Belarusians shared about family budget and mortgage expenses in Poland

In Belarus, Hanna worked in human resources for many years. After moving to Poland, she almost immediately registered as a sole proprietor and began helping foreigners with employment. She also enrolled in a university and received a bachelor's degree in "human capital management."

At the beginning of this year, Hanna was offered a position in human resources — and she accepted, deciding to combine her hired work with her private business.

For a full-time position, Hanna earns 5,000 PLN ($1317) per month. Income from entrepreneurial activity is currently inconsistent. On average, the sole proprietorship brings in an additional 1,500-2,000 PLN ($395-$527) per month.

Hanna and her husband have a joint family budget. The man earns about 6,500 PLN ($1712) per month.

In addition, the family receives a monthly allowance for their daughter, totaling 800 PLN ($211).

Thus, the family's total income is about 14,000 PLN ($3,687) per month.

Expenses

• Mortgage, utility services, and renovation — 4,100 PLN ($1,080).
• Other expenses related to buying an apartment — about 3,500 PLN ($922).
• Food and household chemicals — about 3,000 PLN ($790).
• Transport — 380 PLN ($100).
• Self-care and health — 1,010 PLN ($266).
• Clothing and footwear — 200 PLN ($53).
• Daughter's school and hobbies — 760 PLN ($200).
• Entertainment — 1,000 PLN ($263).
• Other expenses — 120 PLN ($32).

Apartment

Hanna's family lives in their own apartment, recently purchased with a mortgage.

— An old, secondary home in an old building. 50 square meters, three rooms, — Hanna describes.

The monthly mortgage payment is 2,000 PLN ($527). Another 1,100 PLN ($290) goes to utility bills. Hanna attributes the high cost to the apartment being in an old building.

The family is not yet paying for internet. When it was connected, the first six months were free. After this period, they will have to pay 70 PLN ($18).

Every month, Hanna and her husband try to allocate about 1,000 PLN ($263) for renovations.

— We're gradually redoing it to our taste, — says the Belarusian woman. — As soon as we moved in, we changed the floor in the living room, then polished the authentic floor in the hall — made it more modern. We painted the walls.

Food

Hanna has never strictly tracked grocery expenses. All family members buy what they want in stores, denying themselves nothing.

— We love to eat, — the woman smiles.

About once a week, the family goes out for lunch.

— We might go for a walk — and stop for lunch at a mleczny bar (a format of inexpensive cafes. — Note by MOST). For three people, it comes out to about 80 PLN ($21), — Hanna says. — And sometimes we go to a pizzeria, restaurant, or cafe. Last time we paid 125 PLN ($33).

In total, for groceries, trips to cafes and restaurants, as well as household chemicals bought along with groceries, the family spends about 3,000 PLN ($790) per month.

Transport

The family has a car, which Hanna's husband mostly uses: he drives it to work every day. When needed, the car is also used for family trips.

They fill the tank once a month. Fuel costs about 300 PLN ($79).

Hanna and her daughter regularly use public transport. Travel for the schoolgirl is free.

— I live not far from work. I take the bus in the morning, and after work, I walk if the weather is good, — she says. — Travel costs about 80 PLN ($21) per month.

Self-care and Health

Monthly, Hanna and her daughter get manicures. For both of them, it costs 150 PLN ($39).

Additionally, the family regularly buys cosmetics: special dermatological shampoos, as well as face creams and tonics. These products cost about 300 PLN ($79) per month.

Every three months, Hanna visits a beauty salon, where she gets a haircut and hair coloring. This costs 300 PLN ($79). The woman's husband goes to the barber monthly and pays 60 PLN ($16) for a haircut.

In addition, the family pays for an extended medical package costing 250 PLN ($66) per month, as well as a sports membership — another 150 PLN ($39).

Clothing and Footwear

The family buys clothes and shoes as needed, but this need arises almost every month. On average, this costs 200 PLN ($53).

— We just selectively look in the closet and check what we need to update. One month we buy for one person, the next — for another, — says Hanna. — Everything is very affordable. It's not like in Belarus, where you have to plan a budget to buy something for yourself.

Daughter's School and Hobbies

Hanna's daughter plays tennis twice a week. Lessons cost 280 PLN ($74) per month. Her parents pay the same amount for drawing courses.

School meals cost the family 100 PLN ($26). The girl also sometimes goes on trips with her class.

— Sometimes it's 50 PLN ($13), and sometimes it's 800 ($211) per month, — Hanna estimates this expense item. — I think, on average, it's at least 100 PLN ($26).

Entertainment

In warm weather, when conditions allow, the family prefers to spend their free time walking or cycling.

Sometimes they go to the cinema. Such a trip usually costs about 100 PLN ($26) — that's tickets and popcorn.

In addition, the family tries to travel regularly: visiting neighboring cities and taking longer weekend trips. The amounts vary, but it's always at least 1,000 PLN ($263): sometimes more needs to be spent on tickets, and sometimes — on accommodation.

— Recently, we went to meet friends, stayed in a hotel. We paid 400 PLN ($105) for round-trip tickets, and 600 ($158) for one night in the hotel, — the Belarusian woman recalls.

Other Expenses

Aside from mobile communication, the family has virtually no additional expenses. Each family member pays 35 PLN ($9) per month for phone service. In addition, Hanna separately pays for her work number — another 15 PLN ($4) monthly.

Hanna says that everything they managed to save in recent months went entirely to needs related to buying the apartment.

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