What I Spent This Week as an Executive Assistant Making £38k

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: 26‍

Location: London‍

Current Salary: £38,000 (before tax)‍

Monthly Take-Home Pay: £2,940‍

Household Income: Not shared! I don’t contribute to any of the rent, bills, house costs (I live with my partner).‍

Do you share expenses with someone? No. ‍

Occupation: Executive Assistant and PA to CEO / Business Development coordinator of a tech company

Savings: I only have £2,000 at the moment, which is very low. I want to save more, but I really struggle to save for something big like a house when I know it’s long term and the reward will be in 5+ years. This is something I am working on.‍

Debt: 0‍

Assets: 0

Fixed Monthly Costs (my share only):
• Rent / Mortgage: £0
• Bills & Utilities: £0
• Transport: £144.80
• Groceries & Essentials: £285.66
• Investments: £0

Total Fixed Costs: £430.46 approximately.‍

Amount left after essentials: £1,950.‍

Dependents: 0

My Relationship with Money

Did your parents or guardians educate you around money?‍

They didn’t.

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

My first job was babysitting/nannying probably. I wanted to become independent since I was young, so I took small jobs since I was 15 years old.

I also used to have a small illegal kiosk at school where I would also sell cakes. I would bake for my classmates and teachers at school. After a while, I switched to only selling vegan/healthy cakes, and when I was 16 and expanded to some shops in my local area. I closed the business once I started University at 18 years old. During those years at school, I would stop by the shops to get ingredients after school, study, and then bake until midnight. I was really a hustler!

Did you worry about money growing up?‍

Yes.

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

19 years old. Not at the moment... I had a safety net set up before, but I ended up spending it.

Do you worry about money now?‍

Yes.

What’s your biggest money regret?‍

I don’t have a particular thing on my mind.. but I do spend lots on designer clothes. I love them and how I feel in them, but I am feeling like it's becoming a problem. I am also overly generous with my family and friends, and that can get me into trouble sometimes.

A year ago, I set myself a goal to finish the year with at least £10,000 saved as I barely have any expenses...and I only have £2,000. It’s unacceptable, and I'm a bit disappointed at myself to be honest.

What financial goals are you working towards?‍

• I want to buy a flat of my own in London one day

• Saving my first £10,000 GBP!

• Make my first investment!

Who is your financial role model – and why?‍

I don’t think I have any, to be honest! Money is very taboo in my country. I wish I had one!

Reflections on My Spending

I have been spending a lot on things I don’t really need… it makes me upset!

What I Spent in a Week

‍

Day 1 – Monday: £92.69
• Joe & Juice: £7.87
• Drink Oshun Electrolytes: £84.82

Day 2 – Tuesday: £14.35
• Boots pharmacy: £9.90
• Boots pharmacy: £4.45

Day 3 – Wednesday: £117.75
• Studio fix coffee: £2.50
• Pilates class: £30.00
• Pho lunch at work: £14.00
• Selfridges: £34.00
• Waitrose supermarket snack at work: £3.25
• Donut at work snack: £3.65
• Coffee: £3.10
• Ballet class: £15.00
• Coconut water Sainsburys supermarket: £3.25
• TFL transport: £9.00

Day 4 – Thursday: £86.16
• Lime bike: £2.45
• Lime bike: £2.99
• Ryman: £9.72
• Driving license application: £34.00
• TFL public transport: £7.00
• Pilates class: £30.00

Day 5 – Friday: £189.42
• Rituals candles: £22.14
• Boots: £5.00 (lip liner)
• Boots: £83.30 (makeup)
• Diva dry cleaners: £45.48
• Vinted ad: £2.15
• Vinted ad: £1.35
• Pilates class: £30.00

Day 6 – Saturday: £0
• I was travelling and my partner covered all costs

Day 7 – Sunday: £0
• I was travelling and my partner covered all costs (France)

Total Weekly Spend: £500.37