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 self-employed illustrator in the west of the country. This week, a man living with chronic illness juggles the slow pace of life caused by his medical care, with caring for his dog, and keeping himself going.

I am a man in my 60s living alone with my dog in Connaught. I have severe inflammatory arthritis. It is a progressive autoimmune disease with no cure and is very debilitating. In the last two years, I’ve had two surgeries on my spine.

I’m on a battery of medications, including monthly injections, to keep it at bay. As a result, I am not able to work anymore and am now receiving an invalidity pension. This is approximately €1350.00 per month. I have to make do with this for all my needs in life.

I hope that this diary will give a bit of insight into the life of a person with a disability living on a small income. I’m certainly not alone in this. I know many people in the disabled community (and many I don’t know) who are in the same position. And I can tell you this for nothing, it is no joke! On top of that, as if things weren’t hard enough already, the cost of everything keeps going up.

Budgeting is essential! I have created spreadsheets to aid me in that and have an annual budget, which I divide into 12 to give me guidance. I also keep track of all my spending on another one. I know…. So much fun!

I do save, but that’s practically all for later planned expenses like insurances, motor tax etc. Every year I plan to be able to put something aside, but that’s virtually impossible now.

Well, enough with all the misery talk. I do some things for fun. I read a lot and get a good share of the books from the local library, including e-books, which are great on days I am unable to hold a real one for long.

I love music and cooking, a wide variety of both. The madra and myself go for walks which is our enjoyment and exercise time. I live in a very rural area, so we mostly end up having to drive to the various woods and beaches around the place, but with the current price of diesel, we cut back on that.

I live a very simple life and eat simple but wholesome food. I even bake my own bread with a ‘no-knead’ recipe on the wood stove. I don’t own a washing machine or a dryer and use a self-service launderette once a month (works out cheaper in the long run).

I also don’t own a dishwasher, electric kettle or toaster. I do however, have an Actifry air fryer as I love chips. I got it used on DoneDeal for very little. I’m growing a bit of my own veg and would love a little polytunnel one day.

I read a lot and write a bit of poetry, which is never good enough in my opinion. One of my friends claims I live like a monk.

Occupation: On disability

Location: West of Ireland

Monthly pay (net): €1350.00

I am in the enviable position of owning my home and having the mortgage paid off. And thank God for that! Otherwise, I wouldn’t know how I would manage.

Not everything is itemised, but you’ll get the idea.

Health (medication, appointments, supports etc.): €250.00 Transport (old van,........

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