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 psychologist on €140K living in the east of the country. This week, a quality and compliance officer, on €42K, saving for a mortgage.

I’m a 25-year-old male currently back living with my parents and brother after being abroad for a year. I‘m currently saving for a mortgage with my girlfriend.

I started a job in a completely new industry when I came home, having decided that what I spent four years studying in college for wasn’t really for me. I’m very happy at work: I enjoy my job and feel as though I make decent money for my age and my role.

In my spare time, I like to play golf, go for dinners/coffees with my girlfriend and watch almost any live sport I can find. I’ve found the mid-20s to be a time of real transition for friendships and socialising, so I try my best to see people when I can.

I think it’s important to check in on friends, especially the lads. A lot of men my age struggle to open up, and I think it’s important to make yourself available to people – the best ability is availability!

Occupation: Quality and compliance

Monthly pay (net): €2,780

Transport: €400 (petrol)

Health insurance: €0 (company)

Groceries: Approx. €150

Subscriptions: €40 (YouTube Premium, Spotify, Patreon)

7.00 am: Another week begins. I get up and ready for work. I’ve never been a breakfast person so out the gap with me.

8.00am: Into work and debrief on the weekend with my colleagues. A nice soft start to a Monday.

9.30 am: Morning full of meetings and inspections. I wish I had more interesting work, but alas…

12.00 pm: Lunch is a toastie and some leftover soup my mam made on Sunday.

1.00 pm: Weekly audits take up most of my afternoon.

5.00 pm: Finish work and head to the driving range (60 balls for €6). Prices are really high for any of the decent ranges, so I’m lucky my local one hasn’t lost the run of themselves. Head to Dunnes afterwards to get supplies for dinner and lunches (€20.50)

7.00 pm: Home and fed with a nice chicken curry. I stick on some telly for the evening. I’ve been watching How I Met Your Mother as I never watched it when it came out. Really enjoying it, but some bits don’t stand the test of time!

10.30 pm: Lights out ready for work tomorrow.

Today’s total: €26.50

7.00 am: My alarm pulls me from a deep sleep and so it begins again. Up, dressed and out the door. I........

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