HerMoney with Jean Chatzky A Week In Her Wallet: What It Really Costs To Travel Full-Time For Work On A $150K Salary
Nov 14, 2025
Explore the fascinating financial life of a clinical researcher in Atlanta who earns over $150K and often travels for work. Discover why she bought her home at 31, navigates a HELOC payoff, and balances personal and work expenses on her travels. Hear about her favorite splurges, values-based spending, and intentional charitable contributions. Learn how she reflects on a week of spending, including a yard sale that funded a music festival experience. Kristen shares valuable insights on aligning spending with personal joy and community support.
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Bought A Home Young And Kept It
- Kristen bought her townhome at 31 because mortgage+HOA cost less than rent at the time.
- She still lives there in Atlanta and values its location near parks and the airport.
Manage Work Travel Expenses
- Keep per diems and receipts separate when traveling for work to avoid losing reimbursable expenses.
- Stay under per diem when possible so you can keep leftover funds.
Use A DAF To Multiply Giving Power
- Centralize regular charitable giving by allocating a monthly gift fund or opening a donor-advised fund (DAF).
- Invest contributions in a DAF to grow donations and simplify recurring grants to chosen causes.