Rian Kaniabota embodies the spirit of resilience as she expertly manages her household in Fiji while her husband works abroad. Living on Kinoya Road with their five children, Rian takes on a multitude of responsibilities that encompass family finances, household duties, and ensuring the wellbeing of her kids.
Her husband contributes $1,000 every two weeks to support their household expenses, a sum Rian budgets with precision. She allocates this amount to cover essential bills such as utilities and groceries, creating a manageable weekly budget of $500. Rian prioritizes healthy eating, dedicating between $200 and $250 to organic produce purchased from local markets, demonstrating her belief that organic options are not only healthier but often more economical than packaged products.
In her culinary practices, Rian emphasizes fresh, organic ingredients and traditional local meals. The family benefits from a diet rich in locally sourced root vegetables like tavioka and sweet potatoes, which she believes are crucial for bolstering the children’s immune systems, especially in Suva’s humid environment prone to illness. Rian efficiently manages their nutrition by serving organic meals three to four times a week and limiting processed foods, keeping rice consumption to just two days weekly.
Though she is a qualified primary school teacher, Rian is unable to work due to her visa exemption status. Her children are enrolled in CMF College and nearby primary schools, with two already holding Fijian citizenship, while the others continue to navigate their immigration pathways.
When it comes to shopping, Rian employs strict financial discipline, always arriving with a prepared list and focusing on necessities like rice, eggs, and other affordable proteins. She is passionate about imparting financial literacy to her children, teaching them to resist the lure of impulse buying driven by attractive packaging. Aware of the unpredictable nature of expenses, Rian sets aside funds for savings and emergencies, which she affectionately calls their “rainy day” fund.
Regular visits to supermarkets such as Shop N Save, Extra Supermarket, and Max-Val-U allow Rian to find the best deals through careful price comparisons. She advocates for mindfulness during shopping trips, emphasizing the importance of reading labels and nutrition facts. Rian firmly believes that taking a few extra moments to evaluate what goes into their shopping cart is vital for maintaining the family’s health and wellbeing.
Through her resourcefulness and dedication to healthy living, Rian serves as a shining example of effective family management. She not only provides for her children in her husband’s absence but also fosters financial literacy and healthy eating habits, demonstrating that with determination, families can thrive even in challenging circumstances.