What I Spent This Week as a Consultant 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.

About Me

‍Age: 28‍

Location: Stockholm‍

Current Salary: £36,684 a year ($49,164), or £3,057/month before tax ($4,095)‍

Monthly Take-Home Pay: £2,446/month ($3,278), and salary and family support around £1,146/month ($1,536), in total £3,592/month ($4,814) after tax.‍

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

Occupation: Senior Associate Consultant with 2 years of experience. ‍

Savings: £14,000 ($18,760) – mainly invested in funds for future real estate.‍

Debt: £114,000 ($152,760) mortgage loan at 2.9% interest.

Assets:
– £14,000 ($18,760) in funds and stocks

– Property worth £135,000 ($180,900) (my share of a home valued at £270,000 ($361,800)

Fixed Monthly Costs (my share):‍

- Mortgage loan and maintenance £700 ($939)

- Groceries & Essentials £600 ($804)

- Investments contributions (funds and stocks) £1550 ($2,079)

Total: £2,850 ($3,823)

Amount Left After Essentials: £742/month‍

Dependents: My cat.

My Money Mindset & Financial Journey

Did your parents educate you around money?‍

Not really. I had to figure it out mostly by myself. Even though my parents run a successful business, they’re more entrepreneurial than investment-savvy.

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

I started working to gain experience and independence. I've never done a part-time job; my first job was my internship as a data analyst in a tech startup as it fits my education background.

Did you worry about money growing up?

I never worried about money growing up, until last year when I started facing financial independence, trying to marry my girlfriend, and having babies in the future. It would be a considerable cost without family support, which is my main financial concern now.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself?‍

At 26, when I started my full-time job.

Do you worry about money now?‍

Kind of. It’s double-sided. I know I already live a good life, but I also desire a bigger mortgage. And being a lesbian, starting a family and getting married brings extra financial costs.

What is your biggest money regret?‍

Not investing the £25,000 ($33,500) I had as a student. I just kept it in a savings account with 0% interest. Most stupid idea ever.

What financial goals are you working towards?‍

Hitting 1 million Swedish Kronor ($1,340,000) in assets before turning 30. That's £77k ($103k) and I'm currently at around £43k ($57k).

Who is your financial role model?‍

I feel like I’m still looking for her. Anyone who can balance being good at investing and living a good life is admirable.

Reflections on My Spending

I think I balanced things pretty well this week. I didn’t buy anything unnecessary. But usually, the small everyday things go over budget more than I expect.

What I Spent in a Week

Day 1 – Monday: £150 ($201)
• Job insurance: £50 ($67)
• Monthly transport ticket: £100 ($134)

Day 2 – Tuesday: £70 ($93.80)
• Groceries: £70 ($93.80)

Day 3 – Wednesday: £12 ($16.08)
• Telephone: £12 ($16.08)

Day 4 – Thursday: £15 ($20.10)
• Lunch: £15 ($20.10)

Day 5 – Friday: £160 ($214.40)
• Facial: £160 ($214.40)

Day 6 – Saturday: £15 ($20.10)
• Uber: £15 ($20.10)

Day 7 – Sunday: £20 ($26.80)
• Café and cake: £20 ($26.80)

Total Weekly Spend: £442 ($592.28)