Over the years, my relationship with money has changed dramatically. From getting my first Saturday job when I was 14 to having a full-time job and a side hustle 10 years later, the way I handle money has been a journey. I’m here to tell my story to hopefully help you realise that just because you’re getting older and you may be earning more money, that doesn’t mean you’ll actually know what you’re doing with it or what all of those financial terms mean. 

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Saturday Job

I was ecstatic when I got myself a little job in a cafe and could finally earn my own money. I would work for a few hours every Saturday morning and took home around £40 in cash, which was incredible at the time. I didn’t really save money at that point because I was so excited to have money to spend. I had part time jobs for the rest of school and kept a similar attitude, spending the majority and putting away a little bit on occasion. 

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University Budget

If ever there was a time to stretch my money, it would be at university, living the full student life. I had a very small weekly budget to cover everything from food to going out and really learnt how to make my money last. I also worked part time over the summer months to help me get through term time and started putting away a little bit of money wherever I could (emphasis on little!). 

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Covid Pandemic

I graduated uni in 2020 so it was an odd time to get into the employment world. I got a waitressing job at a local pub to allow me to earn money while searching for jobs more aligned to my career aspirations. I worked as many shifts as I could, was on furlough for a few months and while it was one of the hardest jobs I had, especially during the restrictions, it allowed me to save enough money to buy my first car and I was very thankful for that. It helped that no one was going out nearly as much as before and I was definitely starting to think more about my future. 

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Full-Time Job

I was so grateful to receive an offer for my first ‘big girl’ job after leaving university and start to become financially independent. My goals were to travel and eventually buy myself a house (both still the case!) so I made a spreadsheet and got serious about saving money for the first time. I would figure out all my expenses and know exactly how much I had left to save and what I could spend. With the cost of living crisis, it has been tough at times, but I feel like I am in full control of my finances for the first time.

I love being independent and although that first house seems like a long way away, I am hopeful for the future.