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 software engineer on €100K living in Dublin. This week, a digital journalist on €35K living and working in South Dublin. 

I’m a recently graduated digital journalist/sub-editor in my early 20s, working in the private sector and living in South Dublin. I earn €35,000 a year, but I’m also extremely lucky to have help from my parents, who live abroad. I don’t travel for work, and spend my week either working from home or in the office.

Occupation: Digital journalist/subeditor

Location: South Dublin

Monthly take-home: €2,495

Petrol: €200 per month approx

Food: €100 per month approx

Phone: €0 (still on family plan)

Household bills: €100 per month approx

Car: €158 per month (paying back credit union loan on a second-hand car)

Pension: €100 per month

Savings: €100 per month into credit union

6.45am: I’m working from home today. I’ve been back and forth to the hospital and doctors for the last two weeks for a number of things. I’ve been down the country at my parents’ place since the weekend – they live abroad, but they’re home for a couple of weeks. I log on and get started. Hoping for a quiet Monday!

10.00am: Mum and Dad pop out for some shopping. They pick up some bits for me too, meaning I won’t need to do a full shop this week. Result! Work is busy. I skip breakfast and have a banana and some water. I’m in pain, so it’s hard to concentrate at work.

12.00pm: I take my lunch break. I have a shower and hop into the car. Drive to the local town for some painkillers (€30). I head back home and log back on for 12.45pm. I have a good bit to do, so maybe easier not to take the full hour!

3.40pm: I finish up for the day. Pop back into town with Mum to run errands and get the car washed while I’m there (€10). I grab a few bits in Super Valu to add to what I already have for the week........

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