30/10/25
What I Spent This Week as a Retiree With a 50k Pension
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.
Monthly Take-Home Pay (after tax): £3,900
Household Income: £90,000
Do you share expenses with someone? My husband
Dependents: None
Fixed monthly costs (your share only):
- Food & bills: £600
- Cleaner: £120
- Gym: £25
- Car costs: £200
- Charity: £100
- Spa/hair: £150
- Clothing: £300
- Free transport
Amount left each month after essentials: £2,500
My Relationship With Money
Did your parents or guardians educate you around money?
Yes … I had a paper route as a kid, and saved in a post office account which was part of my family education.
What was your first job – and why did you get it?
My first paper route at age 13 to earn extra money and have a sense of responsibility.
Did you worry about money growing up?
Yes - my parents were always working hard, and I worried whether I could earn enough to get my own home.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net??
I started my full time job at age 16.
Yes, alongside my savings and investments, I also keep £10k as a safety net.
Do you worry about money now?
Yes and no - mainly I worry about stock markets, but in trying to frame money positively, I also focus on gifting where we can and enjoying our retirement.
What is your biggest money regret?
Not investing in the stock market earlier… I really became interested in the markets in the last 15 years.
What financial goals are you working towards?
Maintaining wealth and gifting to younger people.
Who is your financial role model?
Any financially independent woman.
Reflections on My Spending
I like supporting local cafes and other small trades people; I also go into central London once a week and enjoy the cinema. Our bigger spending happens on travel - we have 2 long haul holidays and 4–5 other breaks outside the U.K. each year. We love to travel!
What I Spent in a Week
Day 1 – Monday: £41
• Gym monthly membership: £25
• Cinema: £10
• Smoothie at cafe shop: £6
• Food shopping paid from joint account
• Loaded items on Vinted, and took 3 items to charity shop
Day 2 – Tuesday: £195
• Monthly hair appointment: £120
• Petrol in car: £50
• Dinner in China Town: £25 each
Day 3 – Wednesday: £170
• Cleaner: £60
• Food shopping from joint account
• Amazon order (household essentials and vitamins): £100
• Flowers: £10 (M&S)
Day 4 – Thursday: £20
• After gym, lunch at local bistro: £20
• Collected free prescription
Day 5 – Friday: £235
Day in Central London
• Cartier exhibition & lunch at Din Tai Fung: £40
• Skin care at John Lewis: £100
• Arket skirt and top: £95
Day 6 – Saturday: £48
• Clothing alterations: £40
• Fruit smoothie at cafe shop: £8
Day 7 – Sunday: £66
Walk on the Heath and into Hampstead and back via Highgate Village
• Cafe and cake on the Heath: £8
• Lunch at Lussmans Restaurant: £40
• Car wash: £8
• Cinema: £10
