What is Victor’s dream?
«I love running around the Lakes, so it would be fantastic to have an apartment not far from there. Whether it’s in Vesterbro, Østerbro, Nørrebro, or Frederiksberg doesn’t matter. The apartment should be a bit older and preferably on the third floor. My dream is three rooms, a balcony, original wooden floors, high ceilings, stucco, and large windows to let in plenty of sunlight. Practically, I’d like a newer bathroom with a bathtub. In terms of design, I’d go for a minimalist bohemian style – plants in every room, an orange sofa, and artifacts from travels.
I travel a lot and love experiencing new things. The dream is one big trip annually. I’d particularly like to go to South Africa and dive with great white sharks.
For me, children are a privilege rather than a dream. I’m not ruling out having children, but I don’t see myself having them in the next 20-25 years. However, I would love to have a little cute cotton dog.
I enjoy walking and imagine that’s how I’ll primarily get from point A to point B. If I’m in a hurry, I’ll take my bike, and if I need to visit family outside the city, I’ll use public transport.
Today, I run a lot and do strength training at a fitness center. I imagine I’ll keep my fitness membership, but I’d like to do even more sports – soccer, badminton, and paddle tennis. I dream of having the financial freedom to visit a physiotherapist when needed. Additionally, I’d like to go to sauna sessions every other Sunday.
I once spoke to someone who followed a principle of trying a new hobby every other month. I’d like to do that. I’d like to try a salsa course and see if I enjoy it. Two months later, I could try a Japanese cooking class or go see a comedy show.
When it comes to food and shopping, I’d like to shop healthily and organically and cook at home as often as possible. It’s a cozy way for my partner and me to spend time together. When we celebrate our monthly anniversary, I’d like us to dine out at a nice restaurant. Make it a regular tradition.»
How much would it cost?
For Victor er drømmen en lys og charmerende ejerlejlighed tæt på Søerne. Vi har fundet en lejlighed i Willemoesgade på Østerbro, der matcher flere af hans ønsker. Lejligheden koster 7 millioner, men til gengæld koster den kun 5.400 i ejerudgift. Med en udbetaling på 350.000 kroner vil det koste Victor 39.500 kroner om måneden. Får han det afdragsfrit, kan han komme ned på 34.300 kroner.
For Victor, the dream is a bright and charming condo near the Lakes. We found an apartment on Willemoesgade on Østerbro that matches several of his wishes. The apartment costs 7 million kroner, but the ownership fee is only 5,400 kroner. With a down payment of 350,000 kroner, it would cost Victor 39,500 kroner per month. If he gets an interest-only loan, he can reduce it to 34,300 kroner.
Victor mentions that he doesn’t carry a big dream of having children. On the other hand, he would like a cotton dog, which costs an average of 11,000 kroner. According to totteland.dk, he can expect monthly expenses of approximately 550 kroner. This covers the dog’s food, insurance, equipment, and savings for the vet.
Victor also says he loves playing sports. The more, the better. Instead of having a fitness membership and additionally paying for a paddle court now and then, we found another solution. If Victor signs up for Bruce, he can engage in all the sports he wants at 74 different centers for 750 kroner monthly. This includes fitness, swimming, yoga, dance, crossfit, climbing, racquet sports, and more. The membership also provides access to sauna at places like Sauna85. If Victor wants to visit a physiotherapist, he can purchase a punch card from CityFys Wellness, located in DGI Byen. Five sessions cost 1,568 kroner, allowing him five 30-minute physiotherapy sessions when needed. Spread over a year, this would cost 130 kroner monthly.
Regarding hobbies, Victor dreams of trying something new every other month. If he wants to dance salsa, he can visit CSA studio in Copenhagen. Seven lessons for a beginner class in Cuban salsa cost 775 kroner. If he wants to enhance his skills in Japanese cuisine two months later, he can take a cooking class at Saito Cph, located in Kødbyen. A course costs 895 kroner.
A food budget for two adults averages 3,200 kroner per month. This should comfortably cover healthy and organic food for Victor and his partner. If they want to celebrate their monthly anniversary with a restaurant visit, it will be an additional expense. A dinner for two – consisting of two three-course menus and two glasses of wine at a moderately priced restaurant like Madklubben – costs approximately 950 kroner, becoming a fixed monthly expense.
Victor mentions that he dreams of a longer trip each year. If he wants to go on a shark safari in South Africa, he can book a package trip. According to Kingfish.dk, a nine-day diving trip – including flights, accommodation, feeding dives, reef dives, and breakfast every day – costs approximately 20,000 kroner. To save up over a year and set aside a bit extra for food and other experiences, he should save about 1,800 kroner monthly.
Total monthly expenses: 42,080 kroner.
Excluding: apartment down payment and one-time cost for the dog.
What does Victor think about the budget?
«I initially think that 42,000 kroner seems realistic and manageable. And the housing, which is the most expensive part, will be cheaper since my partner and I will share the cost. So no, there’s nothing I want to change about my future dreams. It’s something I’m looking forward to live in.»
