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 civil servant on €95K living in the Midlands. This week, a project manager on €46K living in Co Galway.

I am a project manager with an engineering company based in Dublin. I currently work from home three days a week. We have a newborn baby and have just moved into our first home. I enjoy going for walks or hikes with our dog, go-karting and reading.

My partner and I are currently saving for a wedding in 2028. We have a joint account where both salaries are paid into and we split everything 50:50, except presents.

We have consistently saved before buying our house and are now figuring out our new living expenses and organising a savings goal in advance of our wedding.

Occupation: Project manager with engineering company

Monthly pay (net): €3,100

Mortgage: €1,440 per month – fixed for five years

Household bills: €150 – battery and solar keep electricity cost near zero, currently

House and life insurance: €163 per month

Car loan: €218 per month (will finish in April)

Phone bill: €15 per month

Broadband: €30 per month

Groceries: €500 per month

Subscriptions: €56.50; NowTV – €25 per month, YouTube Premium – €16 per month, Xbox Live – €9 per month, Patreon Subscription – €6.50 per month.

Savings: €1,000 per month – we’ve had this target for the past four years and have stuck by it, apart from the last two months due to buying stuff for our new house

8.50am: I roll out of bed and log onto work. We had visitors over the weekend, and I went for a long walk, so I’m taking it easy for Monday morning.

11.00am: It’s time for a break and a light breakfast. I’ve been trying to eat more fibre so opt for a banana and high-fibre protein bar. We do a decent shop on Sundays most weeks to ensure there’s plenty of stuff in the house. My partner is heading to her mother’s, and I help get the baby dressed and packed into the car.

1.10pm: It’s time for lunch and I opt for pancakes with blueberries and strawberries. I catch a few z’s whilst the house is empty.

2.10pm: Back to work and aiming to go for a walk after work.

5.00pm: I log off and get the dog ready for our walk. We have a lovely, quiet forest nearby that is great for relaxing in. On the way home, I swing by the supermarket for some small bits my partner asked for (€14.30) and top up our petrol car for my partner as I’ll be going to Dublin for two nights tomorrow evening. (€35.01)

6.45pm: I arrive back home and tend to some gardening in our front garden and clean one of our cars. I’m trying to finish off the outdoor jobs before the weather turns much more wet.

8.30pm: With our baby having his last nap of the day, my partner and I relax on the couch and get ready for Traitors. We do the Wordle and catch up on our days.

9.30pm: Our baby starts to stir, so we bathe him while watching Traitors. I feed our baby their bottle and then give the dog their dinner.

11.00pm: My partner and baby head to bed, so I settle in to play some Xbox before bed myself.

12.30pm: I let the dog out for the last time and then lock up and head to bed.

Today’s total: €49.31

8.45am: I’m up for work this morning after a decent sleep. I’ve a long meeting this morning and grab a banana in advance.

11.15am: Following my meeting, I head downstairs and catch up with my partner whilst giving our baby their bottle. I’m feeling lazy and hungry, so I throw a frozen jambon into the oven.

1.15pm: It’s lunchtime and I pack my bag for two nights away in Dublin. I skip lunch as I’m still feeling reasonably full.

2.15pm: I’m back to work and trying to get as much done ahead of being in the office. There’s a lot on, so I find my productivity drops when there. I snack on some pistachio nuts........

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