What I Spent This Week as a Regulatory Project Manager Making $70K

Ever wondered how others really manage their money?

In the A Week in My Wallet series, we share it all, because talking about money shouldn't be off-limits.

Every week, an anonymous member shares a week of their spending: no names, no filters, just honest stories about life's everyday financial choices.

Ready to join the conversation and help make money talk less taboo? Share your own story via our form here.

Monthly Take-Home Pay (after tax): £3,109  

Do you share expenses with someone: No

What is your overall monthly budget?

• £949 ($1,253) - Mortgage
• £27 ($36) - Internet
• £181 ($239) - Service Charge
• £90 ($119) - Electricity and Gas
• £140 ($185) - Council Tax
• £13 ($17) - Phone
• £15 ($20) - TV Licence
• £38 ($50) - Thames Water
• £7 ($9) - Home Insurance
• £667 ($880) - Childcare
• £150 ($198) - Travel
• £250 ($330) - Groceries
• £225 ($297) - Salary deduction for company investment
• £45 ($59) - Additional to pension
• £25 ($33) - General Investment Account

Amount left each month after essentials (to spend, save or invest): £600 ($792) to spend per month after essentials  

Dependents (if any): 1 year old boy  

My Relationship with Money

Growing up, did your parents or guardians educate you around money?

No, money wasn’t something openly discussed at home when I was growing up. It was more of a silent topic—you knew it existed and that things cost money, but there was no formal guidance on how to budget, save, or invest. My mother sometimes shared concerns over cost and she was constantly budgeting. I think I have taken after her.

What was your first job and why did you get it?

Waitress- earn money during summer holidays.  

‍Did you worry about money growing up?

Yes - we didn't have much money.  

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?

After university. I moved to London and became financially independent.  

Do you worry about money now?

Yes, I do. Being the sole provider for my son brings a completely different layer of financial pressure. Right now, I am feeling really squeezed trying to cover the cost of childcare on just one wage, especially since the overall cost of living has gone up significantly. Every single decision—from daily groceries to long-term stability—rests entirely on my shoulders. There is a constant underlying anxiety about the ‘what ifs’ and ensuring he has everything he needs, which makes finding that perfect balance between earning a living and being physically present to watch him grow up a daily challenge. ‍

What is your biggest money regret?

Not investing earlier. I only learned this year while off on maternity leave.  

What financial goals are you working towards?

I would like to move eventually and have a 2 bedroom flat with potentially a garden or more space. II would also like more money from my job, but it’s a balance between money and time as I want to be there to see my son grow up.

Who is your financial role model (if any), and why?

I don't really have a financial role model. But I feel Female Invest has helped me understand money.

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Reflections on My Spending Habits:

At the moment I have to be really careful with money. I need to budget for expenditure as the cost of childcare is really expensive. I also have seen my mortgage increase by £200 and my bills by approx £100 over the last 5 years.

What I Spent in a Week

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Day 1: Monday – £13 ($17)

• £13 ($17) — I had a half day from work so spent £13 ($17) on a art exhibition to have me time. Bought some Nappies   ‍

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‍Day 2: Tuesday – £0 ($0)

• £0 ($0) — No spending on this day   ‍

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Day 3: Wednesday – £0 ($0)

• £0 ($0) — No spending on this day   ‍

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Day 4: Thursday – £0 ($0)

• £0 ($0) — No spending on this day  

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Day 5: Friday – £5 ($7)

• £5 ($7) — I don't work Friday so met a friend for coffee £5 ($7). Took my son to Park.   ‍‍

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‍Day 6: Saturday – £7 ($9)

• £7 ($9) — Took my son swimming for £7 ($9)   ‍

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Day 7: Sunday – £28 ($37)

• £10 ($13) — Went to park to meet other Mums. Bought a Picnic.  
• £18 ($24) — Entrance ticket

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  Total Weekly Spend: £53 ($70)

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