Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Money Diaries A 22-year-old kitchen assistant living at home in the south of the country

This week, our reader is conscious of spending and trying to be careful with finances.

WELCOME TO HOW I Spend My Money, a series on The Journal that looks at how people in Ireland really handle their finances.

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.

Are you a spender, a saver or a splurger? We’re looking for readers who will keep a money diary for a 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 part-time adult tutor on low and infrequent pay living in Leinster. This week, a 22 year old kitchen assistant living in the south of the country. 

moneydiaries-banner-950x170v3

I’m living in Munster at home with my parents and brother. I work in the city which means I have to commute via train. I’m looking for something new to have a change of career. On a good month, I try to put away maybe around €300. I don’t have any rent or bills to pay although I do offer my mother money if it’s needed.

My new “hobby” I’ve found that’s fun is vinyl. I’ve started collecting them and try to get some from my favourite artists. In my spare time, I really just try to switch off and forget about everything around me. I find that walks can help with this.

Occupation: Kitchen assistant

Age: 22

Location: Munster

Salary: I’m unsure. My working hours vary from week to week. I’d have to say somewhere in the €18K-€20K region.

Monthly pay: Similar situation. No two months are the same. Probably €13-1400 average after tax.

Monthly expenses

Transport: €50 Young Adult Card + Petrol €60

Rent: N/A but I offer money if needed.

Household bills: Same situation as rent.

Phone bill: €13

Health insurance: Don’t have health insurance

Groceries: Same situation as bills but I do offer if needed.

Subscriptions: iCloud storage: €2.99 Spotify €9.99

Loan repayments: €407

***

Monday

5.30 am: I wake up at this time to make sure I have time for my morning shower because I have work at 7.30 am.

6.20 am: I leave the house. I don’t like to eat breakfast so I leave after getting my bag packed. I can’t drive yet so I have to leave at this time to make the train.

7.30 am: Start work. It’s a relatively easy day as Mondays are.

11.50 am: Time for my half-hour break – I don’t like to eat lunch at work because I am never comfortable eating in front of others and people come and go in the staff area so I just don’t eat. I spend my break catching up on the news or listening to music to distract myself.

2.00 pm: I’m finished for the day. It’s a short day but it was one of those days so I just wanted to get out of there. I decide to go for an hour’s walk after I buy an iced latte. (€4.60)

4.00 pm: Walk finished, now I need to wait until my Dad is finished work so I just sit with my thoughts for two hours while enjoying the sun.

6.00 pm: I have my third driving test next week so I’m driving as much as possible. I head home but the normal route is closed off so I have to make a detour.

6.45 pm: Finally home!

7.30 pm: Groceries were bought today so for dinner, I make myself a steak sandwich. It was tasty.

8.00 pm: After dinner, I start to decompress from the day. Our new kittens help with this. They’re getting so big so quickly!

10.00 pm: Time for bed. Up early again. Get to sleep around 10.40 pm.

Today’s total: €4.60

Tuesday

5.45 am: Bit tired this morning. Slept in a bit later than planned.

7.30 am: Similar routine as yesterday.

2.00 pm: I’m lucky in that today was the same as yesterday and I finished 10 minutes later than yesterday. I like consistency in my life.

2.30 pm: Decide to treat myself for the last time this week. I buy another latte (€4.60) – this time mostly just because I need some interaction in my day.

3.00 pm: Remember to check my current account. I realise it’s Tuesday which means it’s loan repayment day (€101.66). I took out a loan for a car which I think was an OK but not great decision. It’s not a fancy car, it just happened to be a good enough deal.

6.30 pm: Home a bit earlier today.

7.00 pm: Car needs a lash of the hoover so I tip away at this for 40 minutes or so while listening to more music.

8.00 pm: Car finished. Decide to make bolognese for dinner. It goes down well.

8.30 pm: Time to feed the animals. They’re hungry too!

9.00 pm: Decide to finish for the day after putting on a load in the machine.

10.00 pm: Time for bed again. Day off tomorrow so I need to decide what to do.

Today’s total: €106.26

Wednesday

8.00 am: Time to get out of bed. I need to hoover the car.

9.00 am: I get hungry so I have a couple of pieces of toast.

12.00 pm: Decide to cut the grass, it’s not necessarily long but I need something to do.

2.00 pm: Time for some lunch, which is just a ham and cheese sandwich today.

4.00 pm: It’s after getting a bit too hot for my liking so I’m staying indoors for a bit. I decide to finish tidying my room from last week.

6.00 pm: Now it’s a bit cooler I need to give my car a clean because it’s white so the dust/dirt shows easily.

8.00 pm: For dinner, I reheat yesterday’s leftovers while I flick on my favourite show on Netflix – It’s Always Sunny.

9.00 pm: Spend some time enjoying the good weather with the cats before I get ready for work tomorrow.

10.15 pm: Lights out. I’m feeling a bit tired today.

Today’s total: €0.00

Thursday

7.30 am: I start work. It’s a Thursday so for me it’s a relatively busy but easy enough day.

9.00 am: I’m a bit peckish so I have a Nature Valley bar and water for my “breakfast“. €0.00 cost as brought from home.

1.40 pm: I’m finished everything from my side for the day so I take my break. I’m supposed to be finishing at 3 pm so I’ve timed it well.

2.00 pm: While on my break, I get an email saying a custom charge is due so I pay the €12.70 to make sure I receive my item. It’s only a vinyl so I’m unsure about the reason for the charge. Frustrating.

3.10 pm: I managed to finish on time thankfully. Time to get the train.

4.30 pm: Arrive at my dad’s work. I get in my car and top it up. I spend €39.53 on a three-quarter tank worth of petrol and a bottle of Lucozade. I spend my time waiting to leave and catching up on my phone.

6.30 pm: Arrive home and I make a sandwich because I’m not feeling hungry enough for a big meal.

10.00 pm: I watch Black Mirror and doze off. I go to bed.

Today’s total: €52.23

Friday

5.30 am: I wake up and take a shower. I leave at 6.20 am to make sure I’m on time for the train.

7.30 am: I start work. It’s Friday which means it’s one of the busiest days for me. Thankfully it turns out to be an okay morning with the size of deliveries.

10.00 am: Take a mini break from work and catch up on cleaning the kitchen. It’s very hot so I’m trying to keep cool. I have water that I brought from home. €0.00.

2.20 pm: I take my break. I’ve finished everything so after my break I just have to cover people’s breaks. This is easy so it’s like a sort of cool down for me – work-wise.

4.20 pm: I’m finished work a bit later than I expected. I go to the shop and buy a drink because I’m gasping. I spend €2.60 on a drink.

5.00 pm: My roster for next week has been sent so I top up my Leap card. (€11.45)

7.00 pm: Home after going to the shop – my parent does a mini shop.

7.45 pm: I’m starving so I decide to make a curry. It turns out to be very tasty and delicious which is nice after a busy day at work.

8.30 pm: I flick on another Black Mirror episode – the twists in them are amazingly entertaining.

10.00 pm: I go to bed – this time I put on Netflix but just listen with my eyes closed because I need some noise to sleep.

Today’s total: €14.05

Saturday

5.20 am: Frustratingly I wake up naturally at this time.

9.00 am: Thankfully I fell back asleep and I get up at 9am. I have toast for breakfast.

10.30 am: I do a load of washing and put on some music.

1.00 pm: I tidy the kitchen and hall and hang out some more washing.

3.00 pm: I go out to wash my car because it’s a bit dusty from the dry roads.

5.00 pm: After taking my time washing the car, I come in for a snack. I have a bowl of pasta.

7.00 pm: I watch another episode of Black Mirror. This episode is a bit too creepy for me though, so once finished I go outside in the cool air to enjoy the remaining light.

9.00 pm: After feeding our cats their food, I spend some time with them.

10.30 pm: After enjoying the evening I decide to go to bed. I manage to fall asleep around 11.30 pm which for me is a bit late.

Today’s total: €0.00

Sunday

9.00 am: Today I woke up early again but only get up at 9 am.

10.00 am: I have a quick shower and breakfast and I spend time doing laundry, etc.

12.00 pm: I get ready for my practice driving test and revise some questions and road signs.

2.00 pm: Leave for my test.

3.00 pm: Start my test. It goes okay but I’m still worried about failing it. I make too many teeny mistakes and I need to do better. I pay the instructor €50 for the lesson – should have been €40 but I only had €50 so now I pay €10 less next time.

5.00 pm: Return home after driving home. On the way back I pop into the shop and buy my brother a Monster and chewing gum as a thank you for lending me €50 that I pay back. This cost €4.15.

6.00 pm: Have a small dinner, a toasted panini sandwich that my Mam bought.

7.30 pm: Spend more time with kittens while we still have them as they must find new homes unfortunately.

9.00 pm: Decompress and watch a show on Netflix.

10.00 pm: Go to bed. It was a busy-ish day so I want to start the week fresh as possible.

Today’s total: €54.15

 Weekly subtotal: €231.29

***

What I learned -

  • After keeping this money diary for a week, it opened my eyes to how much I’m worried about my finances. I’m always looking at my bank account constantly stressing that my savings aren’t going up. Doing this has allowed me to find out exactly where my money goes in one week.
  • I feel like I’m being a bit frugal considering my age with the odd treat item here or there but it feels necessary to me.
  • This week’s subtotal is probably about the average amount with my different purchases but similar prices so I realise that this is why I’m struggling to save much money.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
30 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute xmasbride
    Favourite xmasbride
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 8:17 PM

    I’d like you to be more kind to yourself xx

    486
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unnamed
    Favourite Unnamed
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 11:26 PM

    @xmasbride: it’s a daily struggle for me i won’t lie. i’m trying to work on it though

    93
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Walsh
    Favourite Joe Walsh
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 9:35 PM

    Thanks for your honesty and whatever about your financial circumstance what struck me was that you come across as being a total gentleman who is kind and caring to all.. Wonderful sense of self awareness and humility. I loved the thoughtful interest you put on the loan, your kindness to animals and your attempts at paying mammy tax.. Best of luck to you in everything you do.

    291
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unnamed
    Favourite Unnamed
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 9:48 PM

    @Joe Walsh: forgive me if i’m wrong but was this intended as sarcasm? it’s just the way i read it

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Walsh
    Favourite Joe Walsh
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 9:53 PM

    @Unnamed:. Not at all. I’m being very genuine.

    122
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unnamed
    Favourite Unnamed
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 9:58 PM

    @Joe Walsh: okay i’m sorry for misunderstanding. just the second half had me confused

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unnamed
    Favourite Unnamed
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 10:00 PM

    @Joe Walsh: what did you mean by “thoughtful interest you put on the loan” ?

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Walsh
    Favourite Joe Walsh
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 10:29 PM

    @Unnamed: He gave a treat to his brother as well as paying him back. Thought it was cute I’m hoping he will try and take little steps to tackle his fears around eating in front of people.. Until it becomes a thing of the past.

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unnamed
    Favourite Unnamed
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 11:11 PM

    @Joe Walsh: it’s difficult for me with social anxiety but i am trying to learn how to

    54
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anthony Curran
    Favourite Anthony Curran
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 8:10 PM

    @Joe Ring: Sorry? Huh? What? Excuse me?

    128
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B6Tr3OgE
    Favourite B6Tr3OgE
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 8:33 PM

    Such a young lad best of luck in life. What are your plans for life?

    123
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unnamed
    Favourite Unnamed
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 10:06 PM

    @B6Tr3OgE: to survive

    74
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B6Tr3OgE
    Favourite B6Tr3OgE
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 10:43 PM

    @Unnamed: If that’s you not a bother for you. You are well in the way

    44
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unnamed
    Favourite Unnamed
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 10:46 PM

    @B6Tr3OgE: thank you. i appreciate that

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ucdstudent100
    Favourite Ucdstudent100
    Report
    Sep 4th 2023, 12:08 AM

    I wish you all the best of luck with your drivers test! You will nail it:)
    You are doing so well for the ‘figuring it out’ years- I promise you! being that age is so tough, but you already have maturity beyond your years and have more figured out than I think you realize! That is the impression I get from reading, and I promise that It only gets better from here :) Your kittens sound so cute!

    99
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maisfkok
    Favourite Maisfkok
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 9:43 PM

    Journal, at least put some effort in if you are going to spoof these. Finished hoovering the car Tuesday after 40 mins and the says the car needs to be hoovered on Wednesday morning? Lazy.

    106
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute dec
    Favourite dec
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 9:51 PM

    @Maisfkok: why in the world would this be a spoof? If they’re on too much money it’s a spoof and if too little it’s also a spoof … god some people are simple minded

    87
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B6Tr3OgE
    Favourite B6Tr3OgE
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 8:32 PM

    @Joe Ring: Stop embarrassing yourself

    69
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Cryan
    Favourite Ian Cryan
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 8:19 PM

    No rent no bills come on now

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aingeal Ó Finnéide
    Favourite Aingeal Ó Finnéide
    Report
    Sep 4th 2023, 12:13 AM

    @Ian Cryan: He lives at home and he has a loan. Love his work ethic as it’s not easy to be up that early and it’s a long day when he’s waiting on a lift home. I’d be proud of him if he was my son.

    135
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Caroline Otoole
    Favourite Caroline Otoole
    Report
    Sep 4th 2023, 8:01 AM

    Well done getting to the end of a day as kitchen porter with all your tasks done, to keep on top of it is doing great.
    Maybe your next job could be to do with music? Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jack Mc Grath
    Favourite Jack Mc Grath
    Report
    Sep 4th 2023, 7:55 PM

    Hats off to you for working as a kp! It’s a tough gig. The place wouldn’t run without you. Don’t be so hard on yourself, you’re doing great. You sound like a great young man. Best of luck!

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute
    Favourite
    Report
    Sep 4th 2023, 8:34 PM

    What a sensible, considerate, kind, and hardworking lad – I’d be very proud of you. You’ve your whole life ahead of you, and sometimes there’ll be adventures, sometimes there won’t, that’s the way of it for all of us. Be good to yourself, you’re worth it! Wishing you the very best.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob
    Favourite Rob
    Report
    Sep 4th 2023, 8:01 AM

    On the Monday he says he takes the train because he can’t drive yet. Remainder of the week consists of hoovering his car and putting petrol in it. You can’t make it up…oh, it is made up? Fair enough

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob
    Favourite Rob
    Report
    Sep 4th 2023, 8:02 AM

    @Rob: see he’s doing lessons later. My bad

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute offside again
    Favourite offside again
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 11:09 PM

    Kitchen Assistant doesn’t sound like a great job

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unnamed
    Favourite Unnamed
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 11:12 PM

    @offside again: have to start somewhere

    165
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Desmond
    Favourite Dave Desmond
    Report
    Sep 3rd 2023, 11:56 PM

    @Unnamed: true but sound like you can do better! Hope you do

    22
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel