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 payroll specialist on €55K living in Leinster. This week, a factory worker on €38K living in the west of the country. 

I am a 43-year-old widowed mother of five children living in the West of Ireland. I work in a pharmaceutical factory working shift work. I bought my house four years ago and while it needs many improvements, it’s home.

Occupation: Factory worker

Age: 43

Location: West of the country

Salary: €38,000

Monthly pay (net): €2,600 but €3,000 with overtime 

Phone bills: €12.99 for three phones

Mortgage: €400 

ESB: €100

Car Insurance: €41

Credit Union loan: €240 

Car payment: €250 

Food: €150 per week

Subscriptions: Netflix – €10

Pocket money/lunch money: €25 

Home help: €150 per week

Diesel: €50

***

4.00 am: Alarm goes off. Ahhh… I’m working at 6am so I need to get up, sort some laundry, clean up the house and light my range so I can have hot water. I don’t have an electric shower, so my solid fuel stove heats my house and the water. I’m very fortunate to own a bog so my fuel costs to heat my house are very minimal, approx €5 per week.

4.45 am: Jump in the shower, make sure the alarms are still set for the teenagers to get up to walk to bus for school.

Advertisement

5.15 am: I leave after sticking the washing machine on and putting dinner in the slow cooker.

5.50 am: Arrive to work. I bring breakfast and a snack for later (we don’t have a canteen at work).

9.30 am: Check my bank account on my........

© TheJournal