What I Spent This Week as a Software Engineer Making $140k

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: 25‍

City: Amsterdam‍

Annual salary: €120,000 ($140,400)

Monthly take-home pay: €6,500 ($7,605)

Household income: €6,500 ($7,605)

Dependents: Cat (€100 / $117 per month)

Occupation: Software engineer‍

Savings: €21,000 ($24,570) – in case I lose my job‍

Debt: €333,000 ($389,610) mortgage (paid off €50,000 / $58,500 in 2 years; originally bought house for €387,000 / $453,790)‍

Investments: €21,000 ($24,570) in shares and ETFs‍

Fixed monthly costs (your share only):

• Mortgage: €2,100 ($2,457)
• Household bills: ~€400 ($468)
• Transport: ~€20 ($23.40) – mostly bike
• Groceries: €500–€700 ($585–$819)
• Extra mortgage payments: €1,000–€2,000 ($1,170–$2,340) per month‍

Amount left each month after essentials: ~€1,500 ($1,755) – spent on shopping or travel

I’m not following the 50/30/20 rule though, I’m a bit messy. I’m trying to spend as little as possible, and invest the rest that I have.

My Relationship With Money

Did your parents or guardians educate you around money?‍

I grew up with a single mom making €130 ($152.10) to support two kids. We were far from rich. I started working at 15 to help my mom and pay for myself. At 20, I was covering our rent and holidays. Now I send her money here and there - she lives in another country.

She didn’t teach me much directly about money, but I saw her investing in shares, and seeing her struggle motivated me to choose a high-paid job.

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

My first job was as a cleaner, helping my mom clean properties when I was 15. It wasn’t good for my back, but I was the “richest” in school with €150 ($175.50) a month just for me (10 years ago). I spent my weekends cleaning.

Did you worry about money growing up?‍

Yes. As I said, my mom was a single parent with two kids, and we grew up in debt – though everything is paid off now.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself?‍

15. I’ve always had my own savings and could never rely on my parents for money. When I went to university, I had to choose free education at a less prestigious school, because my mom couldn’t pay. It didn’t matter much – I still got my current big tech job.

Do you worry about money now?‍

Yes. I want to make €10,000 ($11,700) a month.

What is your biggest money regret?‍

Not investing in bitcoin when it cost €15,000 ($17,550).

What financial goals are you working towards?‍

To earn €10,000 ($11,700) a month, own real estate in different countries, and have financial freedom by 40. This is possible with stock options from big companies and by paying off my mortgage quickly.

Who is your financial role model?‍

Warren Buffett – instead of working hard for companies, he found the right opportunities and invested in them.

Reflections on My Spending‍

I buy coffee outside every day, and maybe it would be better to make it at home.

I also invest in my future self - for example, just recently I paid 800 ($934) for a Dutch course.

On top of that, I bought an Assertive Communication course recently, and am planning to buy Public Speaking and Storytelling courses in the future.

Investing in myself is costly, but worth it.

What I Spent in a Week

Day 1 – Monday: €226 ($264.42)
• VVE (homeowners association): €148 ($172.16)
• HelloFresh: €33 ($38.61)
• Groceries: €45 ($52.65)

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Day 2 – Tuesday: €75 ($87.75)
• Zalando: €75 ($87.75)

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Day 3 – Wednesday: €14 ($16.38)
• Groceries: €14 ($16.38)

Day 4 – Thursday: €242 ($283.14)
• Train: €13 ($15.21)
• Online shopping: €67 ($78.39)
• Eating out: €28 ($32.76)
• Nails: €100 ($117)
• Groceries: €34 ($39.78)

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Day 5 – Friday: €60 ($70.20)
• Groceries: €60 ($70.20)

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Day 6 – Saturday: €858 ($1,004.86)
• Dutch course: €775 ($907.75)
• GRE books: €64 ($74.88)
• Starbucks: €5 ($5.85)
• Groceries: €14 ($16.38)

Day 7 – Sunday: €195 ($228.15)
• Eating out: €15 ($17.55)
• Payment to friend: €22 ($25.74)
• Cosmetics: €158  ($184.86)

Weekly total: €1,670 ($1,955.90)

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