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 marketing freelancer on €20K living in Co Wicklow. This week, a software engineering manager on €140K living in the east of the country.

I live in the east of the country with my partner and two teens. I have a demanding home and work life while also supporting an elderly parent. I love keeping active by walking and cycling, and I go to the gym regularly.

I am in a fortunate financial position with a strong salary. I have €500,000 in pensions, €60,000 in savings with Bunq (this is earmarked for college for the kids) and €85,000 in stocks. I want to retire in ten years.

My partner has a job at minimum wage, and that salary is considered her disposable income. We are jointly tax-assessed. My income covers the full cost of all our family living expenses.

Occupation: Software engineering manager

Location: East of the country

Salary: €140,000 with variable annual and quarterly bonus

Monthly pay (net): €5,500 after pension (6%), share ownership (5%)

Transport: €50 per month for EV charging and €505 PCP loan on a 252 car

Household bills: TV and broadband – €50 (just moved to new provider), gas and electricity – €400

Phone bill: Paid for by my employer

Health insurance: Paid for by my employer

Car and house insurance: €145

Life insurance: €35.50

Subscriptions: €42 (Spotify Family, Netflix, Prime)

Supporting elderly parent: €125

6.30 am: No need for an alarm today, I’m wide-awake thinking about the day. One, two, three, four, five and I’m up. Showered, dressed and downstairs. I do the lunches on autopilot. I have them ready in 10 mins. Pack my own breakfast and out the door. Fifteen minutes later, I’m parked at work and ready to go.

9.00 am: Have a break, coffee is free, and have my overnight oats, which I made yesterday. Simple recipe, and I have enough made for three days.

12.30 pm: Quick on-site gym session and then back at the desk. Lunch is a homemade chicken wrap and an apple. Remember that free coffee and grab one of them too.

5.30 pm: I can’t take any more, so it’s home time. A crazy day of meetings, decisions and problem-solving, but I love it.

6.00 pm: Dinner is a reheat of yesterday’s roast. I made enough for two days, and with hungry and hangry teens and a partner the same, I serve up.

7.30 pm: It’s time for some house stuff. I’m left to clean up after dinner and do some laundry while the rest plonk themselves in front of the........

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