What I Spent This Week as an Account Executive Making $74k

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): £3,400 ($4,522)

‍Do you share expenses with someone? No

What is your overall monthly budget? £2,300 ($3,059)

• Mortgage £850 ($1,131)
• Car (lease) £200 ($266)
• Council tax £110 ($146)
• Bills (water, gas/electric, phone, wifi) £240 ($319)
• Groceries £250 ($333)
• Travel (train and petrol) £150 ($200)
• Savings £500 ($665)

Amount left each month after essentials (to spend, save or invest): £1,100 ($1,463)

Dependents (if any): None

My Relationship with Money

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

Yes, my Mum was a shining example to me and always taught me to be independent and opened my first bank account with a debit card for me when I was 11.

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

Sales executive - I fell into it out of uni when a recruiter approached me (after studying law so it felt quite random at the time!) but I needed something and the pay was decent for a starting role at the time (£27,000 [$35,910]).

Did you worry about money growing up?‍

Yes I was always money conscious and aware of how much things cost or how much my parents would spend on me.

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

I would say as early as 11 when I had my first bank account with a debit card, it became addictive seeing the balance go up! It made me want to reach different milestones and not spend unnecessarily.

Do you worry about money now?‍

Yes - I never take it for granted and know as quickly as it comes it can go. I’m privileged to live quite freely and know if something happens (a leak etc.) that I will be fine. I also find value in travelling and won’t hesitate to spend on a great holiday as I feel memories are priceless but I’m always making sure it doesn’t hit my savings too badly (if at all).

What is your biggest money regret?‍

Not investing in stocks/shares/EFTs sooner or learning about compound interest! But it’s never too late to start… as long as you just start!

What financial goals are you working towards?‍

I want to buy a bigger house and move closer to central London so I’m saving for a big deposit to make the monthly outgoings lower so I can still live a comfortable way of life.

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

My Mum - she was a midwife and I saw how hard she worked and how she would save, but spend in the things that mattered to her and for her that was us (her family), holidays, and good quality food! She taught me balance when it comes to money - be smart, think of the future, and enjoy it but within reason.

Reflections on My Spending Habits:‍

Quite restrained but I know this can massively vary depending on social life (it was a quieter week).

What I Spent in a Week

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Day 1 – Monday: £70 ($93)
£50 ($67) - Food
£20 ($27) - Train‍

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Day 2 – Tuesday: £0 ($0)
£0 ($0) - Nothing - didn’t leave the house and had food at home!‍

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Day 3 – Wednesday: £45 ($60)
£20 ($27) - Train
£20 ($27) - Exercise class
£5 ($7) - Coffee‍

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Day 4 – Thursday: £25 ($33)
£25 ($33) - Shop (bought some gifts for my niece!)

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‍Day 5 – Friday: £75 ($100)
£20 ($27) - Train
£55 ($73) - Dinner out

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‍Day 6 – Saturday: £0 ($0)
£0 ($0) - Nothing - Had friends around and cooked

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‍Day 7 – Sunday: £35 ($47)
£35 ($47) - Food top up shop ready for the week ahead

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Total Weekly Spend: £250 ($333)

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