What I Spent This Week as a Jazz Singer Making £20k

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.

About Me

Age: 24‍

City: London‍

Current Salary (before tax): £20,000‍

Monthly Take-Home Pay (after tax): £1,500‍

Household Income (if shared): £60,000‍

Do you share expenses with someone? Yes‍

Occupation and/or Source(s) of Income: Jazz singer, partner is bar manager‍

Savings: Prefer to not share‍

Debt: £1,000 & mortgage‍

Assets: Own a flat near Canary Wharf‍

Fixed Monthly Costs (your share only):

Rent / Mortgage: £750
Bills & Utilities: £150
Transport: £200
Groceries & Essentials: £100+
Investment Contributions: £0

I don't follow a specific budget split.‍

Amount left each month after essentials (to spend, save or invest): £300‍

Dependents: None

Money Mindset & Financial Journey‍

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

Yes, they tried. They always tried to teach me about saving and budgeting.‍

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

Modelling, I got scouted when I was 14. I began earning money from it at around 15, which I tried my best to save as much as I could.‍

Did you worry about money growing up?‍

Not really, no - my parents always looked after us.‍

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

17/18.  I moved to London at 18 and began renting alone, so I had to really ensure I saved and budgeted well. It was a big step.

I don't have a financial safety net, no.

Do you worry about money now?‍

Always – especially living in London. It's very expensive and I always have to save and budget each month.‍

What is your biggest money regret?‍

Trusting people and relying on other people to get me work and help me make money, especially in the creative industry.‍

What financial goals are you working towards?‍

Getting a more solid income and being able to save more.‍

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

As a musician, to see other musicians in London who are financially stable and secure inspires me. It’s a hard industry, especially working self-employed, to make money and have a sturdy income.

Reflections on My Spending

Travel in London is expensive. I spend a lot on travel in London, especially gigging in a lot of different venues across London. I get the underground and overground train almost every day, which usually adds up to £10+ a day.

What I Spent in a Week

Monday
Had a gig in central London, paid for train fares: £10
Groceries: £40
Travel to central London and back: £10
Total: £60

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‍Tuesday
Another gig: £10
Food: £20 - I usually have to buy food before or after a gig if the venue doesn't provide.
Total: £30

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‍Wednesday
I had the day off, but did online music promotion to work on my next single: £50
Total: £50

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‍Thursday
Another gig, another train fare: £10
Total: £10

Friday
Went to a gig in the countryside, took the train: £20
Total: £20

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‍Saturday
Had the day off, but spent it doing admin and invoices, and had to order food: £30
Total: £30

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‍Sunday
No-spend day £0
Total: £0

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Weekly Total: £200