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 an administrator on €35K living in the Midlands. This week, a financial administrator in the west of the country. 

I’m a single mother living in the west of Ireland with my children, who are national school-age. I don’t save as much as have a ‘rainy day fund’, where all my savings and what I put aside for the big yearly expenses, as well as any emergencies, is combined.

I love getting into the outdoors, such as hiking and camping. I also really enjoy cooking, reading and working out.

I make use of Revolut pockets to help me with my budgeting. I get paid once a month, and then receive a top-up weekly from social welfare.

I divide all the day-to-day expenses into the relevant Revolut pocket, and then I throw a portion of what’s left into my rainy-day fund.

The remainder acts as an account buffer for any surprise expenses. The bulk of my bills and expenses come out at the beginning of the month, including rent.

Occupation: Financial administrator

Location: West of Ireland

Monthly Income (wages social welfare child benefit): Approx. €3,500

Transport: €100 but can sometimes be more

Household bills: €239.08

Medical expenses: €180

Trips and treats: €200 (this covers any days out, coffees, bits with the kids, a takeaway, etc.)

Extracurricular: €150

School: €370 spent on school uniforms and supplies this month. I’ll buy the remaining smaller bits and pieces like school shoes in August, but all the big things are out of the way. This is a once-off expense each year.

Childminding: Varies a little during the summer, but during the school term, it costs around €200 per month.

Clothing, shoes, etc: Bought as needed for the children and monthly costs can be anywhere between €30 to €150 depending on how much needs to be replaced, any growth spurts, and whether a seasonal wardrobe is needed.

Remainder: Tucked into the rainy day fund to cover a mixture of savings and yearly expenses (yearly expenses such as car insurance, repairs, NCT, tax, household oil, TV licence, Christmas, birthdays comes to around €285-300 set aside each month).

7.45am: I wake up and grab a quiet coffee while the kids have a bit of a sleep in. I wake them up and help them with breakfast. I’m making the most of not having to be out the door by 8.30am in time for school!

9.00am: I start work. I work part-time as a financial administrator, and am lucky enough to be entirely remote during the school holidays. The kids play or sometimes watch a movie while I work through the accounts during the holidays.

1.00pm: Log out of work,........

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