Here’s a weekly spending diary from Juan* - a 26 year old in saving mode, preparing for a busy year ahead. 

‍

Current Life Situation: Living at home, currently saving for a house, driving lessons and many upcoming stag dos. 

Income: £2,200 per month

Expenses: £600 per month

Savings: Around £800 per month

Sinking Funds: £200 per month for a holiday in August

‍

A Week of Spending

‍

Monday: I work from home most Mondays, so I don't tend to spend much at all. I popped out to get a coffee before work (£3), but had dinner at home and then went for a run, so it was a very quiet day in terms of spending. 

‍

Tuesday: Usually, my office days are Tuesday - Friday but, due to some broken air conditioning and a heatwave here in England, we were encouraged to work from home again. That saved me some train travel money and I got a lie in, so I wasn’t complaining! After work, my girlfriend and I went for a picnic (generously provided by her, so I paid no expense). 

‍

Wednesday: I travelled to the office Wednesday (Train ticket - £15) and bought a coffee on the way in (£3). For lunch, it had to be a meal deal (£3.50) which is my go to when I’m travelling, as well as a couple of drinks (£14). I stayed at work late, then came home to walk the dogs and cook dinner. 

‍

Thursday: Another (£15) train fare, with a repeat of yesterday with the meal deal and drinks (£17.50). Leaving drinks for a colleague after work, so I spent the rest of my evening at the pub. Luckily, I only paid for one drink (£6) as the rest was paid for by work. I average one night out after work each week, usually with a few drinks paid for - I’m very lucky in that sense. 

‍

Friday: Back to working from home, so I made all my meals and didn’t spend any extra there. I stayed in in the evening but, I did book a trip away, costing £100. 

‍

Saturday: This was by far the most expensive day of the week. I went to London with friends (£15 train ticket) and we all got a tattoo at a studio flash day. This cost us (£100 each) but well worth it! We started off with a coffee (£5), got lunch after our tattoo session (£20) and then bought a couple of rounds each (£60). I rarely spend this much in a day, but the friends I went with will be travelling soon, so the quality time is priceless. 

‍

Sunday: This was a chilled day - I bought a couple of croissants for my girlfriend and I for breakfast (£3) which we ate at home. We then spent the rest of the day with family, watching the football and relaxing and all I bought was some moisturiser for my shiny new tattoo (£12). 

‍

Total spend for the week: £377

‍

*Names have been changed for anonymity purposes.