2/9/25
What I Spent This Week as a Hydraulic Modeller Making $38k
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.
About Me
Age: 27
Location: Derbyshire
Current Salary: £29,000 before tax ($38,500)
Monthly Take-Home Pay: £1,900 after tax ($2,527)
Household Income: Unknown - I live with my parents.
Do you share expenses with someone? Parents (whom I live with)
Occupation: Hydraulic Modeller (environmental consultant)
Savings: £30,000 ($39,900) – £10k ($13,300) as emergency fund, £10k for when I learn to fly, £10k for general savings
Debt: Student loans around £50,000 ($66,500)
Assets: I recently sold my property
Fixed Monthly Costs:
I live with my parents, so I don't pay them rent.
• £50/month petrol ($66.50)
• £10/month phone bill ($13.30)
• £250 social/treats ($332.50)
Amount left each month after essentials: £1,350 ($1,795.50)
Dependents: None
Money Mindset & Financial Journey
Did your parents educate you around money?
No. My parents helped me in terms of setting up a bank account and advising me to work and to save money, but no specific saving or investing advice/tips other than to work hard.
What was your first job and why did you get it?
In a pizza takeaway so I could earn pocket money (usually £30/week! $39.90 USD) and gain experience.
Did you worry about money growing up?
No, because I wasn't educated enough to be concerned. My school never taught us about mortgages, taxes, bills etc, so I kind of took it for granted/was oblivious.
My parents aren't rich, but have always had enough to support our family and so I suppose I was naive/took for granted how lucky I was and considered this normal without thinking too much into it. They've never discussed their finances with me so I've never been aware of their situation.
When I was in school and university, I never really considered the long term - it was only really once I started working full time myself and paying my own bills.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself?
23 – once I completed my MSc and started saving for my first property properly, and started working full time.
Do you worry about money now?
At this moment in time, I try not to worry about money and trust that I am sensible with it. I worry in the long term, if anything, and about having savings when I retire. But I hope that if my career goals are successful, then it will pay off, and I can start building up again.
What is your biggest money regret?
Buying a property with a male partner who made me pay the deposit and fees, and not understanding deeds of trust in order to protect my money and assets. I put every single penny I saved into the property, had nothing at the end, and had to rely on a controlling male partner for a few months.
What financial goals are you working towards?
Saving as much as I can, learning how to invest, and being self-sufficient so if I'm ever in a relationship again and need to get out, I have that financial security.
I’m currently learning to glide (sailplane), the course of which cost me £1,200 ($1,596)– I used savings. This is a cheaper option for learning to fly, so I started it for experience. I plan on booking my class 1 medical soon (required for becoming an airline pilot) which will cost about £800 ($1,064) which I have set aside.
All being well, I am intending on starting my airline pilot training in February – I am choosing a modular option because you can work alongside it, do it at your own pace, it is better value for money and a lot cheaper than integrated courses. If you want to stop partway, then you can get some money back/not have to pay upfront and lose money.
It will be mostly funded by myself, and my parents will help out too since there are no funding options in the UK for becoming a pilot (with the intention of paying my parents back).
Who is your financial role model?
I'm not sure yet!
Reflections on My Spending
I spend randomly without having a strict budget, and there were some unexpected payments.
I usually set aside about £200/month ($266) for going out, treating myself, etc. so I was prepared for spontaneous meals out with friends. I always calculate my bills so that the exact money is ready in my account, so I don't have to worry about paying these. Sometimes I go over my spending allowance, but I have a small, separate emergency fund for these kind of spendings.
But I am pleased with how much I have managed to save and to not eat into my emergency fund, even though I've spent money on things I wasn't anticipating.
What I Spent in a Week
Day 1 – Monday: £19.88 ($26.45)
• Meal with a friend: £18 ($23.94)
• Supermarket: £1.88 ($2.51)
Day 2 – Tuesday: £22.25 ($29.59)
• Meal with a friend: £22.25 ($29.59)
Day 3 – Wednesday: £298.29 ($396.74)
• Solicitor fees: £291.60 ($388.83)
• Waitrose: £2.80 ($3.72)
• Lidl: £3.89 ($5.17)
Day 4 – Thursday: £5.24 ($6.97)
• Aldi for lunch: £5.24 ($6.97)
Day 5 – Friday: £30.42 ($40.46)
• Early cancellation fee for home insurance: £20.57($27.36)
• Postage for a tracked letter: £9.85 ($13.10)
Day 6 – Saturday: £20.27($26.96)
• McDonald’s: £10.77 ($14.32)
• Ice cream: £3.50 ($4.66)
• Gift: £6 ($7.98)
Day 7 – Sunday: £6.50 ($8.65)
• Morrisons: £6.50 ($8.65)