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 marketing manager on €90k who is currently on unpaid leave after having a baby. This week, an administrative officer on €55K living in Dublin.

I’m renting in Dublin with one housemate at the moment. We’re searching for another place, but we each pay for one room, so I’m not on the hook for more rent. I’m trying to put money away for a deposit to buy a home, and I want to go on holidays later in the year too, so I’m saving for that.

I had to move house on very short notice a few weeks ago, so I’m trying to get back to budgeting and saving properly after all of those extra expenses. In my spare time, I bake, play video games, listen to audiobooks, go to the cinema and I love a walk.

Occupation: Administrative officer in the civil service

Monthly pay (net): €3,358.32

Household bills: €40 (this is not including Wi-Fi because I’m still waiting for our provider to come out to fix it since I moved in about six weeks ago)

Health insurance: €170

Subscriptions: €17 for Netflix (for myself and a friend), €7 for Audible (I pay in pounds for some reason, so the price fluctuates a bit), €8 for Spotify (as part of a family account)

8.45am: I wake up late, so I don’t have time to make breakfast or lunch. Not off to a great start, but I shower and go for the bus. I have a Leap card that I usually put €40 on when it runs out, and this lasts me a few weeks. The stop is right outside, so it’s just matter of waking up on time, which I clearly have no issues with.

9.30am: I make it into the office. My job does allow working from home a few days a week, but as I mentioned above, my internet provider is not providing Internet, so........

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