What I Spent This Week as an Account Director Making $62

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): $3,499

Do you share expenses with someone?: No

What is your overall monthly budget?‍

• Transport: $187
• Rent and mortgage (shared ownership flat): $646
• Bills: $320
• Food: $100

Amount left each month after essentials (to spend, save or invest):‍

$784 for personal spending (going out, shopping, etc.)

$1,440 for savings and investments, typically split 50/50

Dependents (if any): None

My relationship with money

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

They taught me to save what I could, mainly making sure I had some kind of savings account and otherwise lived within my means.

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

Working behind the till at McDonald’s — a far cry from working in advertising now.

Did you worry about money growing up?‍

Yes. My parents did what they could but struggled while I was growing up, having lost their house. Money was often tight, which taught me to care even more about my financial future.

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

I became financially responsible at 18 when I went to university, although I still had some help with groceries. I became completely responsible at 24 when I bought my first home.

Do you worry about money now?
Yes — less than I used to growing up, but I’ve got myself into a good place financially and know that can change quickly.

What is your biggest money regret?‍

Not waiting longer to afford a property that didn’t involve shared ownership, which would give me more flexibility if I ever wanted to sell or rent it out.‍

What financial goals are you working towards?‍

Increasing my investments and overpaying the maximum amount I can each year on my mortgage.

Who is your financial role model and why?‍

You — the content you post about property investing and growing investments was great to learn from. Also Martin Lewis, as well as my ex, who taught me the importance of saving and introduced me to the 50/30/20 rule in my early 20s.

What I Spent in a Week

Day 1 – Monday: $68.95
• Groceries: $59.96
• Packing cubes for an upcoming holiday: $8.99

Day 2 – Tuesday: $60.99
• Friend’s birthday meal: $42
• Lunch: $7
• Spotify subscription: $11.99

Day 3 – Wednesday: $18.15
• Takeaway dinner as a treat: $18.15

Day 4 – Thursday: $116.99
• Day spa: $45
• Handbag for work: $71.99

Day 5 – Friday: $16.24
• Beer at a gig: $7.99
• Pret sandwich and drink: $8.25

Day 6 – Saturday: $28.10
• Coffee and a cookie: $8.10
• Donation for a charity run: $20

Day 7 – Sunday: $31.60
• Ingredients for dinner: $13.60
• Bikini bottoms: $18

Total Weekly Spend: $340.02

Reflections on my spending habits:

I spent more than usual on shopping, small treats and takeaway food and lunches, which wasn’t ideal. However, I’m working from home this month, so I justified the spending by not using money on travel.

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