WELCOME TO HOW I Spend My Money, a series on The Journal that looks at how people in Ireland really handle their finances. 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.

Are you a spender, a saver or a splurger? We’re looking for readers who will keep a money diary for a 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 trainee accountant on €33K living in Dublin. This week, an engineer on €65K living in Co Galway. 

I’m currently living about 15km outside Galway city. I’ve struggled with spending and I find there’s usually “a lot of month left over at the end of the money “. I’ve tried to be more mindful this year and had even started to save €500 per month into a Revolut account. Unfortunately, I’ve had car trouble and had to rent a car that’s costing me €165 a week, so I’m struggling again.

My wife and I have joint savings that we have neither touched nor added to in the past two to three years. I put them in a Raisin Bank savings account this year to get the best interest rates, which are still fairly low at 2%. My mum is elderly and lives on her own, so I contribute to some of her bills.

Occupation: Senior process development engineer

Age: 46

Location: Galway

Salary: €65,000

Monthly pay (net): €3,528.85

Transport: I average about €150 a month on petrol

Rent: €510 for half of a mortgage. We’re on a tracker mortgage, so it’s great to have rates going in the right direction again

Phone bill: €35

Health insurance: N/a – covered by employer

Groceries: Variable – we’ve a SuperValu on our doorstep, so I don’t do a big weekly shop

After School and Breakfast clubs: €49.60 a week

Broadband: €120 (€70 for home plus I also pay €50 for my mothers broadband)

Savings account for son: €67.50

Phonewatch: €52.49

Sky TV for my mother’s house: €72.00

App for school lunch: €20.00

Extra curricular activities:

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6.30 am: I usually have the alarm set for 6 am and doze for a few minutes before getting up. I have a coffee and do a bit of work online, just planning out my day or week, both work and extracurricular activities my son might have or keeping active, etc. and send a few Teams messages or emails.

7.30 am: I have a shower before waking my son up at 8 am. Monday to Wednesday, I get him up and ready for school and then walk to school with him before driving to work. On Thursdays and Fridays, he’s in the breakfast club, and he’s in after school from Monday to Thursday. That all costs €49.60 per week, which isn’t bad for the service we get. Once school term ends, you’re talking about €120-€150 a week on various summer camps

8.30 am: I have porridge and toast, and my son has toast.

9.15 am: I arrive at work and clock in. I asked for flexibility when taking the job, and my employer has accommodated me.

1.00 pm: Time for lunch. Yesterday I got my ‘meal prep’ done (picked up enough ready meals to keep me going for the week!). It’s usually two for €11 or two for €12. Today........

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