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 man receiving invalidity pension living in the west of the country. This week, a compliance officer on €45K living in the Midlands. 

I’m in my mid 40s and live in the Midlands. I was a senior retail manager for 20 years, but like a lot of people, I re-evaluated my priorities post-Covid and realised how much time I had missed out on with family and friends, working 60 hours a week, so I decided to make a change.

I was fortunate enough to afford to take a pay cut for a better work-life balance, so I started in an entry-level role five years ago in an insurance company, earning half of what I was previously.

Since then, I have climbed the ladder somewhat, gaining two diplomas along the way. My salary is still quite low, but I definitely made the right decision. I now work three days a week from home with two in the office, and I love the flexibility of my job.

My husband and I live mortgage-free (knowing how fortunate we are). I have two kids – one in college and still living at home, and the other is married.

Occupation: Compliance officer

Monthly pay (net): €2,900

Transport: €72 on my commute to work and approx €200 in diesel

Health insurance: €323 – covers me, my husband and daughter

Groceries: approx €800

Subscriptions: Spotify – €13.99, Netflix – €16.99, Amazon Prime – €9.99, Caroline Girvan exercise app – €11.99, St Vincent de Paul – €21, MSF – €10

Starlink: €60 – we live in a rural area, no fibre. Internet connection was tried and tested with other companies but was terrible. Starlink seems the best of a bad lot

7.30 am: Alarm goes off. I am usually in the office on Monday and Wednesday, but this week, there is a work event on Thursday, so I’m glad to get to sleep in. Breakfast is porridge and berries. I am very much a creature of habit.

11.00 am: Quick cup of coffee with two rice cakes and almond butter, along with a kiwi (with skin on!). I don’t really like them, but they are good for you. I am in back-to-back meetings all day today as we have a project deadline looming.

1.00 pm: Lunch is coffee and a chicken sandwich, followed by a homemade protein ball. My husband also works........

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