What I Spent This Week as a Digital Lead Making $61k

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: £2,900 ($3,800)‍

Do you share expenses with someone? Yes‍

Household Income: £7,000 ($9,200)‍

Dependents: None

Monthly Budget Overview:

• Mortgage: £515 ($680)
• Bills: £350 ($460)
• Transport: £30 ($40)
• Groceries & essentials: £400 ($530)
• Investing: £500 ($660)
• Cash savings: £200 ($260)
• Mortgage overpayment: £200 ($260)

‍Amount left after essentials: £705 ($910) (usually spent on travel or savings top-ups)

My Relationship with Money

Did your parents or guardians educate you around money?‍

Not really, but I was fortunate as they worked hard and always made us feel secure - even when we knew times were tighter.

My parents never mentioned savings accounts, investing or how interest worked, but I knew they had credit cards and over drafts… so I guess my first understanding was that debt was ‘normal!’

I would describe myself as having a fear mindset around money and I’m not sure where this comes from - I’ve always paid myself first and felt the pinch at the end of the month in order to have a good savings pot.

My parents did however teach me about the security of property, with my dad having building skills and renovating houses throughout my childhood.

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

In a sweet shop aged 16, I couldn’t wait to have my own money(for clothes, make up and saving) - I made the mistake of signing up for far too many hours around school and then didn’t know how to get out of it!

Did you worry about money growing up?‍

I didn’t worry about being secure at home (which is such a privilege) but I remember being aware of just how expensive things were (houses and cars) and how I’d ever be able to afford life in general!

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself? Do you have a safety net?‍

23 - moved out of family home 1-2 years after graduating. I used my first years at work to save for the deposit on my now buy to let - freelance work and overtime helped me get there.

I do have a financial safely net and try to keep 6 months take home pay in savings plus my investments.

Do you worry about money now?‍

Yes! I worry about how long I’ll have to work before retiring as the UK government just keep increasing it, I worry about the job market… but investing is so powerful and that’s what I focus on

What is your biggest money regret?‍

Not starting to invest sooner in a stocks and shares ISA. However for a decade all my money went into buying my buy to let and my residential property and the work that these houses needed.

So I try not to be too hard on myself and stick to building that pot each month.

What financial goals are you working towards?‍

By the time I’m 40 I would like to have £50,000 ($66,000) in my stocks andshare as ISA and be mortgage free on my buy to let.

I also should look at maxing out my workplace pension, but right now that feels like the salary hit would be too much.

Who is your financial role model and why?‍

Anyone who lives a quiet wealth below their means. The woman who lives in a beautiful but modest apartment with enough in the bank to say ‘F U’ to any job or situation - that’s power!

Reflections on My Spending

This week missed the start of the month when all the bills go out, so pleased with the no spend days, but it’s a time of year for buying gifts and my fun Saturday took a chunk of budget. A standard week I would say.

What I Spent in a Week

Day 1 – Monday: £0 ($0)‍

• No-spend day‍

Total: £0 ($0)

‍

Day 2 – Tuesday: £13 ($17)‍

• Phone bill: £13 ($17)‍

Total: £13 ($17)

‍

Day 3 – Wednesday: £75 ($98)‍

• Presents for partner and sister: £75 ($98)‍

Total: £75 ($98)

‍

Day 4 – Thursday: £0 ($0)‍

• No-spend day ($0)‍

Total: £0 ($0)

‍

‍Day 5 – Friday: £100 ($131)‍

• Groceries (went to the pricier supermarket this week!): £100 ($131)‍

Total: £100 ($131)

‍

Day 6 – Saturday: £100 ($131)‍

• Exhibit tickets, dinner out and cocktails: £100 ($131)‍

Total: £100 ($131)

‍

Day 7 – Sunday: £6 ($8)‍

• Bonfire entry fee: £6 ($8)‍

Total: £6 ($8)

Total Weekly Spend: £294 ($385)

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