A Week In Atlanta, GA, On A $490,000 Joint Income

🍑 Living and earning in Atlanta

Living in Atlanta and working as a software sales account executive, bringing in $350,000 while my husband, D., earns $140,000. We recently refinanced our mortgage to $2,300 a month, intentionally choosing a home well below our means to keep our financial life flexible. This flexibility is a lifesaver right now. Navigating the world of IVF, which means my days are currently a mix of high-stakes multi-million dollar sales calls and painful hormone injections. Managing a net worth of $538,000, we prioritize spending on things that buy back our time, like a weekly housekeeper for $1,408 a month and a professional laundry service.

🛒 Nesting and holiday prep

Spending $2,880 this week, largely driven by being stuck on bed rest after an embryo transfer. Finding comfort in "Add to Cart" therapy, starting with a $979 Balsam Hill artificial Christmas tree. Loving the holidays and wanting the house to feel magical after a stressful year. Dropping $148 at Target on cozy sweats and sweaters after a therapy session, and later spending $343 at Banana Republic to upgrade D.’s work-from-home wardrobe. Shopping at Black-owned businesses for Christmas gifts, including $85 on books for my niece and $370 on a dress and outfit for my mom. Growing up with a single mother makes being able to treat her to Williams Sonoma hot chocolate and nice clothes feel like a massive win.

🏥 The cost of the wait

Focusing heavily on health and fertility this week. Paying $190 for a specialized fertility therapist through my HSA and $125 for a much-needed fertility massage. Dealing with hair loss from the hormone treatments, so attending a prepaid PRP scalp treatment. Juggling work and family, like babysitting my niece while fielding client emails. Feeling a bit of shame over a $13 Uber Eats decaf coffee delivery because my sister only had regular, but the convenience was worth it while I was exhausted.

🏎️ Looking toward the future

Eyeing a promotion that my boss says is a sure thing. Visiting a Mercedes dealership to test drive an SUV as a potential celebratory gift to myself, though the $55,000 price tag is a bit intimidating. Retreating to my happy place by creating a detailed spreadsheet to compare car ownership costs. Balancing the anxiety of the two-week wait for pregnancy results with the thrill of closing big deals. Ending the week with Indian food delivery and cookies by the fire, just trying to stay positive and grateful for the life we are building.