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I didn’t go to university. I knew that for a career in marketing, the lack of formal education could be traded for skills and knowledge learned on the job, so I started working in Sainsbury’s to put money behind me while getting relevant internships and work experience. 

I have been working at a publisher for the last four years, beginning as a marketing apprentice in 2020 on £17,000, and working my way up to £37,000.

During that time, I’ve gained Level 3, Level 5 and Level 7 qualifications in marketing.

I am very cautious with money and have always put some aside for long-term ambitions. I avoid buying unnecessary items, and I try to find a balance between enjoying myself and not spending too much. 

I have maintained a similar routine since I started my current role, bringing in lunch and following the same patterns with putting aside money. 

I also do a lot of my financial planning at the beginning of the year, such as buying stamps and cards in bulk to avoid spending £3 over and over again in card shops. 

Additionally, I put away less money when there are more prominent birthdays and occasions, such as Mother’s Day. 

I live at home with my parents and they refuse to take much money for rent, so I only spend £100 on that. 

In terms of savings, I set aside £250 a month for holidays and £650 towards a house deposit. I’ve utilised a lot of high interest accounts and fixed bonds to make the most out of the money I have. 

I am in the process of serving my notice at my current job, as I have found a role elsewhere which is closer to home, with a salary of £45,000, plus a 20pc annual bonus. 

The main perk will be earning more, as well as being a manager with more responsibility. 

Day 1

I start the day with porridge for a health kick, and to avoid spending money on pastries while I’m out. I commute to the office, setting me back £3.40. 

I brought a packed lunch, but bought a bottle of Coca-Cola as well, which cost £1.70. 

I commute home again, spending another £3.40. I did a large food shop last week, so there’s nothing I need to buy for dinner.

Total: £8.50

Day 2

I work from home today, so I don’t need to spend on travel. Unfortunately, we’ve run out of printer ink, and buying two cartridges set me back £21.38. 

As it was one of my best friend’s birthdays, I pre-order a cream tea by post for £20.50. 

The rest of the day’s food was made and enjoyed at home.

Total: £41.88

Day 3

I’m back in the office today, so spend another £3.40 commuting in. I also realise that I need to buy our monthly dog food, treats and sticks, which come to a grand total of £106.02. 

Luckily it comes with free delivery – pets are expensive! 

I again save on meals and drinks by bringing these in from home. Someone from my team is leaving, so I add £10 to the collection going around. 

Commuting home costs the usual £3.40. 

Total: £122.82

Day 4

The third and final day in the office for this week means another £3.40 on commuting, before heading out with colleagues for our weekly lunch. 

It costs £18.75 for a hamburger, fries and a drink at Five Guys. I also buy two packs of M&S Cookies to share with the team at £2.50 each – a sensible investment in our shared biscuit tin to make afternoons in the office more bearable.

We end the day by heading to the local pub, with two rounds costing £39.65. By the time we leave, it is extremely late and I can’t face public transport so I use my Uber One membership and get a discounted cab home for £19.88. 

Total: £86.68

Day 5

I’m back to working at home, meaning I don’t spend anything on travel. Given it is Friday, my parents and I order a takeaway, which sets me back £33.60. 

Total: £33.60

Day 6

I take my dog to the groomers, which costs £25. With the additional treats and supplies for the next few weeks that I pick up, I add another £25. 

While my dog is in the groomer, I go to the nearby café and enjoy a fry-up for £13.90. 

We head home and I book tickets for a show in the upcoming weeks, which costs £12.25 – but at least I’ll earn cashback through the platform I was using to buy them.

Total: £76.15

Day 7

As a weekend treat, I go to get a range of treatments done at my beautician’s house, which is pre-paid from the beginning of the year in six-month instalments. 

It means my manicure, pedicure, waxing, facial and massage feel completely free. It’s girl maths, but that is the point.  

It’s also my beautician’s birthday, so I drop into the local Poundland to purchase a gift bag for 60p before I get there (I had bought her gifts already). 

I also pop into Greggs to buy us both lunch, as I’ll be there for around five hours. It sets me back £7.25 for two drinks and two rolls. 

Luckily, her house is within walking distance, so I don’t have to pay any travel costs.  

Total: £7.85

Weekly Spend: £377.48

As told to Rob White.

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