[US] What I Spent This Week as an Archivist Making $48K

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): £2,267 ($3,015)

Do you share expenses with someone: Yes, my husband  

Household Income (if shared): £125,000 ($166,250)

What is your overall monthly budget?

• Joint account: £900 ($1,197)/month into a joint account with my husband. All our bills come out of it, i.e. mortgage, electricity, gas, food, fuel, internet, Netflix, etc.  
• Sinking fund & saving for spending: £315 ($419)/month — I treat this a little like 'wants' money.  
• Postgraduate loan repayments (not Plan 2): £600 ($798)/month — 16 months remaining. Then this money will be for short-term savings & investing.  
• Stocks & Shares ISA (AJ Bell): £250 ($333)/month (extra income from dog sitting invested, just started).  
• Wants: Whatever is left! Usually around £400 ($532)/month.  

Budget notes: I don't spend the full 50% on essentials. I earn a third of what my husband does, so I contribute a third of our monthly essentials. I save more than 20%, which can mean I run out of money and have to limit my 'wants' spending; this is not recommended as it might run the risk of wanting to borrow from savings and investments. But so far I have been firm and just stuck to my sinking fund.  

Amount left each month after essentials (to spend, save or invest): £1,367 ($1,818)

Dependents (if any): None

My Relationship with Money

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

No, but they have had a difficult time, nearing bankruptcy a few times with their business. My dad is in his mid 70s, but can't retire because he doesn't have a pension.  

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

Waitress at a pub, for a bit of spending money. I was still dependent on my parents and living at home.  

Did you worry about money growing up?

My parents did, but sheltered me from it.  

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

My parents gave me money until I got my first salary over £30,000 ($39,987) as I was living in London and couldn't support myself.  

I now have a small emergency fund, my parents would help with the basics, and my husband earns more than me, but is a first generation immigrant and has no safety net other than what he can earn.  

Do you worry about money now?

Sometimes. As long as me and my husband are able to work and are healthy we can earn and grow our wealth, but we don't have inheritance to rely on or much savings.  

What is your biggest money regret?

Not investing when I was younger. Spending so much on my wedding! It was lovely though.  

What financial goals are you working towards?

Short term: Paying off my postgraduate loan. Long term: adding to my pension through investments. I get one from work but it is not too much.  

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

Jameela Jamil once said that she was financially independent and I wanted that for myself.  

Reflections on My Spending Habits:

A careful week of 'want' spending, a couple of trips to the cafe, and I made my lunch at home everyday except one. Some large expenses/bill came out (mortgage and car repayment). I am always careful until those bills come out of the account, so I don't accidentally spend it. It also covers one of my first investment transactions!

What I Spent in a Week

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Day 1: Monday – £299.24 ($398)

• £250.00 ($333) — AJ Bell Stocks & Shares ISA contribution  
• £35.00 ($47) — YouFibre broadband  
• £6.50 ($9) — Café visit  
• £4.00 ($5) — Charity donation  
• £2.75 ($4) — Café visit  
• £0.99 ($1) — Apple subscription   ‍

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Day 2: Tuesday – £117.54 ($156)

• £110.79 ($147) — Groceries  
• £6.75 ($9) — Lunch   ‍

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Day 3: Wednesday – £195.49 ($260)

• £195.49 ($260) — Car repayment  

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Day 4: Thursday – £45.72 ($61)

• £45.72 ($61) — Fuel   ‍

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Day 5: Friday – £1,751.70 ($2,330)

• £1,744.85 ($2,321) — Mortgage payment  
• £6.85 ($9) — Café visit   ‍

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Day 6: Saturday – £27.96 ($37)

• £27.96 ($37) — Groceries   ‍‍

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‍Day 7: Sunday – £0.00 ($0)

• £0.00 — No-spend day

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Total Weekly Spend: £2,437.65 ($3,242)

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