In the picturesque setting of Fiji, Rian Kaniabota plays a vital role in managing her family’s household while her husband spends much of his time overseas. Residing on Kinoya Road with their five children, Rian takes charge of daily responsibilities including paying bills and caring for her family.
To maintain the household, Rian receives $1,000 from her husband every fortnight, which she adeptly budgets to cover essential expenses such as utilities, food, and other necessities. “I carefully budget this amount to cover utilities like power, water, city rates, and lawn mowing, as well as food and school lunches,” she explained. She divides this budget into $500 per week, dedicating a portion specifically for organic produce sourced from local markets, highlighting her preference for organic food due to its health benefits and competitive pricing compared to store-bought items.
Rian emphasizes the importance of healthy eating for her children, believing that organic meals help bolster their immune systems against illnesses that can be prevalent in Suva’s humid environment. Her family enjoys a diet rich in local root crops such as tavioka and sweet potatoes, incorporating organic meals three to four times a week while limiting rice consumption to just two days a week to minimize dependence on processed foods.
While Rian is a qualified primary school teacher, she currently cannot work due to her visa exemption status in Fiji. The family has lived in the country for two years, with two of her children having already obtained citizenship. Rian educates her children on the importance of discipline in budgeting and shopping, teaching them to focus on essentials and to resist the temptation of flashy packaging.
To further secure her family’s financial needs, she sets aside small amounts for savings, which she calls her “rainy day” funds, helping to cover unforeseen expenses. Her shopping trips are methodical; she prefers supermarkets known for their competitive prices, such as Shop N Save and Extra Supermarket, and she often compares stores to find the best deals available.
Rian advocates for mindful shopping practices, emphasizing the necessity of reading labels and understanding nutrition facts to ensure the family brings home healthy food options. “Having at least a few minutes to read labels is something we must always prioritize,” she stated, highlighting the importance of making informed decisions while grocery shopping.
Through her diligent budgeting, meal planning, and financial education, Rian exemplifies effective family management, providing a stable environment for her children in her husband’s absence. Her inspiring approach showcases the power of resilience and thoughtful planning in maintaining a healthy and happy household.
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