Here’s a weekly spending diary from Ellie*- someone trying to recover from the hectic whirlwind that is the festive season and needs a money reset before the new year:

Current Life Situation: Living at home with parents, trying to live life to the full while saving for the future.

Income: £1700 per month

Expenses: £500

Savings: £500 - split evenly between house and travel

Sinking Funds: £150 (Car insurance and maintenance, Birthday Presents, Emergency Fund)

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A Week Of Spending

Monday: After work, I had a trip to the theatre with a friend - we bought the tickets a few months ago (£40), so only had to pay for the train travel and a drink when we arrived - £35.

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Tuesday: The lowest spending day of the week! I didn’t have time to make lunch for work this morning, so I had to buy something from the canteen - £5 spent.

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Wednesday: No canteen trips this day, but I did need to do some last minute Christmas shopping after work. I had already bought most gists but had been battling with the fear that what I bought wasn’t enough, so bought some extra bits totalling £45. Shockingly, I resisted the temptation to buy myself something.

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Thursday: After work, I went to my workout class that I’ve been neglecting recently with the business of December. I pay for these monthly (£35) so nothing to pay upfront. I also bought a railcard (£30) that I had been putting off buying for no real reason as it will save me money in the long run.  

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Friday: I had plans to go to a silent disco Friday night (eventful for me as I rarely go ‘out out’ anymore at the ripe age of 25). I bought the ticket months ago, so that technically wasn’t part of my weekly spend (£30). My friend and I had to make a night of it, so we planned to go to dinner beforehand. We had food and a few drinks at a restaurant (£50 each) before heading to the venue. We spent around £25 on drinks each while we were there and with the travel into London and back (£20), the night ended up costing just under £100.

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Saturday: I was feeling worse for wear Saturday, so only left the house to get snacks from Tesco (£20) then straight back to bed.

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Sunday: It has become quite the tradition for my partner and I to go to our favourite bakery on Sunday mornings and treat ourselves to a baked good and an iced coffee before we settle in front of the tv. We tend to take it in turns to pay, but this usually equates to around £20.

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Total Spend For The Week: £250

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This week was busier than usual due to Christmas coming up - buying gifts and a few social events. For me, weekly spending varies quite a bit but I try to keep below £500-£600 spending for the month after saving and expenses etc.

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*Names have been changed for anonymity purposes.