13/5/26
What I Spent This Week as a Research Manager Making $81K
Ever wondered how others really manage their money?
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): £3,000 ($4,050)
Do you share expenses with someone? With my boyfriend
Household Income (if shared): £125,000 ($168,750)
What is your overall monthly budget?
- 30% rent
- 25% Investments/savings
- 25% groceries and essentials
- 20% is spent however I want - travel, eating out, hobbies, etc.
Amount left each month after essentials (to spend, save or invest): Usually in between £700 ($945) - £900 ($1,215), depending on how much travel I do that month
Dependents (if any): None
My Relationship with Money
Growing up, did your parents or guardians educate you around money?
Not directly, but I always saw them being frugal and smart with money, like making property investments, buying only secondhand cars, DIYing most of the house renovation themselves.
What was your first job and why did you get it?
I was a promo girl at a beauty shop at 17 because I wanted to make some pocket money! It paid very poorly so I didn’t earn much, and I ended up using most of it to pay fines for not paying taxes on time, because I didn’t know how to do it on a self-employment status.
Did you worry about money growing up?
I didn’t, but when I moved abroad to start university I was worrying a lot more.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
I spent all summers doing paid internships which allowed me to have some savings for travel. At 22 I started full-time employment which allowed me to become independent ever since. I’ve about 3-months worth of savings.
Do you worry about money now?
I don’t worry about not being able to pay for something or miss important events, but I do compare myself with my peers and it makes me worry I’m behind with salary goals. I’m also thinking a lot on how to diversify my income and start earning passively.
What is your biggest money regret?
I don’t have many but one of them is probably expensive plane tickets; I never used to see my long distance ex as we broke up on the phone. It would’ve been too expensive to stay somewhere else and would have felt weird to travel to the city he lives in right after breaking up!
What financial goals are you working towards?
Right now I’m maximising investments with an idea to purchase a property in 6-8 years. I’m also actively thinking of diversifying my income and start making money passively.
Who is your financial role model (if any), and why?
I’ve a friend from my first full-time job - she now makes double my income and has a property. She’s been very smart and I’m proud of her!
Reflections on My Spending Habits:
My biggest spend this week has been travel expenses, which are not a weekly regular thing. I’ve been paying a lot for my prescriptions lately, but I don’t like to overthink that because I need them to feel good and stay healthy.
What I Spent in a Week
Day 1: Monday - £4.8 ($6)
£4.8 ($6) — Coffee before work as a little treat
Day 2: Tuesday - £140 ($189)
£140 ($189) — For a summer trip flights
Day 3: Wednesday - £150.5 ($203)
£4.5 ($6) — Coffee
£13 ($18) — New socks
£133 ($180) — My prescriptions (a big expense lately my insurance doesn’t cover… ouch!)
Day 4: Thursday - £303.5 ($410)
£3.5 ($5) — Transport
£300 ($405) — For the same trip car booking (will be split among 4 people)
Day 5: Friday - £7.19 ($10)
£7.19 ($10) — Amazon purchase
Day 6: Saturday - £12 ($16)
£12 ($16) — Two beers with friends (£6 each)
Day 7: Sunday - £59.5 ($80)
£8.5 ($11) — For a few fresh fruits and vegetables
£51 ($69) — For a half marathon race entry
Total Weekly Spend: £677.49 ($915)
