What I Spent This Week as a Telecommunications Technical Lead Making $83K

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.

Assets: Property equity - £61k ($81,130) (78% LTV) - first time buyer of 2 bed flat in good location. Property value rose ~£15k ($19,950) roughly over a year!

• Investments:
  • £3.6k ($4,788) in ESG global shares
  • £1k ($1,330) in ESG overseas corporate bonds
  • £1k ($1,330) in ETFs
  • Aiming to invest 45% in ESG shares, 40% in ETFs, 15% ESG bonds
  • Workplace pension - £38k ($50,540)- current employer matching up to 8% - I am taking it all :) considering moving some to SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension)

Monthly Take-Home Pay (after tax): £3,620 ($4,815)

‍Do you share expenses with someone? Some, my partner

What is your overall monthly budget?

• Mortgage: £1745 ($2,321) (£1245 [$1,655] + £500 [$665] monthly overpayment)
• Bills + gym, TV and other memberships: £250 ($332) (£200 [$266] + £50 [$66])
• Transport: £0 ($0) - walk or cycle
• Groceries & Essentials: £360 ($479)
• Investments Contributions: £600 ($798)
• Pension Salary sacrifice (before tax): £400 ($532); I aim to retire early in a sunny country, so investing and saving is my priority number one.

Amount left each month after essentials (to spend, save or invest): ~£250 ($333) for spending and cash saving

Dependents (if any): None

My Relationship with Money

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

Unfortunately my parents were never properly educated. In fact they were polar opposites if it comes to managing their finances - a debtor and Scrooge McDuck. One thing they have in common - they never questioned or considered who and how will finance their retirement.

Female Invest educated me! Now I am passing that knowledge onto my parents - it is never too late!

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

Handling leaflets for pocket change at the age of 14. A friend's dad got it for us. Back then nobody wanted to hire under 16s.

Did you worry about money growing up?‍

I was shielded off any financial troubles until I moved out at the age of 18.

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

My parents rule was clear - you move out, you're on your own. At the age of 18 I got a job at health and beauty retailer and became financially independent.

Do you worry about money now?‍

I know I have no reason to at this point in my life, but there is always a slight feeling of worry at the back of my mind.

What is your biggest money regret?‍

Not investing sooner. I was always great with savings, but imagine having invested 10 years earlier.

What financial goals are you working towards?‍

Early retirement in a sunny country.

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

It is you lovely people on Female Invest. You give me strength, motivation and inspiration! A big thank you goes to my lovely HR lady for introducing me to Female Invest and sponsoring my first subscription.

Reflections on My Spending Habits:

I am well organised and know my long term goals. I try to avoid a one-off purchases and reward myself only if I managed to have money left at the end of the month.

What I Spent in a Week

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‍Day 1 – Monday: £100 ($133)
£100 ($133) - Weekly investment deposit‍‍

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‍Day 2 – Tuesday: £5 ($7)
£5 ($7) - Snack to go with my homemade lunch‍‍

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‍Day 3 – Wednesday: £0 ($0)
£0 ($0) - No spendings, dinner leftovers for lunch

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‍Day 4 – Thursday: £0 ($0)
£0 ($0) - No spendings, dinner leftovers for lunch‍

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Day 5 – Friday: £14 ($19)
£14 ($19) - Lunch with a friend (once or twice a month only)‍‍

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‍Day 6 – Saturday: £60 ($80)
£60 ($80) - Weekly groceries

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‍Day 7 – Sunday: £0 ($0)
£0 ($0) - Sunday is my mental health day I spend at my allotment, either weeding, reading a book in a greenhouse or calling my friends and family.

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Total Weekly Spend: £179 ($238)

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