What I Spent This Week as a Lawyer Making $109K

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): 57,000 NOK ($5,700)

‍Do you share expenses with someone? My husband

‍What is your overall monthly budget?

• ‍‍Mortgage and fixed costs are 23,000 NOK ($2,300)
• Transport: 800 NOK ($80)
• Groceries and essentials: 10,000 NOK ($1,000)
• Investment Contributions: 10,000 NOK ($1,000)

Amount left each month after essentials (to spend, save or invest): 10,000 NOK ($1,000)

Dependents (if any): None

My Relationship with Money

Growing up, did your parents or guardians educate you around money?‍

Definitely not. My parents always had very little money and lived mainly on benefits. We were waiting for the benefits to come on their bank account to go extra shopping (to buy clothes, equipment, etc). The little money they managed to save was always on saving accounts and I always thought it was normal to live from paycheck to paycheck.

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

At 14, washing-up the dishes in a mountain restaurant. I needed some pocket money already thinking of saving to pay my driving license and go to university. My parents were strict that working was important if I wanted to study.

Did you worry about money growing up?‍

I worried a lot about money and it made both myself and my mum cry a lot. It has been my main worry both as a child and as an adult. It is difficult to get a relaxed relationship with money even now that I earn comfortably.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?‍

I had to become financially responsible for myself at 18 but the financial safety only came a couple of years after I started working so at about 23 years old.

Do you worry about money now?‍

A lot less but I still struggle to not spend but rather save. It is contradictory for somebody who has been worried about money but at the same time I feel relieved I can live my life without worrying whether I can afford things. I tend to worry after I had been on holidays or made a big purchase, thinking it may not have been a good idea.

What is your biggest money regret?‍

Not starting to save and/or invest earlier. Even a small amount like 10 EUR ($11) a month at university would have been smart and if I had to do it again I would prioritize this.

What financial goals are you working towards?‍

My biggest goal is to have saved what I need for retirement, maybe with a little luxury of retiring earlier than the legal age. Beside, I dream of buying a property as a holiday home which we could also rent e.g.; on Airbnb. As a general goal, I like the idea of always having buffers and savings for the big things in life as to avoid the stress of using credit cards or getting little consumption mortgages.

Who is your financial role model (if any), and why?‍

One of my friend is really good with money as her parents guided her very well through her upbringing. I see up to her a lot but in general my biggest life changer has been Female Invest. It gave me a huge motivation and made saving and investing really fund. A huge thank you.

Reflections on My Spending Habits:

I used to spend too much on snacks and take-away coffee, especially after training when you go (h)angry. I feel like my new spending habit is more balanced now but could become perfect without any snacks spending at all (take everything from home and pack in your training bag).

What I Spent in a Week

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‍Day 1 – Monday: 1,624 NOK ($162)
The canteen at work is 56 NOK ($6)
Went to the hairdresser for 790 NOK ($79)
Bought shampoo and conditioner afterwards: 778 NOK ($78)‍

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Day 2 – Tuesday: 100 NOK ($10)
Second breakfast at work after the gym: 19NOK ($2)
Work canteen: 56 NOK ($6)
Forgot a hair tie for running, bought a new one: 25 NOK ($3)‍

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Day 3 – Wednesday: 156 NOK ($16)
Work canteen: 56 NOK ($6)
Snacks after training: 100 NOK ($10)‍

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Day 4 – Thursday: 56 NOK ($6)
Work canteen: 56 NOK ($6)‍

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Day 5 – Friday: 398 NOK ($40)
Flowers for a friend I was invited for dinner at: 198 NOK ($20)
Chocolate for the same friend: 100 NOK ($10)
Ski wax (I live in Norway :) ): 100 NOK ($10)‍

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Day 6 – Saturday: 1,209 NOK ($121)
A present for a friend: 540 NOK ($54)
New earings: 200 NOK ($20)
A book: 280 NOK ($28)
Apple membership: 119 NOK ($12)
A card for friend's birthday: 70 NOK ($7)‍

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Day 7 – Sunday
No spending, a chill day at home

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Total Weekly Spend: 3,543 NOK ($354)

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