Money Diaries: A software engineer on €100K living in Dublin |
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 apprentice mechanic on €22K living in the Midlands. This week, a software engineer on €100K living in Dublin.
I’m a 27-year-old guy currently living in Dublin. I live in a tiny rented apartment with my wife, and we’re currently saving for our first home. It’s an exciting time as, once she is out of probation at her new job, we should be able to buy. Until then, things are a little cramped.
I’m incredibly lucky to be making good money. While I don’t have any specific monthly savings targets, I’m saving around €1,800 a month – though I got a pay raise last month, so I’m trying to bump that to €2,500 ahead of the mortgage. I definitely try to stretch my money when I can, but I do splash out on certain things.
In my spare time, I collect vinyls and make music. I also like to run, and I have a few races coming up. I’m currently on a bit of a diet and fitness kick, which is definitely impacting my day-to-day habits.
Occupation: Software engineer
Monthly pay (net): Roughly €5,000 after pension and BIK for health insurance
Rent: We split the rent proportionally to our income, so I cover €1,000
Household bills: €140
Health insurance: €0 (work covers it)
Subscriptions: Qobuz- €15, Xbox Game Pass – €15, New York Times – €12
7.45am: I wake up somewhat tired after the night before. I met up with some friends in town. It wasn’t a crazy night, and I actually got home well before midnight, but I couldn’t get to sleep until late enough, so not the best start to the week.
9.00am: I work from home Mondays and Fridays. I’ve a bunch of meetings today, and I’m also catching up on some tasks, so I’m kept busy.
12.30pm: I break for lunch; I have my usual bagel and egg.
1.30pm: It’s back to work for more meetings and tasks. Not the most stressful day, but I do have some stuff that I’m trying to get done today.
5.00pm: I finish up right on time and head straight over to the library to print something out. On my way back home, I grab some groceries (€34). I also try to do some tidying before my wife gets home from work since I’ve slacked on some of my chores.
6.30pm: We have dinner together. Chicken and potatoes for me, and my wife is a vegetarian, so she has a meat substitute instead.
8.00pm: After catching up and watching some shows with my wife, I grab a shower.
10.00pm: I head to bed very early compared to usual
Today’s total: €34.00
7.45am: I wake up and have a protein bar for breakfast.
9.15am: I grab a coffee on the way into the office. I’ve been walking into the office as the weather has been getting somewhat better recently. I do try to limit myself when it comes to takeaway coffee, in part because I’m watching my calories and a latte in the city can cost anywhere up to €4.50 nowadays, so it’s really a luxury, though I still buy them pretty often. Today’s one lands on the “cheaper” side at €3.90.
9.45am: My work provides lots........