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 civil technician on €60K living in the east of the country. This week, a medical administrator working part-time in Co Kildare. 

I’m a single mam to a two-year-old little girl. I work as a part-time medical administrator approximately 24 hours per week. I save €50 every week – €40 goes into my credit union and €10 into savings for my little girl. I try not to touch this money at all. I love Revolut and use the pockets feature to manage my finances, setting money aside for things like Christmas, holidays, car insurance and a rainy-day fund. Revolut is my day-to-day spending account, while I leave my current account alone and let direct debits take care of themselves.

Before anyone annihilates me, I know I’m extremely lucky to get support through HAP, social welfare and subsidised childcare. This is just one small snapshot of a week in my life. I hope you enjoy reading it.

Occupation: Medical administrator

Age: 35

Location: Kildare

Salary: €20,592

Monthly pay (net): €1,584

Weekly take-home pay: €373.04

Social welfare supports: One-Parent Family Payment Working Family Payment = €284.50 per week

Rent: €120 per month to landlord plus €120 per week to HAP

Bills: Around €200 (higher in winter due to storage heaters)

Transport (petrol): €30-€40

Phone: €14.99

Groceries: €250

Subscriptions: €44.96 (Spotify, Netflix, Prime and Disney )

Car finance: €278

Health insurance: None

***

8.00 am: Wake up. Porridge for my little girl and coffee for me. Monday my little one goes to crèche for a half day (9am to 2.30pm) and I’m off work, so I like to see a friend if I can. Crèche fees vary slightly as they are paid monthly, so sometimes it’s four weeks, and sometimes it’s five (€175.50). It’s non-negotiable and gives me peace of mind while I’m working. As well as that, the girls are literal Earth angels and they are my village. After I drop her off, I stick on a wash and the dishwasher and then hop in the car to meet one of the girls.

11.00 am: Brunch with my friend. I have pancakes with bacon and maple syrup (my favourite!) We have a good catch up and the café........

© TheJournal