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 an executive assistant adjusting to being back at work after a serious illness. This week, a marketing freelancer in Co Wicklow who is also studying. 

I live with my partner in a village in Co Wicklow. My dad has been staying with us for the last few months while he’s been sick. I’ve been using his car as he’s in hospital at the moment.

I’ve worked in marketing for the last six years. I ended up working full-time through college since classes were not intensive, and that allowed me to just barely make enough to purchase a vacant house last year. The mortgage is very cheap, but there have been quite a few issues that have popped up since moving in.

In my free time, I usually paint, forage for mushrooms and go on runs, but those hobbies have been put on the back burner so I can concentrate on classes.

Normally, my partner and I split the expenses, but since starting college, he usually handles all the bills, and I put most of what I make into our savings. We are currently saving for our own car and a trip to Japan. We have the tickets for Japan bought and half the accommodation sorted, and I have about a third of the car price saved. There’s a bus to the train and my partner only has to be in Dublin half the week, so if the worst comes to the worst, we’d manage without a car for a couple of months.

I usually put away half of whatever I make in the month, which can be between €500 to €1,500. I also do the odd cleaning/gardening for a few neighbours, so I put that cash away too.

Occupation: Student/marketing freelancer

Location: South Co Wicklow

Salary: About €20,000 – €26,000

Monthly pay (net): Varies month to month depending on projects, between €900-€2,100

Diesel: €40 (A tank will last me two weeks unless we go somewhere for an activity at the weekend)

Household bills: Mortgage – €640, mortgage protection – €11, electricity – €250, home insurance – €300 (I pay it as a yearly lump sum) 

Health insurance: I got rid of it this year since it was costing too much for what I was getting, but will probably start again in a couple of years

8.30 am: I get up, feed the pets and let the dogs out to pee.

8.50 am: I go back to sleep since it’s a bank holiday and there’s no class.

10.00 am: I get up again and have a late breakfast while doing a crossword with my partner.

11.30 am: We take........

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