WELCOME TO HOW I Spend My Money, a series on The Journal that looks at how people in Ireland really handle their finances.
Are you a spender, a saver or a splurger? We’re asking readers to keep a record of how much they earn, what they save if anything, and what they’re spending their money on over the course of one week. If you’re interested, send a mail to money@thejournal.ie. We would love to hear from you.
Each money diary is submitted by readers just like you. When reading and commenting, bear in mind that their situation will not be relatable for everyone, it is simply an account of a week in their shoes, so let’s be kind.
Last time around, we heard from a self-employed engineering consultant on €120K living in Co Galway. This week, an engineering director on €75K living in Co Wicklow.
I work in Dublin city centre and have done for years. I live in Wicklow and commute either by car or motorbike every day, which is weather-dependent. I’m currently renting a one-bedroom apartment, which isn’t ideal as I have a young daughter who is with me a couple of days per week. In a perfect world I would like to buy, but the housing market is crazy and it’s tough to buy on one income.
I’m on a bit of a health kick at the minute, so I spend some time during the week in the gym. I also hike a lot, so this is my main form of exercise.
For some reason, my salary seems to disappear quite quickly! I am trying to manage my expenses and budget a little better, so no more off the cuff purchasing for a while.
Occupation: Director of engineering
Age: 43
Location: Co Wicklow
Salary: €75,000
Monthly pay (net): €3,840 – pension having already been deducted
Monthly expenses
Rent: €1,250
Child maintenance: €520
Groceries: €400
Fuel: €300
Life policy: €85
Phone: €75
Gym membership: €55
Health insurance: €35
Vehicle insurance: €40
Subscriptions: Disney+ – €16, Spotify – €15, Netflix – €10
Total: €2,801
***
Monday
5.00am: Monday is always an early start; I aim to be in work for 6.30am so I can leave earlier and collect my daughter from school. Up and straight into the shower, grab my overnight oats from the fridge and coffee and straight out the door.
6.30am: Traffic isn’t too bad today, so I’m in the office reasonably early.
12.00pm: My job provides a canteen, so lunch is free.
3.00pm: Collect my daughter and head for home. We have lunch and dinner in my place before I drop her home in the evening.
7.00pm: Back home, I prepare some breakfast for tomorrow morning. Watch some TV before heading into bed for 10pm.
Today’s total: €0.00
Tuesday
6.00am: I’m in work a little bit later today, however my morning routine is the same apart from being able to have some breakfast and a coffee at home. The weather is decent this morning, so I took the motorbike. I need to get some fuel, which is €25. I feel quite fortunate that I have the option of a bike or a car. Both are not nearly new, but they are paid off, so I am grateful for that.
7.45am: Arrive in work.
3.30pm: I get home at a decent hour.
5.00pm: I make myself some dinner then head off to the gym.
9.00pm: Back home, quick shower and off to bed.
Today’s total: €25.00
Wednesday
7.00am: The rain was hopping off the window all night, so I didn’t get a great night’s sleep. I am in work at 11am this morning, so I get to have a slight lie on. Check my bank account whilst lying in bed and notice a few payments have been taken out. Grab some breakfast, oats as usual. Get ready and head into work.
7.30pm: I meet a few friends after work and head for a bite to eat. Nothing crazy as I still need to drive home!
11.00pm: Home and in bed for 11.30pm.
Today’s total: €82.00
Thursday
5.00am: Much like Monday, I am in work early as I need to get home early to collect my daughter form school. The main bulk of my outgoings come out today, rent etc etc, so the bank account takes a wallop! (€1,800)
3.00pm: Back home for lunch and dinner, we then head out for a walk before we do the weekly food shop. (€200)
8.30pm: My daughter’s mam collects her. I get my oats ready and then have an early night. The early starts are catching up on me.
Today’s total: €2,000
Friday
6.00am: I didn’t sleep too well last night so decided to be in the gym. Get a nice workout in and a decent sweat in the sauna.
8.00am: I went straight to work from the gym. I had to grab the Dart this morning as my car was in for a service.
12.00pm: A colleague and I go out for coffee. It was my twist, so I pay the bill.
3.30pm: Nothing major happening in work, so I’m able to get off early to collect the car. €527 for new front discs and pads. JAYSUS!
5.00pm: I get home and chill for the evening before bed.
Today’s total: €600.00
Saturday
9.00am: My daughter is dropped off to me. She loves Saturdays as we always have breakfast together before we head off to her swimming class. She’s been in this class since she was four. I am quite envious as I am a terrible swimmer!
11.00am: We get home, get showered and then go out for lunch and ice cream. (€60)
3.00pm: Back home for a day of fun. She is staying over tonight, so we watch a Harry Potter movie with plenty of sweets before bed at 10pm.
Today’s total: €60.00
Sunday
9.00am: It’s a bit of a lazy morning. Scrambled eggs on toast for breakfast for the two of us. My daughter gets collected and I get stuck into the Sunday chores of clothes washing and hoovering!
12.00pm: All sorted by noon, so I head down to the local marina for a walk and a coffee. It’s a nice day so I take the bike and go see my parents. I stop to pick up some cakes and an apple tart (€25). They are getting on a bit and live about an hour away; I really need to make more time for them.
5.00pm: I get home and book in for an outdoor sauna (€15). It’s a nice way to finish off the week before tomorrow’s 5am alarm!
Today’s total: €40.00
Weekly subtotal: €2,807.00
***
What I learned –
- I feel I can be much better with my budgeting. I knew I had the car service due yet never put anything away for it!
- I have got far better with controlling the impulsive purchases and takeaway food. If this diary was from last year I would cringe to see my spending.
- My main vice is my daughter, it may not reflect in this week’s diary, but she has me wrapped around her finger. But to be honest I don’t care! As they say, they are only young once.