What I Spent This Week as a Programme Manager Making £64k

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: 34‍

Location: North Yorkshire‍

Current Salary: £64,894.50‍

Monthly Take-Home Pay: £3,111.57‍

Household Income: £64,894.50‍

Do you share expenses with someone? No‍

Occupation and/or Source(s) of Income: Programme Manager – salary income only‍

Savings: £52,000 – My house remortgage is due later this year, and I'm going to put another £30k in as an additional payment to reduce the mortgage amount.‍

Debt: £141,000 – Current mortgage value of £134k, student loan of £7.5k, and £187 on a 0% Klarna loan when I bought my tablet.‍

Assets: £214,000 – Equity in my house is around £110k, pension is £101k, and £3k in Stocks and Shares ISAs.‍

Fixed Monthly Costs:
• Mortgage: £670
• Bills & Utilities: £378
• Transport: £0 (I have a company car where my mileage claims cover any other travel)
• Groceries & Essentials: £360
• Investment Contributions: £100 per month into my S&S ISA‍

Amount left each month after essentials (to spend, save or invest): £1,600‍

Dependents: None

Money Mindset & Financial Journey

Did your parents educate you around money?‍

Yes – My mum used to work in a bank, and I would see her ticking receipts off the credit card statement each month. I also had a Nationwide savings account with the passbook, so I could see my money and choose how to spend or save it.

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

I worked at a petrol station during Sixth Form on a weekend. I got it because I thought that was what you were supposed to do! I earned £35 per week, and my driving lessons were £33 per week so it worked really well.

Did you worry about money growing up?‍

A bit. I knew it was important to only spend what you could afford. We didn't have a lot growing up, so I learned the value of money, but also that spending is good when done in the right way.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself?‍

As soon as I went to university at 19. My parents didn't help too much and I didn't ask, so I took care of my money from then. I've always had some savings in the bank, and couldn't imagine not having savings to use for a rainy day.

Do you worry about money now?‍

Yes, but less. I'm beginning to realise I'm in a fortunate position where I can afford to spend a bit more and treat myself to things like nicer holidays.

What is your biggest money regret?‍

When I was 7, I withdrew money from my savings account and bought a Cinderella Polly Pocket castle. It was my only withdrawal in my Nationwide savings book and I used to stare at it all the time. Even now when I see something I want, it makes me pause and think to myself, will I still want this in 3 months?

What financial goals are you working towards?‍

Paying off my mortgage.

Who is your financial role model and why?‍

My mum – she made ends meet when we didn't have a lot, but did it in a structured way.

Reflections on My Spending

The big shopping trip on Sunday was unusual, but I only do it a couple of times a year as I really hate shopping! The top-up food shops in the week can be how money disappears so I need to be careful that doesn't get out of hand.

What I Spent in a Week

Day 1 – Monday: £125.48 (£0 for me)
• Hotel room travelling for work: £116 (claimed back)
• KFC: £9.48 (claimed back)

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Day 2 – Tuesday: £33.85 (£18.75 for me)
• Costa breakfast: £7.05 (claimed back)
• M&S dinner: £8.05 (claimed back)
• Klarna payment for tablet: £18.75

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Day 3 – Wednesday: £40.87
• Caffè Nero (half price through health insurance): £1.87
• Contact lenses: £22
• Phone contract (SIM only): £6
• Stir fry ingredients for dinner: £11

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Day 4 – Thursday: £47.70
• Lego exhibition tickets (for me, my sister, and dad): £47.70

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Day 5 – Friday: £66.16
• Free Caffè Nero coffee: £0
• Amazon (presents and personal): £61.96
• Top-up shop (milk and apples): £4.20

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Day 6 – Saturday: £81.64
• Tesco weekly shop: £21.35
• Holland & Barrett vitamins: £25
• Got my nails done: £30
• B&M (odd bits): £5.29

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Day 7 – Sunday: £444.99
• Shopping trip for new clothes: £151.50
• Nando’s lunch: £10.25
• Fuel: £33.24
• Coaching payment (next month): £250

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Total Weekly Spend: £840.21

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