What I Spent This Week as a Student Barista Making $18K
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.
Age: 23
Location: Manchester, UK
Current Salary: *$18,340 (part-time)
Savings: Currently $1,570 in FU fund
Debt: $41,120 in student loans (not making enough to need to pay it back yet)
Assets: $720 in index funds (started investing $65/month last year)
Dependents: None
*Note: this member earns and spends in British pounds, but we’ve converted this to USD for you.
Money Mindset & Financial Journey
Growing up, did your parents educate you around money?
I mean, not in the "here's how compound interest works" kind of way… my mum was doing her best as a single parent just to keep us afloat. We didn't have direct money conversations, but I watched her budget and stretch every pound and I learned a lot from that. Now that I’m on my own, I’m trying to learn everything I can.
What was your first job and why did you get it?
Worked at the local corner shop at 16, partly because I wanted shopping money, but mostly because I was tired of being the friend who always had to say "I'll check with my mum" before making plans.
Did you worry about money growing up?
A bit - we weren't poor, but there were definitely times when mum had to say no to things my friends were doing because we couldn't afford it.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
Proper adulting kicked in at 18 when I moved for uni. My mum's my biggest cheerleader but not exactly my emergency fund (though she'd probably sell a kidney for me if needed). That's why I'm building my own safety net. It turns out being your own backup plan is quite motivating!
Do you worry about money now?
Oh, only every time I check my bank account! Juggling uni, work, and savings is like playing a never-ending game of Tetris. But watching my FU fund grow makes me feel like I'm slowly levelling up.
What is your biggest money regret?
Probably not starting freelance work sooner. I could've been building my empire while everyone else was perfecting their beer pong skills! Better late than never though, right?
What financial goals are you working towards?
Short term: building my emergency fund to $2,620. Long term: grow my freelance business enough to go full-time after graduation and increase my investment contributions. My dream goal is earning enough to help my mum retire a bit earlier.
Who is your role model and why?
My mum, without a doubt. She raised me solo while working full-time and showed me how to be resourceful. Plus she always encouraged me to invest in myself through education, even when it was tough financially. She’s the best!
Reflections on My Spending
Looking back at this week, I'd say I kept things fairly reasonable (if we ignore that impulse-buy magazine that's definitely still in its wrapper). Most of my money went to thrilling stuff like bus passes and groceries…you know, living the dream! That said, social events definitely make up a big chunk of my spending. It's something I want to be more mindful of, but I also don’t mind investing in my relationships so it’s about finding that balance. At least that's what I tell myself while eating instant noodles to make up for it! Finding that sweet spot between "responsible adult" and "actually having a life" is still a work in progress.
What I Spent in a Week
Day 1 – Monday: $70.29
- Weekly student bus pass ($23.84)
- Grocery shop ($42.52)
- Library printing ($3.93)
Day 2 – Tuesday: $16.38
- Latte ($5.24)
- Household supplies, split with housemates ($6.55)
- Tesco snack ($4.59)
Day 3 – Wednesday: $58.34
- Best friend's birthday dinner ($51 including her gift)
- Uber split ($4.59)
Day 4 – Thursday: $14.41
- Drugstore essentials ($14.41)
Day 5 – Friday: $65.50
- Grocery top-up for the weekend ($19.65)
- Drinks and taxi for a night out with friends ($45.85)
Day 6 – Saturday: $23.36
- Art supplies for coursework ($16.77)
- Magazine – impulse purchase! ($6.55)
Day 7 - Sunday: £0
- No-spend day!
Weekly Total: $248.28
