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- What a Mom With an $800K Income Really Spends On—Plus Summer Cookout Staples
What a Mom With an $800K Income Really Spends On—Plus Summer Cookout Staples
For moms who manage money, meals, and the messy middle.
Ann Woo
June 30, 2025
Happy Monday!
I’m so glad you’re here. 🥰
Over the weekend, I opened a new box of makeup, walked 3 miles every day, and cooked on the Blackstone for the first time. Big weekend energy over here.
Now we’re heading into the real marathon: prepping for the Fourth of July. Between planning food, making sure everyone has sunscreen, and scouring the internet for cute outfits (for my kids and myself), it adds up fast—in time, energy, and money.
Anyone else feel completely unsure of their size right now? I’m almost a year postpartum and still feel like I’m dressing a version of myself that keeps changing. After 20 months of pregnancy and postpartum, seeing your body in the mirror can feel… confusing, to say the least.
On the topic of summer spending—last week’s poll was all about vacation budgets, and 41% of you said you're spending between $1,000 and $5,000 on travel, food, lodging, and fun. Whether it’s a beach trip, a mountain escape, or a few long weekends close to home, it’s clear that many families are planning mindful getaways this summer.
Every time I hit “send,” I picture each of you on the other side—and this week, that’s 570 of you. Thank you, truly, for being here. It means more than you know.
Let’s get into it:
🍽️ What’s for Dinner
Pork Carnitas - I’m all about a good slow cooker meal any time of year, and these carnitas are no exception. Let them simmer all day, then pile them into tacos, bowls, or whatever you’re craving for an easy weeknight win.
Yellow Squash Casserole - Last summer, right after I had my second baby, a sweet family friend dropped off this dish with grilled chicken and it was so good. Light, flavorful, and the perfect way to use up all that summer squash!
Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers - Whether you’re wrapping it in lettuce, serving over rice, or snacking straight from the grill- you’ll love the sauce and simplicity of this recipe.
Bacon Ranch Potato Salad - I first found this recipe way back when I was doing Whole30, and it’s been on repeat ever since. It’s super simple and goes with just about anything—summer cookouts, oven baked chicken thighs, you name it.
Tomato Feta Cucumber Salad - My 11-month old is obsessed with tomatoes right now and I love a minimal-ingredient salad that my kids can also have. Pairs beautifully with any protein.
❤️ What I’m Recommending
This section contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you (thanks for supporting the newsletter!).
Mom Wellness: Acupuncture has been such a helpful tool in my life—even before motherhood—but I’ve seen the biggest benefits in the past few years. Whether it’s managing stress, supporting postpartum recovery, or just finding a moment to breathe, it’s one of the few things that actually feels like care for me, not just another item on the to-do list. I’m not a medical professional, so don’t take this as advice but if you’re feeling stretched thin, it might be worth looking into.
Kid Product: Do you remember Highlights magazine? I used to love getting it in the mail as a kid. Fast forward a few decades, and now my 3.5 year old is just as into it. His great-grandmother gifted him a subscription for his birthday last year, and it’s become part of our bedtime routine. We read the short stories together and do the little games and puzzles. Highly recommend as a gift for your toddler!
Kid Product: After almost a year of lots of travel with two kids, this double stroller has proven to be the MVP. It folds down easily to pack, has tons of storage underneath, and—best of all—fits through standard doorways. If you're traveling with little ones, this is the one to get. Grab it here before your next getaway—it’s 100% worth it.
💸 In This Economy? (Mom’s Version)
Yes, Even With an $800K Household Income, This Texas Mom Swears by Hand-Me-Downs
In This Economy? is a weekly series showcasing the costs of motherhood from real moms. Want to share your story anonymously? Submit here — no names, no judgment.
Age: 38
Kids: 3 y/o
Job: Physician
Side hustle: 2 short term rentals but at best, they break even with costs
Household Income: $600,000 - 800,000 (depending on how many shifts I pick up)
Own or rent: Own- $4,000/month
Childcare or daycare expense: Full time nanny with benefits, approximately $50k per year
Recent purchase you regret: Trip to Costa Rica, $5k; not regret exactly but kind of meh
Splurge and don’t regret: WayB pico travel car seat, $400
Best “mom sanity” splurge: Stumptown oat milk coffee in individual containers and Instacart membership for Costco
Weekly “kid stuff” spend: $50? Depends on what the nanny decides to do - usually one activity and 1-2 meals out
Weekly spend on groceries: Gobble box + Costco + grocery store... $200?
Most spent on a kid party: $500 for bounce house, food, and adult drinks
Purchase that you don’t tell your partner about: Buying nice things for my parents (La Mer cream for my mom $400, upgrading their flights $4000, camera gear for dad). Husband knows about most of it, just not detailed price
Saving for your kids college tuitions: $400/month with $10k initial investment from my parents
Something financial you wish your parents had taught you: Sometimes I'm overly frugal and I don't need to be... its cultural
Managing family budget: No micro budget. Macro budget with financial planner with goal savings amount for the year
Great ways to save money on kid-related expenses: Friends with older kids for hand me downs! I've saved so much money thanks to generous friends (with good taste in clothes!)
Money advice for other moms: Don't keep your head in the sand about budgets/spending because you're overwhelmed and afraid. Knowledge is power!
Finish the sentence: “In this economy, I still somehow ____.” Dream about retiring in my 40s
Thanks again for being here. If you love it, forward this to a mom friend—more voices make this better. And if you ever want to share, vent, or suggest something, just hit reply. I’m reading every email!
Woo you next week,
Ann
✅ This Week’s Mom Poll
What’s your biggest 4th of July expense? |
