$40 at the supermarket

Lie.

I save alcohol for Friday or Saturday nights (my hip pocket and waistline appreciate the self control) and I set myself a drinks budget at the beginning of the night. That means if my budget only allows for one drink, I only have one drink.

28 year old chef. Absolute lie.

I find myself with $5 to my name, three or four days out from pay day.

See above.

I love going out for brunch (I cook all day for a living, it's nice letting someone else do all the work)

But leave $5 for the last few days....nah. It takes 2 minutes in your own kitchen and it's free, and friends are welcome to pay for theirs. This is not a budgeting headspace it's a lie.

I get creative when funds are low by proactively suggesting low-cost or free activities, rather than letting my friends try to sway me to spend money I don't have.

See above.

Recently I needed new kitchen boots and because I have mediocre ankles, I spent $115 on top-of-the-range boots, instead of buying the cheaper $60 pair.

First thing you are taught at trade school look after your feet then K.I.S.S. But she has weak ankles, good luck in retirement..only 43 years to go.

She has no car, no bills, no debt and zero repayments at all in this story. It is simply not true. However if I am mistaken, she could afford a deposit for a house in about 20 years. So she would have that going for her, having all the avos she needs and saving her coffee money.