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 medical administrator working part-time and living in Co Kildare. This week, an executive assistant is adjusting to being back at work after a serious illness.

Last year, my life changed very suddenly when I experienced a serious medical event and was hospitalised unexpectedly. What followed was a few months of rehabilitation that I had not planned for at all. In a very short space of time, I went from earning a full-time salary to getting by on illness benefit.

Aside from the physical and emotional toll of a serious illness, there’s also a financial impact that comes with adjusting to it. While I was lucky enough to keep my mortgage and bills paid and only dipped into my savings a little, I still had to make some significant changes to get through that period. I had to tighten my belt quickly and learn how to live on a lot less than I was used to.

Thankfully, I’ve been fortunate to return to work — a privilege not everyone with my illness experiences. However, due to the nature of my illness and recovery, this had to be done gradually, with reduced hours over the past couple of months.

If I’m being completely honest, I ended up returning to work earlier than I probably should have, largely for financial reasons, as I am on my own. That experience really brought home how quickly circumstances can change, and how little control we sometimes have over that.

I’m still on reduced hours, which means a reduced salary, but I’m at a point where I can manage day-to-day expenses and the odd small extras.

Occupation: Executive assistant

Location: Esat of the country

Monthly pay (net): €2,500 (exc. 5% pension deduction)

Rainy day savings: €150

Utilities sinking fund: €400 (electricity, gas, mortgage protection insurance, house insurance, property tax)

Health insurance: €113 (Despite having had a serious illness, I don’t qualify for a medical card. My insurance is non-negotiable, as if I lose it, I will struggle to get it again)

Prescription medication: €60

TV, internet and phone: €107

Amazon Prime and Netflix: €18

Groceries: €350 — €400

Transport: €0 (as a result of my illness, and because I have been declared medically unfit to drive, I have a temporary free travel pass, which I am extremely grateful for)

Socialising/going out: €50

Health sinking fund (GP, dentist, physio, etc.): €25

7.00 am: I wake to my alarm blaring, only to realise I forgot to turn it off for the bank holiday. Half asleep, I silence it and roll straight back over, eventually waking properly around 9 am.

9.00 am: With the weather holding up (for now), I decide to head out and make the most of the day before the rain inevitably returns. I get up, get dressed, and take my morning medication — an essential part of managing my condition — before heading out.

10.45 am: I walk 15 minutes to the bus stop, heading towards my local town and shopping centre. Once there, I grab breakfast (€4.30). I take full advantage of the free coffee refills, starting with a flat white and following it up with a decaf (too much caffeine isn’t an option for me anymore).

12.00 pm: I wander into Penneys — where else? Since I do a lot of walking (when it isn’t raining) and Pilates, I pick up two reduced activewear tops. I........

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