Save & Splurge

Discussion Policy

Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Michelle Molitor, 29

Assistant principal, E.L. Haynes Public Charter School, Adams Morgan

Save:

"Cheap underwear and bras. I buy those Hanes [underwear] packs. They're not horrible-looking, and they're just basics that it's no fun to spend money on anyway."

>>YIELD: $4

a year at best, since Michelle says she buys about nine pairs of underwear (at $7 per three-pack) and two bras ($15 each) every four to six months, and the average woman spends about $106 per year on intimate apparel

>>Splurge:

"It's really easy for me to go to happy hour and drop 40 or 60 bucks just hanging out. I might do that a few times a week.

>>COST: $2,080 to $14, 60

a year, since Michelle spends from $40 to $280 a week on food and drink

Interview by Julia Feldmeier

Save & Splurge

More From The Washington Post Magazine

Post Hunt

Date Lab

Explore History