responsible for multiples lines of business. This is an opportunity for me to learn a different management style and find new ways to add value, streamline processes, and assist with the strategy elements. I will also receive quarterly and annual bonuses based on company performance — approximately $26,000."

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• About 40 million Americans have student loan debt.
• A recent survey found that many have misconceptions about how to handle that debt.
• From thinking student loans don't affect your credit score to not understanding accrued interest, here are some of the top 5 misunderstandings — and the truth behind them.

With the gradual approach of summer, this year's batch of new graduates is gearing up to toss their caps and mortarboards, set gifted flowers in water, and deposit any congratulatory checks. For seniors who have yet to land their first job out of school, any dollars thrown their way will likely come in handy.

A decent-paying gig provides a way to handle one constant in post-grad life: student loans. About 40 million Americans are in student loan debt so you're in good company if you are, too. Just make sure you understand the right way to pay it off.

A recent survey from Student Loan Hero showed most borrowers harbor a lot of misconceptions about how to handle the debt, from believing you're automatically off the hook of paying off your loans if you can't find a job after graduation, to thinking that student loans don't impact your credit score. Ahead, we address the top-five areas that leave borrowers bewildered.

1. Student Loan Forgiveness

Misconception: Private student loans can be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Qualifying for the public service loan forgiveness (PSLF) program is notoriously difficult, even for graduates with federal loans who believe they're a shoo-in. It's not only a matter of being, generally, a public servant or nonprofit worker — you have to have taken out the right kind of loan and made the right kinds of payments along the way, as Ron Lieber uncovered in The New York Times. That's all if the program even exists in the future.

"We can't make any guarantees about the future availability of PSLF," the U.S. Federal Student Aid office admits. "The PSLF Program was created by Congress, and Congress could change or end the PSLF Program."

But the answer to whether private education loans are eligible for PSLF is in the name itself — although 71% of people Student Loan Hero surveyed had the wrong idea. Private student loans are not eligible for public loan forgiveness, nor can they be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan.

2. Income-Based Repayment

Misconception: Student loan payments are automatically based on income.

The federal government offers four income-driven repayment plans, which are eligible for most — though not all — federal loans made to students. This option is not automatic, though; borrowers must apply for it (the application process is free). Otherwise, federal student loans start on the government's Standard Repayment Plan— a fixed monthly payment of at least $50 for up to 10 years.

3. Accrued Interest

Misconception: You don't need to worry about accruing interest on unsubsidized student loans while still in school.

Direct subsidized loans are available to undergraduates students with demonstrated financial need, and the U.S. Department of Education will pay the interest on those loans as long as a student is enrolled at least half-time, during the six-month grace period after leaving school, and during a deferment. But direct unsubsidized loans (which don't require demonstrated financial need) accrue interest "during all periods."

Per StudentAid.gov: "If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, your interest will accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, your interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan)."

4. Loan Forbearance

Misconception: If you put your federal loans into forbearance, they'll stop accruing interest for a set amount of time.

Sorry, but no. There are two main ways of temporarily suspending or reducing your student loan repayments: deferral and forbearance. The options are very similar, with the defining difference being about interest itself. With deferment — not forbearance — you may not be responsible for paying the interest that accrues on certain loans. (The loan types that generally waive interest during deferment are on the Federal Student Aid website.)

During a forbearance, however, "you are responsible for paying the interest that accrues on all types of federal student loans," the office explains. "When you are responsible for paying the interest on your loans during a deferment or forbearance, you can either pay the interest as it accrues, or you can allow it to accrue and be capitalized (added to your loan principal balance) at the end of the deferment or forbearance period."

5. Student Loan Discharge

Misconception: If a student dies, both their federal and private loans will always be discharged.

Federal Student Aid, a division of the U.S. Department of Education, explains that federal student loans and will be discharged if the borrower dies (after an official death certificate is submitted). PLUS loans taken out by parents can also be discharged if a parent or student (for whom the loan was obtained) dies.

But the rules are more complicated for private student loans. Private lenders may seek repayment from a borrower's estate after they die, and in other cases, cosigners may be liable for repayment of the debt — right away. Heather Jarvis, a student loan expert, told USA Today that "the death of the borrower or the cosigner can trigger default [which] means the entire balance becomes due immediately, even if the surviving signer has always made payments on time."

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NOW WATCH: Why so many fast food logos are red

• A 25-year-old woman lives in South Tyrol, Italy, on $18,000 a year.
• She's a master's student and researcher in software engineering and pays $361 in rent.
• She spent some of her money this week on cappuccinos, gelato, and a train ticket to Bologna. 

Welcome to Money Diaries, where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.

From healthcare, to transportation, to food and drink, the norms and culture of spending (and saving) can vary from country to country. To see how women's spending habits differ — and remain constant — around the world, we're featuring international diaries this week.

Today: a master's student/researcher working in software engineering who makes $18,000 per year and spends some of her paycheck this week on tortellini. Editor's note: All prices have been converted to US dollars.

Occupation: Master's Student/Researcher
Industry: Software Engineering
Age: 25
Location: South Tyrol, Italy
Income: $21,318. (Includes my yearly stipend plus $600-$900/month for my research job.)
Paycheck Amount (Monthly): ~$1,776

Monthly Expenses

Rent: $361. (Includes $12 for Internet. I live in a social housing unit that houses graduate students and unemployed/underemployed, elderly, and disabled people at a low cost. The unit is government-subsidized and includes a separate dorm and washroom. The kitchen is communal.)
Student Loan Payment: $0. (Undergrad was kindly paid for by my parents.)
Health Insurance: $0. (I get basic state health insurance included in my stipend.)
Transportation: $0. (My pass is funded by my scholarship.)
Spotify: $5.80. (I'm on a student plan.)
Phone Bill: $12
Donation To German Relief Organization: $24
Planned Parenthood Donation: $35

Day One

8 a.m. — I wake up and head to the library across the street from my house. I'm prepping for an exam later this week, so I'm trying to get earlier hours in! Grab a croissant from my kitchen on my way out and then grab a coffee from a machine downstairs! $1.18

1 p.m. — Finish up the preliminary notes and head to the grocery store. It's not the cheapest, but it has quite good weekend hours, which is tough to find in South Tyrol. I get a soup bag, salad makings, fancy cheese, bread, tofu, and Tupperware. I've been trying to go at least two to three times a week for groceries and get small portions, otherwise I tend to waste so much food. I have quite hungry eyes – Italy has the best cheeses! I run into a friend walking home, and he invites me to a BBQ tomorrow at the top of the mountain. I am amped! I love his group of friends and I am keen to meet more of them. $24.72

3 p.m. — Since I share a communal kitchen with eight other people, I tend to prep meals at odd hours. I make a veggie soup with tofu and pasta that should last me the rest of the weekend.

9 p.m. — Go to an Austrian-style beer garden and meet up with three friends from school. Last week was my birthday, so a friend brings me a huge Kinder egg! Winning. It's delicious and has a white chocolate filling. I split it up and share with the crew.

1 a.m. — Get two beers and tip $1 since our server is a delight. (Tipping is not common here, and sometimes can be perceived as rude.) I chat with my friends about our respective travel plans. We're all in the same graduate program, so we're discussion our future plans. Two of my friends are definitely on the PhD track, but I'm still quite on the fence about it. It's a lovely night outside, and we take a walk following drinks. $11.49

Daily Total: $37.39

Day Two

8 a.m. — Library again in the morning. The library here is so relaxing – I really enjoy spending time here even if it's prepping for a killer exam. I purchase a cappuccino from the café and drink it with pane di stelle cookies I brought from home. I've adapted to the coffee lifestyle and have become quite addicted! $1.78

1 p.m. — I make a quick cheese sandwich with tuna at home and then walk to the store to grab wine to bring. I have no concept of nice wine, so I choose based on the bottle. I walk to the gondola half a mile from my house, which I take to the top of the mountain using my transportation pass, and meet up with my friends. I recently got into my Spotify-recommended playlist, and this time, it's on point! I jam on the walk. Once I arrive, I meet up with the PhD crew. One of my professors is here with her children, which is super nice. The sun is shining and it's looking like a great Sunday. $8.29

8 p.m. — For dinner, I eat some of the soup I made yesterday. Then I catch up with my mom on the phone for an hour and a half. She gives me a pump up speech and encourages me since I'm starting to write my master's thesis, which can feel quite strenuous at times! I have to buy more Skype credit so I can reach her. $5.92

Daily Total: $15.99

Day Three

10 a.m. — Library again! Though I do get a bit of a later start this morning, I grab a granola bar and tea on my way. The organization I volunteer with in Berlin wants to build a new workspace for the members, so I make a donation for funding the website. It's an integration organization for newly arrived immigrants, and they do awesome work. Since I have not been able to be there IRL, I try to catch up with their going-ons via Facebook. $14

1 p.m. — I meet up with a new friend. We chat about where she's living, which is in the mountains! So cool. I treat her to coffee. She's such a free spirit and she reminds me that it's only an exam tomorrow. I enjoy her perspective, as she already finished her PhD. $4.03

1:45 p.m. — Run home and grab my salad lunch before going to my lab for two hours.

3 p.m. — When I head home, a friend from school joins me to study. As we go through the question, I make pasta with pesto. I add salad and tomatoes to the side. This exam will be quite rough, so we're cramming through the notes.

10 p.m. — Down the wormhole of Quora. I end up on the strangest things, none of which include prep for tomorrow's exam. I'm asleep by 1 a.m.

Daily Total: $18.03

Day Four

7:40 a.m. — Wake up in a total panic since the exam is at 8:30. Grab a coffee from the machine and then run to the exam room across the street. The exam is fairly reasonable. I'm sure I passed, but not sure by how much. I rush out of class so that I don't hear the answers – I don't want to know what I got wrong! $1.18

12:45 p.m. — Go to the cafeteria and take a lunch. It's a mixed veggie stir-fry with salad and a drink. The cafeteria here is highly subsidized by the government, which makes the food much cheaper! And since I'm a grad student, there are further discounts! Yay, student life. I eat everything in five minutes. Exam day hunger! $3.43

1 p.m. — Rush out and buy cards for my boyfriend's mom, aunt, and sister. They took me on a ski trip last week in Switzerland and I want to thank them. $9.12

6 p.m. — I do a huge load of laundry. My boyfriend is arriving tonight and I need to clean my clothes before he gets here. The way the system works is you pay for a day's load and can do it throughout a 24-hour period. It's often booked, so I do it at odd times (not on weekends). I'm slightly afraid of the machines, as they shrank my clothes so intensely last time, so I hang/attempt to air dry them in my shower area (which sort of works). I pop down, back, and down again to get the finished load. I feel like the woman at reception is so tired of me! $7.11

9 p.m. — My boyfriend arrives from Germany! To celebrate, I buy us two large pizzas. They are so delicious! The pizza crust is super thin and absolutely divine. I pick them up and bring them to my house. He arrives with two beers and we feast. The night is followed with "Money Heist" on Netflix. It is so captivating! I love the anti-hero/hero dynamic. I also love hearing Spanish! $17.41

Daily Total: $38.25

Day Five

10 a.m. — I wake up for my lab today. We're doing a systematic literature review. The topic is interesting, but sometimes the lack of standardization in the input can be a struggle. My boyfriend meets me after the lab and we do a grocery haul. We get pasta, soup makings, salad, and veggie burgers. He buys, since I got food last time in Berlin.

3 p.m. — We're going to visit my sister in Bologna today! I grab our train tickets and my boyfriend slides me $20! The trains out of Bozen are always on time, and we almost miss our transfer in Verona. We eat some of the snacks from the earlier haul and I pass out so hard. The exam stress really got me tired. $23.75

10 p.m. — My sister meets us at the Bologna station! We get orange spritzes for the road. She gets the first round and I get the second. We walk through the city with our plastic cups. I love Italy! She's just moved into a new place and it's beautiful! She used to live in a tiny flat, but now she has an awesome balcony. $9.48

1 a.m. — After the drinks, we're all feeling quite hangry, so we grab pizzas. They're $2.50 each and huge, so I save part of mine for later. I buy the pizzas for everyone. $8.88

Daily Total: $42.11

Day Six

10 a.m. — My sister makes eggs, coffee, and salad for breakfast. She's an awesome cook.

1 p.m. — We go into Bologna proper and walk around. The city is so full of life. We stop for tortellini. I get mine with cheese and butter. It's delicious and also the only vegetarian option! $10.07

5 p.m. — After walking around for the better part of the day, we head to my sister's for a little siesta. She invited friends over for tonight, and my boyfriend is going to whip up Thai stir-fry for everyone, since he's a great cook. He decides to use black rice. It's wholemeal and so good! I sneak in a little studying before they arrive, and my boyfriend grabs the groceries. OMG peanut butter is insanely expensive here... Almost $10 for a tiny jar! #imports

8 p.m. — I buy rum for the guests, and we make mojitos and sit on the balcony. It really feels like summer. We blast Italian rock music and Falco (old school!). We eat the delicious food my BF made and even dance a bit! $16.58

2 a.m. — We walk downtown. The streets are insane! They are completely crowded and slightly overwhelming. I buy a beer since I am already feeling the mojitos quite hard. We continue bar-hopping until the friends need to catch their train. I'm so happy I met them. $3.55

Daily Total: $30.20

Day Seven

11 a.m. — We have a later start today after the fun festivities last night. I make toast for everyone. I have a hangover from the sweet drinks and go back to bed for two hours after prepping breakfast.

3 p.m. — We finally leave the house and go to a farmer's market. Everything smells delicious! We each buy $1 scratch tickets and I win $7! Then we get gelato. I get lemon and strawberry, which slightly helps my hangover. $2.37

8 p.m. — Head back to my sister's and eat the leftovers from last night. I still feel so yucky! No more mojitos for me!

Daily Total: $2.37

The Breakdown

Weekly Total Spent: $184.34
Food and Drink: $124.44
Entertainment: $0
Home and Health: $0
Clothes and Beauty: $7.11
Transport: $23.75
Other: $29.04

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Ahead, an interview with the OP about how her schizophrenia impacts her life professionally, personally, and financially, without letting it define her.

How much do you pay for medication, therapy, and psychiatry?

"I see a fee-only psychiatrist. In my small town, there are only five or six psychiatrists that even practice. It’s really hard to get services, or you have to go through the community mental health center and I just prefer not to do that because I’ve heard bad things from people who have had issues with the doctors there. My psychiatrist is $200 per visit. If I’m having issues, like symptoms and stuff, I see her once a month or as needed. But if it’s just a checkup or a follow-up, it’s about once every three months.

"For medication, I do generic, so it’s a bit cheaper. I'm really lucky to have really good insurance, so it’s only about $60 per month for everything I take after insurance. I was looking at newer options for drugs that just came out into the market, but those are like $500 or $600, and that's kind of out of my budget. I tend to prefer older drugs anyways, just because they’re more studied and they’re more used. And therapy is $130 per session, once or twice per month."

Do you have to save in other parts of your life to accommodate your medical expenses?

"I have an HSA through work, so I try to use pre-tax dollars as much as I can to pay for medical expenses. I contribute the full amount, which I think is about $3,600/year, and my employer puts in a small portion as well. As far as cutting back in other areas of my life, I wouldn’t say that I’ve made financial sacrifices in the sense that I didn’t go on a trip because I didn’t have enough money, but I do try to be sensible in most areas. I don’t consciously cut back anywhere, but I think medical expenses are the most important out of anything for me."

How has your schizophrenia affected you professionally?

“One aspect in which it’s kind of guided my career is that it’s made me really cautious with the jobs I take. I make sure when I’m looking for professional opportunities that they offer good health insurance, and that they’re also flexible so I can go to doctor’s appointments and work from home when I need to, like if I’m feeling symptomatic or just feeling bad because of my schizophrenia.

"Sometimes I need to work from home or take a day off, so I make sure that all the jobs I take are really flexible and stable as well because losing my job and losing my health insurance would be really hard for me. Without insurance, the medication I take is like $1,200/month. So my mental illness has impacted my career choices in the sense that I’d be really reluctant to take, for example, a contract opportunity or multiple part-time opportunities. I work for the government, which is quite stable, and that stability really attracted me to the position.

"I really would like to be a therapist or a nurse or something, but those are jobs that might not come with good benefits, and they're not as stable and don't really offer work from home opportunities like my job does.

"You mentioned that you’ve told coworkers that you have Tourette's, because of the side effects that your medication causes. Do any of your coworkers know about your schizophrenia? 

"I haven’t told anybody at work. I have coworkers that I would consider to be friends, but I haven’t told them either. I mean, it’s a private thing, and it has a negative stigma associated with it. I have some motor and facial tics that are obviously visible to the public, which is a common side effect of the medication I take, so I explain that, like I said in my Diary, as Tourette's – which I also have, actually, so it’s not really a lie. But it’s not really the truth I guess."

Have you told your friends?

"My closer friends know. But I mean, I don’t really see the illness or the diagnosis as a big part of who I am. It’s just kind of something I deal with, like any chronic illness really. I don’t feel the need to tell anybody unless it comes up or is relevant. I wouldn’t lie about it and I wouldn’t hide it from a friend, but I don’t offer it up as like: 'This is who I am.'"

You mentioned in your Money Diary that, because of your mental illness, you’re thinking about surrogacy for when you start a family down the line. Can you talk a bit about that?

“A lot of the common antipsychotic medications, which is what people who have schizophrenia would normally be taking, are either harmful to fetuses and would cause birth defects, or doctors are unsure if they’d be harmful because they haven’t been tested yet. And that’s a chance I’m not willing to take as far as having a child. On top of that, adoption is quite difficult for people who have mental illnesses, to my knowledge. I’m not gonna say that it’s impossible, but from what I’ve researched and heard from some other people, it’s quite hard internationally and domestically. I know in a lot of countries you’re disqualified immediately if you have any kind of mental illness that’s considered somewhat serious, so adoption is most likely out of the question for me.

“So that kinda leaves me with one last option, which would be surrogacy. I do want kids in the future. And it’s not so unaffordable that it’s out of reach, but it would be something that I’d have to save for, and my partner would as well. I’m not actively saving for it, in the sense that I earmark $500/month for this one purpose, but everything extra that I have I put into my high yield savings account online so that it’s there for whatever I might need it for, whether it’s a vacation or a surrogacy. I think surrogacy can cost like $100,000 as of right now. In 10 years it might be different, or the regulations could change.

"I don’t even know if in 10 years I'll want a kid, or if I’ll be in a position financially or romantically with a partner or my current partner to have a kid. So I’m not actively saving for it, but it is something I’ve been thinking about.”

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• Two of Prince Harry's most notable ex-girlfriends, Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas, attended his royal wedding to Meghan Markle on Saturday.
• Davy, who dated Harry on-and-off from 2004 to 2011, wore an all-navy outfit paired with a small cape.
• Bonas, who dated Harry for two years following his split from Davy, chose a multicolored, textured dress from British designer Eponine London.
• Both Davy and Bonas appear to be relatively friendly with Harry — at least, friendly enough to be cool with showing up to his wedding.

Hey, quick question: what, exactly, does a person wear to their famous ex-boyfriend's wedding? One that is televised across the world? And one in which you, as someone who once dated this very famous person, will be under a decent amount of scrutiny?

What very well may be a worst nightmare for some was a reality for two of Prince Harry's most notable ex-girlfriends, Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas, both of whom made an appearance at his wedding to Meghan Markle.

And, it should be noted, they both looked pretty great.

Davy wore an all-navy outfit paired with a small cape and Bonas chose a multicolored, textured dress from British designer Eponine London. Both women also topped off their looks with feathered fascinators (aka small ornamental headpieces) that complemented their gowns.

Both Davy and Bonas appear to be relatively friendly with Harry — at least, friendly enough to be cool with showing up to his wedding.

Davy dated Harry on-and-off for about seven years, from 2004 to 2011. The pair met in boarding school, according to The Sun, and seem to still maintain the same friend group. In 2016, Davy told The Sunday Times, "I think we will always be good friends," regarding her relationship with Harry.

Bonas, an actress and model, dated Harry for about two years following his split from Davy. Both Davy and Bonas were said to have struggled with the amount of public scrutiny that went along with dating Harry — and it still seems to be affecting Bonas. In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Bonas said, "I have to be really careful what I say because...people love putting people into boxes and into stereotypes, especially in this country."

In any case, neither Davy nor Bonas seemed put off in any way by the proceedings of Saturday's royal wedding. Perhaps, after all those years of being in the public eye, they've nailed that royal wedding etiquette.

More on the royal wedding:

• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's official wedding photos are here — and people can't get enough of them
• Before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had their first kiss as husband and wife, she asked him: 'Do we kiss?' 
• Prince William left a seat next to him empty at the royal wedding so the queen could get an unobstructed view 
• Here are all the best hats from the royal wedding
• Meet Meghan Markle's bridesmaids — all of whom are under 10 years old 

You can read all of INSIDER's royal wedding coveragehere.

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Spotted by BuzzFeed, Reynold's character sports a shirt that reads "Olivia and Meredith, Friends Furrrever" along with a graphic of the two felines.

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The wine, called Head to Head Rosé, was created by wine-making siblings Giulia and Andrea Zingarelli of Rocca delle Macíe winery in Tuscany. (The Zingarelli family has been working with Olive Garden since 1995 to supply their wine.)

Head to Head is a bright coral pink and, according to the winemakers, features intense, complex red fruit aromas dominated by apple and cherry notes.

Giulia Zingarelli said that she hopes the wine inspires people who dine at Olive Garden to think of Italy — and, perhaps, take a trip there.

“I have grown up alongside Olive Garden,” she said in a statement. “Each Olive Garden restaurant is like a little piece of Italy in the United States. I hope people who dine at Olive Garden will remember Italy if they have already visited or get inspired to plan a trip to discover a land full of history, culture, food, and wine.”

True, this may be little more than a ploy to ensnare notoriously rosé-thirsty millennials. But who cares? It’s working. Don’t know about you, but we’ll be at Olive Garden a lot more this summer.

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Day One

Day Two

Day Three

• Trader Joe's is selling a new rosé under the Charles Shaw label that costs only $3.99 a bottle.
• The Charles Shaw wines are made with organic grapes from three different varietals — Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Rosé. 
• The Charles Shaw Rosé is an affordable rosé option, and its twist-off cork makes it a convenient choice.

Trader Joe’s just introduced a rosé under the Charles Shaw label, which most fans affectionately refer to as "Two-Buck Chuck." Ironically, the new Charles Shaw rosé does not actually cost $2, but it's only slightly more expensive at $3.99. The extra $2 might be worth spending, however, because this Charles Shaw wine is one of Trader Joe's first to be made with organic grapes.

According to a recent Fearless Flyer post on the Trader Joe's website, the grocery chain has released Charles Shaw Wines made with organic grapes in three different varietals, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, and rosé. Trader Joe's says that customers have been asking for wines made with organic grapes for some time, which is why it worked closely with winemakers to deliver.

Since it's officially rosé season, many millennial's favorite time of year, we're most excited about the new organic Charles Shaw rosé, even if it's not $2. At $3.99, the wine is still less expensive than the most affordable rosé option we're aware of, Target's $5 California Roots rosé. Another thing the Charles Shaw rosé has going for itself is a twist-off, resealable cork. This shift in bottling makes the wine a convenient option for picnics or beach-drinking, two things that are definitely on our summer bucket lists.

Of course, price and convenience aren't the most important things when it comes to wine. The new rosé will have to taste good in order for us to choose it. It looks we'll be adding a Four Buck Chuck taste test to our summer bucket lists as well.

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Jeremy Renner, Ed Helms, Jon Hamm, & Jake Johnson

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Renner, Helms, Hamm, and Johnson literally run into your wedding reception...No, this is not the beginning of a bad joke. While on tour promoting their new comedy Tag, the group of actors accidentally interrupted a Miami Beach wedding, mid-Best Man speech, during a game of tag.

Video footage of the unexpected A-list run-in was posted to YouTube and shows Renner and the guy-gang intermingled in the party action at the Fontainebleau hotel. After apologizing to the good-humored bride and groom for the interruption, the actors posed for pictures amidst laughter and cheers from the rest of the guests before making their exit.

Katy Perry

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While on tour in St. Louis, Katy Perry found time to stop by Hayley Rosenblum and Blonie Dudney's wedding at the Four Seasons, according to local station KSDK. Guests said she came in at the end of the reception and danced with guests for 10 minutes or so.

A video posted on YouTube shows Perry having a blast, dancing and taking pics with the bride and bridesmaids. The video includes a screenshot of her Insta Story from the night, where she wrote, "Wedding crashers OOPS" and "We were just looking for an after-party." It happens.

The Weeknd

A bride and groom were taking their wedding photos in downtown New York City, when they had the ultimate celebrity sighting: the Weeknd and his girlfriend Selena Gomez.

"The couple was taking wedding photos in front of the homes on the picturesque MacDougal Alley, a gated residence in Greenwich Village," a witness told Entertainment Tonight. "During the romantic shoot, the groom spotted the Weeknd in a parked SUV."

The groom seized the day, and "approached the car and asked him if he would join in the photos, and he agreed!" the source said. "Selena waited in the car but passed along her well wishes!"

• A first date is important, but the second date is when you really start to feel out whether you could see yourself committing to the person. 
• If you're looking to have a more interesting second date, avoid the typical dinner and drinks. 
• Take your date bowling or embrace your inner child at the local fair. 

If you asked someone which date was the most important to a relationship, most would say the first date. But we'd like to argue for the second date. Sure, you need the first date to introduce a potential couple, but is it really anything more than an introduction? Once you get past the basic questions about where they're from, where they live now, and what they do for work, it's pretty much time to go home.

The second date is when most people really get a sense of their potential new love. Based on the interview-esque nature of a first date, it's easy to make excuses if you were feeling kind of awkward. But awkwardness on a second date might mean that there isn't much chemistry between you and your datemate. So, the stakes are a little higher on date number two.

If you're banking on an interesting second date, you have to set the scene. There's nothing wrong with dinner and drinks (we all have to eat, after all), but it's not exactly an exciting date idea. That's why we've rounded up some fun second date possibilities for you. It's time to think outside of the bar.

Show your competitive side

There's something to be said for a little friendly competition on a second date. Whether you're the sweet type who doesn't care who wins or someone who gets really into the game, it'll really make your personality shine. Plus, there are lots of options to get your competitive side going, whether it's something sporty, like bowling and batting cages, or something a little more old school, like shuffleboard (hey, it's making a comeback).

Embrace your inner child

The most fun dates are the ones where you can let go of your adult worries and feel like a kid again. Does your town or city have a state fair? Schedule a date when it's in town to ride the ferris wheel and gorge yourself on funnel cake. Or, go back to childhood arts and crafts with a pottery painting date. No matter what you choose, it's sure to be a good time.

Share an over-the-top dessert

Sure, regular dessert is great. But why not go big and bold? Grab your date and head to a local restaurant to share a larger-than-life milkshake or a cookie as big as your head. If your city or town doesn't have any restaurants that makes sugar masterpieces like these, then you can always DIY it. Just order three deserts and stack them on top of each other (there's nothing wrong with a cake-cookie-pie hybrid).

Explore the cosmos

This one's for all the space nerds out there. It's super sexy to share your passion with someone, so make your stargazing habit a romantic gesture. See if your local science museum has an astronomy exhibit, check out stargazing nights in your area, or make an astro-date of your own in a local park — all you need is a telescope and a blanket (though bringing a picnic along wouldn't be a bad idea).

Take a leisurely stroll

Who says a fun date has to be complicated? If you and your date are into nature or just need some fresh air after being cooped up at work all week, then a walk in your town or city's best park is just what you need. Bonus: This kind of date gives you plenty of time to talk and figure out if you and your date really vibe.

Hit up the arcade

Embrace your nostalgic side and bring your date to an arcade — it'll be just like all those dates you had at Dave & Buster's in high school, except this time you can drink. Bonus points if you can find an arcade with retro games from the 80s and 90s. After all, a Pac Man tournament is the best way to someone's heart, right?

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• A 21-year-old woman lives in Berkeley, California on $260,000 a year.
• She's a software engineer working in technology and pays $1,000 a month for rent and utilities.
• She spent some of her money this week on almond milk, a Zara dress, razors from Walgreens, and a Korean rice bowl.

Welcome to Money Diaries, where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.

Today: a software engineer working in technology who makes $260,000 per year and spends some of her money this week on almond milk.

Occupation: Software Engineer
Industry: Technology
Age: 21
Location: Berkeley, CA
Salary: $135,000 base, with $60,000 bonus and $65,000 in stocks ($260,000 total)
Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $2,915

Monthly Expenses
Rent: $1,000 for my share of rent and utilities. (I share an apartment with a roommate.)
Student Loan Payment: $0 (My parents were generous enough to pay in full, and I hustled to finish in three years.)
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance: $0 (covered by work)
Netflix, Spotify & Amazon Prime: $0 (I mooch off of parents.)
Cell Phone: $0 (covered by work)
Transportation: $0 (covered by work)
401(k): $1,475 (taken out of paycheck before taxes)
Gym Membership: $75
Investment Portfolio: $2,000
House Down Payment Account: $2,000

Day One

7:30 a.m. — Up and ready for the day! I normally leave the house around 8:30, but I'm trying to get up a little earlier so that I can move at a slower pace and enjoy my mornings more. I throw on a kettle of hot water, pour myself a cup of green tea, and read through the morning news before getting dressed.

8:30 a.m. — Head out the door and walk down to the train station. My commute is made up of 30 minutes of walking to and from stations and 25 minutes on BART. I prefer it this way, though, because my job has me sitting for most of the day, and this is a consistent way for me to get in physical activity.

9:30 a.m. — Get into the office and grab a coconut chocolate Rxbar from the kitchen. Of all of the protein bars I've tried, these are by far the least offensive, though their texture can make them a little hard to chew. Still, it's a great way to get a good protein boost in the morning — I recommend the coconut chocolate or peanut butter flavor. I settle at my desk to start my work where I left off yesterday.

12 p.m. — My job has a lot of perks, but one of my favorites is that we have lunch and dinner catered every day! I head over to the café with my team and load up on stir-fried veggies and tofu, baby spinach salad, and garlic roasted potatoes. My sweet tooth usually gets the best of me after lunch, but today I'm too stuffed for dessert.

1 p.m. — Evidently I'm not too full for something else! My stomach leads me back to the kitchen, where I grab a cherry pie Larabar to snack on at my desk.

5 p.m. — Whew, finished! Spent most of the day poring over one specific bug in our codebase, and I'm so relieved that I figured out the underlying cause and got it resolved. I reward myself with a cup of freshly brewed chai and take a few minutes to relax before heading home.

6 p.m. — Back home for 30 minutes to grab a bite to eat before leaving again to hit the gym. All of the treadmills are taken, so I kill time on the elliptical while keeping an eye out for a free machine. Finally one clears up! I'm especially enthusiastic as I crank out three miles before hopping off and heading home. I chug a big bottle of water, shower, and watch Chef's Table on Netflix. The Christina Tosi episode leaves me with a newfound desire to become a pastry chef.

10 p.m. — Lie down in bed and meditate for 10 minutes with the 10% Happier app. I know it's a horrible habit to be on my phone right before bed, but I just can't seem to quit it and spend 30 more minutes browsing Reddit before falling asleep.

Daily Total: $0

Day Two

7:05 a.m. — My alarm goes off and my arm shoots out to turn it off before it wakes up my roommate. I lie in bed for a few more minutes, totally content, before springing up to get my day started. Settle in downstairs with my usual cup of tea and the news.

9:30 a.m. — Today is bagel day at our office! Technically we always have bags of bagels on hand in the kitchen, but on Wednesdays we get a fresh order from the place next door. I help myself to a toasted plain bagel with a smoked salmon schmear.

12 p.m. — Lunch today is peppered ahi tuna with rice and sautéed kale. Usually I grab lunch with my team, but I always take at least one day a week to eat alone for quality "me time." I poke around the kitchen for dessert and come away with a few peanut butter cups to munch on at my desk.

2 p.m. — I get an email notification from Zara that a dress I want is finally back in stock! I mull over whether to buy it, since the dress is pricey, but ultimately decide to go for it because a) it's extremely cute, and b) if it goes out of stock again, it might not come back. $75.84

4:45 p.m. — Wrap up a few last things at work before grabbing my stuff to head to BART. Our company doesn't have set work hours (I don't think most tech companies do), but I prefer to work on a pretty consistent schedule so that my day feels structured.

6 p.m. — Back home before I run out to the gym again. I clock in my standard three miles while bopping to Kendrick Lamar. The man won a Pulitzer! What can't he do? Hop in the shower once I get home and catch up on the YouTube channels I subscribe to while munching on Girl Scout cookies and a kale salad. (Life is about balance, right?)

9:30 p.m. — My run totally wiped me out today. I lie on my bed with the intention of just resting for a minute, but immediately fall asleep.

Day Three

7:05 a.m. — I'm feeling hungrier than usual, so I spread apple butter on toast to eat with my morning tea. I grew up on the east coast, where my mom consistently brought me to Amish farmer's markets to get apple butter (amongst other things), so now I always keep a jar of it on hand.

10 a.m. — Get into work a little later than usual today, because my first meeting isn't until 10 a.m. I swing by the kitchen to grab a coconut chocolate Rxbar before heading off to the meeting room.

12 p.m. — Grabbing lunch today with other ladies on the team. Today I get roasted mushrooms and carrots, brown rice pilaf, and Israeli couscous salad. I really appreciate that our office has such healthy and delicious options! Get back to my desk and spend 10 minutes reading Money Diaries before getting back to work.

2:30 p.m. — I'm in desperate need of new razors and there's a Walgreens next to my office, so I pop out for 10 minutes to pick some up. Use my store card and a coupon to save $4 on my purchase. $4.50

6 p.m. — I run three more miles at the gym, followed by a class at Berkeley! I used to go to school here and am lucky that I live close enough to the university to occasionally drop in on classes that look interesting. Today, I attend a human rights lecture with my friend who will be graduating later this semester. We learn about how prevalent child sex trafficking is across the world, even right here in the Bay Area. The conversation is thought-provoking, and leaves me with a lot on my mind.

9 p.m. — Friend from lecture comes over to chat and we hang out for a bit while eating donuts she made. Bid each other goodbye around 10, since I have work tomorrow.

Daily Total: $4.50

Day Four

7:05 a.m. — Wake up to a Mint notification that my paycheck has been deposited! I've already contributed to my investment accounts this month, so I take a chunk of my paycheck and make my monthly contribution to my house down payment savings account. I definitely want tobuy a house some dayand I know it's going to be exorbitantly expensive, so I'm working hard to prepare for it now!

9:30 a.m. — I feel like I've been eating too much sugar lately, so I switch things up and grab a plain cup of Greek yogurt for breakfast. Definitely not the most pleasant to eat without toppings, but I remind myself of the health benefits and get through it.

12 p.m. — Lunch with the team again today. The only other female engineer is out this week, so it's just me and the guys. It can be intimidating at times to be one of the only women (and the youngest engineer!), but I remind myself that I worked my ass off to get here and am just as competent as everyone else.

4:30 p.m. — I have one more thing left to do but can't muster the brain power to logic through this bug, so I tell myself I'll figure it out next week and grab my stuff to leave. Pop on a podcast and walk to BART.

7 p.m. — I have time for a longer workout since it's Friday, so I head to the gym and run five miles at a slower pace. I definitely think exercising consistently has had an effect on me, because I'm able to get through the run semi-comfortably and my legs don't feel like goo afterwards.

8 p.m. — Race back home to shower before going to a dance showcase my friend is in! There are lots of hip hop dance troupes at Berkeley, and this is her first time doing anything like this, so I definitely want to go and support her. I cheer embarrassingly loud from the crowd as she gets on stage for her set.

10 p.m. — The showcase was amazing, but I'm exhausted and turn down my friends for drinks afterwards. Head home, change into my pajamas, and drink a cup of hot water with lemon before calling it quits and going to bed.

Daily Total: $0

Day Five

9 a.m. — I sleep in and then head downstairs to make a fried egg on sourdough toast and a cup of chamomile tea.

11 a.m. — Today is Berkeley's welcome celebration for admitted students, and the whole campus comes out for events and festivities throughout the day. My friends and I walk through all of the booths and stalls — it's really weird watching all of the incoming freshmen experience campus for the first time, and it makes us all nostalgic for our first years. We stop by a small Korean restaurant for lunch. I get a bowl with brown rice, tofu, greens, and teriyaki sauce — yum! $7.59

3 p.m. — Back home after more campus exploration. I'm really sleepy for some reason and crawl into my bed to take a nap, but at the last minute feel bad about wasting time and potentially throwing off my sleep schedule. Get back up and head downstairs where I make tea and crack open a book.

5 p.m. — Gym time! I run another five miles at a slightly faster pace than yesterday, and my body feels weirdly amazing during and after. Is this what a runner's high is?

7 p.m. — I shower after I get back from the gym and tidy up the apartment a little bit. I don't normally get the chance to help out with chores during the week, so I try to do as much as possible to help my roommate out on weekends.

9 p.m. — Roommate comes back from her waitressing job and we get into a lengthy discussion about pie and cake. Both of us are absolutely obsessed with food, and we're always bouncing new recipe ideas off of one another.

Daily Total: $7.59

Day Six

8:45 a.m. — I meant to get up a little earlier to get ready before yoga, but I slept through my alarm. I jump straight out of bed, change into leggings and a tank top, and run out to my class. Make it to the session just as they're about to start, and thankfully they have snacks and water! Grab a Larabar before settling onto a mat and moving into child's pose.

10:15 a.m. — Yoga was great! I don't go regularly because I usually run, but today's class has made me reconsider my stance. I feel so relaxed, loose, and comfortable in my own body. After yoga, I go to the Target downtown to pick up almond milk, plus a sandwich at the shop next door to eat later for lunch. $10.87

12 p.m. — Once I finish up lunch at home, I decide to take on a task I've been avoiding for the last week or so: laundry. I grab my bag of dirty clothes from upstairs and schlep it down to the basement where the machines in our buildings are. I know I'm an adult, but it still scares the crap out of me to be down here alone. Throw my clothes in and swipe my card to pay before sprinting back up the stairs to safety. $4

4 p.m. — Today really is a lazy Sunday. I fold my laundry and put it away, and then spend the rest of the afternoon whipping up a batch of fresh cinnamon rolls out of pure boredom.

7 p.m. — Watch a few episodes of Queer Eye on Netflix before calling it a night and going to sleep.

Daily Total: $14.87

Day Seven

7:05 a.m. — Standard cup of tea and the news this morning — sometimes I feel like I sound like an old lady with these habits.

10 a.m. — Get to my desk and start work when I get an email that a wallet I wanted is on sale (these sale email notifications will be the death of my bank account, I swear). Mull over color options for a few minutes before purchasing one I like. $6.50

12 p.m. — Lunch with the team again. We get into a discussion about the pros and cons of attending Burning Man and the different things people have built/set up over the years there. Some of my teammates have actually gone before (and I've never been), so I'm fascinated by the things they've done there.

5 p.m. — Chug through a couple more bugs and a meeting at work before packing up my stuff to head home. My guilty pleasure is listening to Dave Ramsey's podcast on the walk to the train station, but it can get repetitive after a while.

6 p.m. — Today is my rest day, so I don't go for a run and instead make a kale salad for dinner while watching another episode of Chef's Table on Netflix. Polish off the meal with one of the cinnamon rolls I made yesterday.

Daily Total: $6.50

SEE ALSO: I live in northeastern Italy on $18,000 a year — here's how I spend my money

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Day One

4 a.m. — I wake up after seven full hours of sleep! I feel so amazing — I haven't slept this long in at least six weeks, as my son has been waking up multiple times per night. We've been sleep training him for the past two days using the leave and check method, and it's really paying off. I know people judge parents who sleep train, but in my opinion, it's short-term pain for long-term gain, for the whole family. I feel energized, so I get out of bed and make zucchini bread. My husband's in Shanghai for work, so I don't worry about waking him up. As the bread cooks, I read the New York Times, Politico, and Refinery29. I remember I need a UV tent for my son before our next holiday, and find one online. My son wakes up at 6:30 and I give him a breastfeed and a cuddle. $112.36

Day Two

5 a.m. — It's the weekend! My husband got home from China at around 2 a.m., so he's sleeping soundly as I scroll through Twitter and Instagram in the dark. At 6, I get up and make a frittata for breakfast. It's kind of Persian-inspired and has heaps of herbs, spinach, eggs, feta, goat cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sumac. I also cut up some fruit to go with it, and make my son's breakfast: oatmeal with frozen black currants, puréed so it's a little less lumpy. He wakes up at 6:45, and I breastfeed him and "chat" with him about what we've got planned for the day. My husband wakes up at 8 a.m. and we eat breakfast together, my son smearing most of his oatmeal on his face and chair. I find it completely adorable (well, 90% adorable).

Day Three