What I Spent This Week as a Nanny 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): £3,100

Do you share expenses with someone? Yes, my spouse.

Household Income (if shared): £86,000

What is your overall monthly budget?‍

• Mortgage: £650 (my half)
• Bills: £236 (my half)
• Cleaner: £90 (my half)
• Transport: £140
• Groceries: £100 (my half)

Amount left each month after essentials (to spend, save or invest): £1,000–£1,500

Dependents (if any): None

My Relationship With Money

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

Yes, they were open about it.

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

Working at Nando’s because I loved it there and they were hiring!

Did you worry about money growing up?

Never.

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

At 18 I was still living at home, but my parents stopped paying for my food or giving me any money, so I had to start working and saving. I paid a small amount of “rent” but was able to save enough for driving lessons, a car and a flat deposit without ever going into debt.

Do you worry about money now?

Yes, I do. I’m not sure where the anxiety comes from. Maybe because my parents made more money than I do now and I have a baby on the way. I want my future children to have the same carefree childhood as I did.

What is your biggest money regret?

Not investing earlier in my 20s.

What financial goals are you working towards?

Having a larger emergency fund and enough money to bring children into the world without having to work full-time, being able to afford the nice lifestyle for the children that I had when I was growing up, and being able to retire early (maybe at 60) mortgage-free and with enough money to live comfortably.

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

I don’t have one, but Dave Ramsey is my guilty pleasure. We couldn’t be less alike, but I love listening to him speak in that fatherly way!

Reflections on My Spending Habits

I’m surprised at how little I spent. The main expense was second-hand baby items, which were great value as we’re expecting a baby soon.

What I Spent In A Week

Day 1: Monday - £0

• £0 — No spending on Monday.‍

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Day 2: Tuesday - £20

• £20 — Second-hand baby monitor‍

Day 3: Wednesday - £26

• £26 — Nappy bin liners‍

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Day 4: Thursday - £7

• £7 — Pack of stamps‍

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Day 5: Friday - £35

• £35 — Second-hand baby carrier‍

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Day 6: Saturday - £25

• £17 — Kebab and chips

• £6 — Ice cream

• £2 — Parking

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Day 7: Sunday - £0

• £0 — No spending on Sunday.

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Total Weekly Spend: £113

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