Spread one's expenditure (6)
I believe the answer is:
outlay
This could be a double definition.
'spread one's' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'expenditure' is the second definition.
(the cost of setting something up)
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for outlay that I've seen before include "Amount spent on something" , "Expenditure of money" , "Money paid out" , "Amount of money spent" , "Disbursement" .)