A Week In My Wallet: What I Spent This Week as a Senior Data/Technology Lead Making $226K

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: 44

Location: London, UK

Current Salary: *$226,667

Household income: $380,000 (combined with partner)

Savings: $64,000 in emergency fund

Debt: $780,000 remaining on mortgage (3-bedroom townhouse, purchased in 2020)

Assets: $466,667 in investments, jointly owned townhouse (valued at $1,173,700)

Monthly Income Overview: $11,267 (after tax)

Dependents: Married with two children (ages 8 and 11) and our greyhound rescue who would be very disappointed if I didn’t include him here ;)

*Note: this member earns and spends in British pounds, but we’ve converted this to USD for you.

Money Mindset & Financial Journey

Did your parents educate you around money?

Growing up, I was really lucky - my parents made financial education a natural part of our family life. My parents taught me about investing by letting me help pick stocks for a small portfolio she set up for me at 13. They weren't wealthy, but they were intentional about teaching me how money works. Looking back, I realize what a gift that foundation was.

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

At 18, I stumbled into being a research assistant during my gap year (picture endless spreadsheets and a truly concerning relationship with the office coffee machine). Not exactly glamorous, but it meant having my own money and not having to run every purchase by my parents.

Did you worry about money growing up?

Not really. My parents were really intentional about teaching me how money works, but they never made it feel stressful or scary. Even though we weren’t rich, I always felt secure.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself?

I was 22 when I moved to London for my first proper job. No more relying on my parents, and the first time I had to pay rent and manage bills on my own. It was a real shock to the system to say the least! London's expensive enough to make you question all your life choices, but I quickly learned that budgeting is a non-negotiable skill in this city.

Do you worry about money now?

Honestly, not so much. I’m in a good place financially, so my focus is on long-term goals, things like growing my investments and making smart tax moves. These days, my biggest money stress is actually about passing on good financial habits to my kids. Being your children's first financial advisor is both terrifying and exciting!

What is your biggest money regret?

Even with my parents' fantastic financial education, I still managed to royally mess up! My husband and I got caught up in the crypto craze of 2021 and threw a chunk of money into something called 'Dogebonk' (yes, really) and lost most of it fast. The irony of having spreadsheet-loving parents and then falling for a meme coin is not lost on me! But hey, sometimes you need to learn lessons the hard way. My dad still brings it up whenever someone mentions crypto... thanks, Dad.

What financial goals are you working towards?

Short term: Bumping my monthly investments to $6,650 (my colleagues think I'm mad, but watching those compound returns is oddly addictive) and setting up "future genius funds" (aka investment accounts) for each of my kids.

Long term:  I've got my sights set on expanding into property, aiming for 2 rental properties by 50. Real estate has become a bit of a passion project alongside my day job, and I get a kick out of my kids now pointing out "investment opportunities" on our way to school! Also focusing on growing my career to director level in the next 5 years, which would put me in a stronger position to achieve these investment targets.

Who is your role model and why?

One of my old mentors, who literally built her career from the ground up and now runs a thriving tech company. She’s a total powerhouse but also brutally honest about the chaos of balancing success and real life. She taught me it’s not just about working hard, but working smart and knowing when to take the leap.

Reflections on My Spending

Looking back at this week, I can spot my weakness for convenience (those office lunches are adding up!) alongside the non-negotiables that keep our family machine running. The cinema night with snacks might have been a bit extra ($128, yikes!), but sometimes you just need to say yes to the extra-large popcorn! Though maybe next week I'll channel my inner meal-prep queen and get friendly with my lunch box again. That said, being able to outsource the things that help our household run smoothly (looking at you, amazing house cleaner) feels worth every penny. Still, I'm happy with how we're managing our money, even if I could probably stop impulse-ordering pet supplies every time the dog gives me those eyes…

What I Spent in a Week

Day 1 - Monday: $238

• Morning coffee ($6)
• Train fare ($16)
• Lunch from cafe ($19)
• Weekly grocery shop ($161)
• Dog walker ($35)

Day 2 - Tuesday: $163

• Train fare ($16)
• Chipped in for baby gift for colleague ($7)
• Lunch out with team ($20)
• Ordered husband's birthday gift ($120)

Day 3 - Wednesday: $127

• Train fare ($16)
• Quick Tesco run for packed lunch supplies ($47)
• Dog walker ($35)
• School art project supplies ($29)

Day 4 - Thursday: $197

• Work from home day
• House cleaner ($107)
• Children's tutoring session ($60)
• Amazon basics order ($30)

Day 5 - Friday: $187

• Train fare ($16)
• Lunch from deli ($16)
• School trip fee ($27)
• Cinema tickets for family + snacks ($128)
  Day 6 - Saturday: $242

• Coffee and pastries ($24)
• Children's friend's birthday gift ($24)
• Kids’ weekly allowance ($27)
• Pet store, dog food and toys ($61)
• Takeaway dinner for family ($107)

Day 7 - Sunday: $61

• Top-up shop for Sunday roast ($61)

Weekly Total: $1,241