bills, bills, bills: anniversary edition

money advice, recs, and dishy purchase history from NFTG readers

editors’ note

This month marks three years of Bills, Bills, Bills—36 months and 36 columns without a cease and desist letter from Destiny's Child. (Honestly, we're disappointed.) To celebrate this milestone, we're sharing a special edition featuring responses from hundreds of readers. From the best financial planning software to unnecessary splurges, smart investments, and hard-won advice, here's a look inside the lives and wallets of our intrepid audience. We've also sprinkled in answers from the Nothing for the Group Advisory Council (a.k.a. the Group Chat). Thank you for three years of devoted readership and financial transparency!

What is the smartest purchase you’ve made in the last year?

• I started buying work pants one or two sizes bigger than my actual size so I can comfortably deep squat, bend over, and sit when working long days on set. I'm generally big on athleisure, so this has been a great solve for achieving more physical comfort without the constricting waistbands I used to tolerate.

• A cute, hard-shell suitcase that’s the perfect size for a carry-on.

• I don't know if you’d call it a purchase, but I do spend money on outsourcing work and chores when I can—whether it’s paying someone to go swatching, calling an Uber courier to deliver costume pieces across town, or hiring weekly apartment cleaning. These small increments of saved time are incredibly valuable.

• Magnifying eyewear.

• When I relocated to a new city, I bought higher-quality home essentials—mattress, bed frame, TV, dresser—so they would last me longer than cheaper options. I know I’ll have them for years and through future moves.

• I opted into the slightly better health insurance plan my employer offers—and I ended up really needing it. Of all my financial privileges, nothing compares to being able to say “yes” to health care and figure out the billing later.

• A collapsible coffee drip and a Black & Blum lunch bag.

• Getting rid of a smartphone has changed both my wallet and my life for the better.

• I love my Passion Planner. I’ve always worked better on paper, and writing things down helps me truly commit to plans. Bullet journaling stresses me out, but physical planners—with stickers and all—give me real joy and balance.

• Our electric vehicle. We save so much on gas, and I feel better about our carbon footprint.

• Long-term care insurance: My friends call this my “smart single lady insurance.” It hurt at first to pay the $541/month premium, but it's essentially liquid cash—I can draw from it if I need to. After a certain age, it becomes a $15K/month long-term care policy. If I never use it, my nephew inherits a $481K death benefit. My financial advisor told me, “You can’t afford not to.” With a small family and no plans for a spouse or kids, I needed to plan for a future where I might not be able to live independently. It required cutting back in other areas (like weekly manicures), but now I feel secure and confident in my future.

• A breastmilk thermos.

• Lots of readers suggested equipment to make fancy/good drinks at home: Breville Bambino, Nespresso, and DrinkMate were popular responses.

• An Eileen Fisher dress. That stuff is expensive, but it holds up!

• A stylish commuting backpack. Backpacks always make me feel like a second grader but this one is structured and chic; I’ve received many compliments on the Metro.

• Living in New York, I think there is nothing more important to spend money on than a great pair of shoes and a great coat. Everyone's budget or taste will vary, but you will never regret spending real money on a coat that can last over a decade if you take care of it or a great, good looking pair of comfortable shoes.

• A storage unit where I can keep work-related equipment and supplies. It saves space in my small NYC apartment—and it’s tax deductible.

What is your number one financial app/software recommendation?

• I've been using the Qapital app for a few years now. It’s a great way to automate savings for different goals.

• I treat myself like a child. By that I mean, I set a monthly budget for "dumb unnecessary small stuff" and I put it on a Greenlight card, which is basically a debit card made for children. In the app, money goes into a "Parent Wallet" where I can then transfer dollars to my "Kid" for doing "Chores." So I load my monthly budget into the Parent Wallet, and then reward "Kid Me" for doing chores such as deep cleaning my apartment or doing a quality workout, etc. It helps me stay within my budget, and also helps me not blow through that budget during the first week of the month.

• Definitely YNAB (You Need A Budget). It changed my relationship with money by forcing me to think about every dollar.

• Monarch is amazing—it’s easy to use, powerful, and gives me a clear picture of my finances.

• I use credit repayment cards with no interest for 18 months to help manage short-term expenses.

• I’ve found the Goodbudget app useful for keeping my spending categories in check.

• Rocket Money has been helpful for spotting subscriptions and spending trends I might otherwise miss.

• I use Tiller because it links with my accounts and automatically updates Google Sheets, giving me more control.

• PocketGuard has been surprisingly helpful for showing what I actually have “left to spend” after all obligations.

• Personal Capital has been great for long-term planning and understanding where my retirement accounts stand.

• I love the Clarity app for its interface and ability to flag weird charges or duplicate subscriptions.

• I keep it very low-tech and just write everything down in a ledger notebook. It helps me stay connected to the numbers.

• I use Airtable to make hypothetical budgets based on the 50/30/20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings). Using a slightly rounded down net income, I separate all my purchases into Needs/Wants/Savings, and move things around, change numbers, etc, to see if I can afford a big purchase or save more.

• The Artist Tax Prep Self-Employment Expense Tracker spreadsheet. I initially hired Artist Tax Prep to do my taxes in 2023 since it was the first year I earned income in multiple states. Their free tracking tools are specifically designed for artists to ensure you’re deducting as many eligible expenses as possible. Those resources helped decreased my taxable income by thousands of dollars.

What is a splurge that you could technically live without but you budget for anyway?

• Private school for my son. He has ADHD and thrives in a smaller, more supportive classroom environment.

• I pay for ClassPass in order to work out and feel like myself again after having a baby.

• Honestly? Botox.

• A membership to the community pool in the summer. It’s not essential, but it’s a meaningful lifestyle boost.

• Rent the Runway. I find myself going to more events lately, and wearing fun outfits helps me feel confident.

• Video games. They help me decompress and feel connected to something playful outside of work.

• Pilates and other group fitness classes. The older I get, the less it's about weight loss and the more it's about mental health and preventing back pain and those things are important! It's a nonnegotiable budget-wise.

• Personal trainer. This is such an indulgence, but strength training has changed my life and my relationship with my body. It’s as valuable as my anti-depressants. My trainer also has a Health At Every Size approach and has helped me reframe fitness from a pursuit of unattainable thinness.

• Boutique fitness classes. I don’t technically need them, but they help me stay consistent and energized.

• I see an expensive hair stylist 2-3 times per year. She is a genius at making my fine hair a good shape for my head and it's nice to talk to her. I've known her for years and her skills are so worth what she charges, but it is a lot. It's $185.

• Monthly facials—they’re technically nonessential, but I budget for them as part of my self-care.

• I always keep a restaurant budget. Dining out inspires me and gives me energy when I don’t have time to cook.

• Fancy coffee and tea. I could make it at home, but I love the experience of going to cafés.

• I hired a cleaning co-op to deep clean my apartment. My unit is in an old brownstone and there’s just a perpetual layer of grime no matter what I do. Hiring a professional to scrub my baseboards every six months? A revelation.

• I subscribe to multiple streaming platforms, even though I don’t need them all—it’s my wind-down ritual.

• Live concerts. They’re expensive, but I make space in my budget because music is part of what keeps me creatively alive.

• I budget for regular manicures and pedicures. I find they boost my confidence and sense of polish (no pun intended).

• Art books. I buy them even when I don’t need more, because they refill the creative well.

• I keep a small “treat yourself” line in my budget for things like skincare or cute stationery.

• Specialty cooking ingredients. I love experimenting in the kitchen and it’s part of how I decompress.

• Subscriptions to literary journals. It feels indulgent, but I consider it part of staying engaged as a writer.

• I spend money on tarot readings and astrology apps—totally nonessential but weirdly grounding for me.

• I love buying fresh flowers for the house every week. It’s a small thing that makes me feel rich.

• Travel! Even though it stretches my budget, I always try to save for at least one trip a year.

• High-quality candles and incense. I like to set a vibe in my creative space.

• I get professional massages every month. It’s pricey but helps with chronic pain and burnout.

• Aesthetic upgrades to my workspace—lamps, organizers, art prints. It’s not essential, but it inspires me to work.

• Music gear. I already have the basics, but I love experimenting with new pedals or synths.

• Indie magazines and zines. I know I could read things online, but I love the tactile experience.

What is the biggest purchase you've made in the last year?

• I had another baby!

• I've been slowly upgrading my camera systems (I'm a filmmaker), and it's been a major investment.

• I finally bought a reliable used car after years of putting it off—my old one was on its last legs.

• I paid off the final chunk of my student loans. It wasn’t a purchase exactly, but it felt like buying freedom.

• I upgraded my bed frame from a rickety full-size IKEA one to a queen from Room and Board.

• I enrolled in a coaching program that was expensive but deeply worth it for my creative and business growth.

• My work switched insurance carriers and because healthcare is a scam, my therapist is now out-of-network, so a previously free service is now $145 a session. She’s worth it.

• I moved into a new apartment with more space, which significantly increased my monthly rent.

• I replaced my entire computer setup—laptop, monitor, and software—because my old tech was holding me back.

• I took a three-week international trip for a creative sabbatical. It was pricey, but incredibly rejuvenating.

• I built a soundproof booth at home so I could start doing professional voiceover work.

• I invested in a course on creative entrepreneurship. It helped me rethink my business strategy entirely.

• I hired a part-time assistant to help with admin and client work. It’s been a game-changer.

• I bought an electric cargo bike so I can take my kids to school and do errands without a car.

• I spent a lot of money getting my teeth fixed—it wasn’t cosmetic, but it made a huge difference in my confidence.

• I upgraded to a full-frame DSLR and professional lenses, which has opened up better client work.

• I paid for a retreat that helped me reconnect with my writing practice.

• I installed built-in bookshelves and workspace furniture to finally make my home office functional.

• I bought a red-light therapy face mask. I use it three to four times a week for ten minutes at a time and my skin has never looked better.

• I signed up for a studio residency program that includes rent and materials—expensive, but inspiring.

• I bought a kiln and other ceramic equipment to finally launch my pottery practice at home.

• I started therapy again, which is a major financial commitment but absolutely worth it.

• I paid for a professional website redesign to support a new phase in my creative business.

• I replaced my HVAC system—it was boring and expensive, but absolutely necessary.

• I got a dog! Between the adoption fee, vet visits, and supplies, it was a big outlay—but I don't regret it.

• I upgraded my lighting and sound setup for teaching online classes. The improvement in quality has paid off.

• I made a down payment on a home, which still doesn’t feel real, but it’s been the biggest investment of my life.

• I paid for a full rebrand—new logo, photos, packaging, and materials—for my small business.

What’s the one piece of financial advice that’s changed your artistic life?

• Create a separate bank account for your business. It helps me clearly track income and expenses, and makes taxes much easier.

• Pay yourself first. Even if it’s a small amount, it establishes the habit of saving and prioritizing yourself financially.

• Debt is not a moral failing. America’s wealth is built on systemic inequalities and unfair structures that exploit vulnerable populations and perpetuate poverty.

• Figure out your “enough” number. Once you know the bare minimum you need to survive and sustain your practice, it gives you clarity and negotiating power.

• Build a budget with room for joy. If you cut everything that feels good, your budget won’t stick. Planning for little pleasures makes you more likely to stay on track.

• My partner’s father lost his job when my partner was a kid and he was out of work for a few months and it was really scary for my partner. Long before we met and had a family, they had saved to have several months’ salary set aside in a bank account. We both keep up that practice today and while it means we have tighter belts generally than we need to on our salaries, it removes a lot of the stress of working in an unreliable field. Also, I wouldn't say it changed my artistic life, but I think finding a partner with similar spending habits/priorities is a key part of a successful partnership.

• Treat your art like a business. Track income and expenses, keep good records, and don’t be afraid to invest in your own work.

• Automate everything you can. Savings, retirement contributions, credit card payments—set it and forget it, so your future is protected even when you're busy.

• Charge what you're worth. It’s not just about making money—it’s about valuing your time, skills, and labor. If you don’t believe in your rates, no one else will.

• The surest sign that an NYC theater couple comes from family money is that they have more than one kid. Which is just to say, don’t compare your financial life to anyone else. You never know whose grandparents bought Apple stock in the early days.

• Invest in community, not just things. A network of supportive peers has done more for my career (and emotional resilience) than any software or studio upgrade ever could.

• It’s okay to say no. If a gig won’t help you grow or pay you fairly, you don’t have to take it. Scarcity mindset keeps artists broke and burnt out.

• The IRS is not your enemy—learn how taxes work. Understanding deductions and quarterly payments changed how I approach freelance life.

• Plan for retirement—even if you're young. Putting away even $50 a month in your 20s can grow to something meaningful over time.

• Dramaturgs get title page billing and royalties. Settle for nothing less.

• Track every dollar for three months. It’s the only way I truly understood where my money was going. I found a lot of “leaks” that were easy to fix.

• Don’t let shame stop you from asking for help. Talk to a financial advisor, even if you feel behind. Getting clarity is empowering.

• If you're undercharging just to “get work,” you're not building a sustainable practice. Clients who pay fairly are often the ones who respect you most.

• Art is labor. And labor deserves to be compensated. Exposure doesn’t pay rent.