Welcome to Money Diaries, where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking a cross-section of women how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period – and we're tracking every last penny.
This week we're with a theatre producer who recently moved to Cardiff for work. She travels all over the country with her job, which stops her spending too much of her own money. She does manage to save, which was something she was unable to do when she lived in London.
Industry: Arts
Age: 29
Location: Cardiff
Salary: £25,000
Paycheque amount per month: £1,636.73
Number of housemates: 3
Monthly Expenses
Housing costs: £350, including bills
Loan payments: Student loan: £58
Utilities: Included in rent
Transport: £0 (I usually cycle or walk)
Phone bill: £20
Savings: £100
Other: Netflix: £5.99
Total: £533.99
Day One
8am: Breakfast at home before cycling to work, which takes 15 minutes. On the way in I buy a keep cup from an independent coffee place near work. It costs £16 but the first coffee is free, I get money off each subsequent coffee, and it’s environmentally friendly.
1pm: I made lunch for today at the weekend. I've also brought an apple for a snack.
7pm: Running club. The club is free and takes place in a local park – it’s a bit cold and dark but the leaders keep us moving and laughing.
9pm: My housemate's made too much dinner and lets me munch on the leftovers. She's an awesome cook so this is doubly excellent.
Total amount spent: £16.00
Day Two
9am: Running late today so grab a yoghurt and fruit to eat for breakfast at work. £2.05
1pm: Didn’t have time to make lunch last night, so pick up a noodle pot from a stall in Cardiff market. £4
7.30pm: I have a pint and some sweet potato fries at the pub before heading to a gig with a friend. Where I have a few more drinks... The gig ticket was £18.50. Food and drink for the evening comes to £16.50.
Total amount spent: £41.05
Day Three
8am: I have breakfast at home and pick up a coffee on the way to work (using my keep cup!). £2
1pm: I grabbed a tin of tuna from the cupboard this morning. Buy a bag of salad at the supermarket, as well as some tomatoes and a chocolate bar. Lunch of champions. £4.25
7pm: After work I head to a friend's house, picking up ingredients for a curry on the way. I spend about £15 for four of us but next week my friends will cook for me, so it balances out.
Total amount spent: £21.25
Day Four
8.30am: Have a quick breakfast at home before cycling to the train station. I lock up my bike and helmet as securely as I can as I’m leaving them here overnight.
9:30am: Pick up a snack and lunch at the station. This costs me nothing. As my job involves quite a bit of travel all over the country, my company covers meals, travel and some other expenses – nothing extravagant, though.
1pm: I'm travelling most of the day so I work and have lunch on the train. Once I arrive, I'm in meetings for the afternoon.
7pm: Evening meal in a pub. Myself and a colleague have a couple of drinks (we pay for these) before heading back to our B&B (which is being paid for by the company). £8.75
Total amount spent: £8.75
Day Five
7.30am: Breakfast is at the B&B and included in my stay. I eat A LOT because we've got another full day of site visits and meetings.
1pm: Sandwiches and soup for lunch at a local café.
5:40pm: Our meetings run over so we catch the train back to Cardiff with not much time. Unfortunately we have to rely on the train trolley for food, which is pretty much just crisps or chocolate. We’ll be reimbursed but it’s not very satisfying.
10pm: Arrive in Cardiff tired. Cycle home and head to bed.
Total amount spent: £0.00
Day Six
9am: Have a bit of a lie-in, then head out for a short run. I live not too far from Cardiff Bay, where it's nice to run along the water – I like running outside and it saves on gym membership.
10:30am: Quick breakfast at home, then pack a bag as I’m heading to London.
12pm: My housemate gives me a lift to the bus station so I save on taxi fare. I’m taking the coach instead of the train. I prefer the train but it costs roughly £75 and the coach is £30.50.
3:30pm: In London I use my contactless card to get from the bus station to south London. £2.30
8pm: Have a couple of drinks and dinner in the pub with some friends. Since it’s the weekend and I don’t get to see them often, I don’t mind spending a bit more. £26
11pm: Stay at a friend's house so don't have to pay for an Airbnb or hotel.
Total amount spent: £58.80
Day Seven
10am: My coach home is fairly early, so I head to the bus station and pick up breakfast/ lunch on the way. The tube fare is £2.30 while coffee, a sandwich and fruit is £8.50. I forget how expensive London can be.
3pm: Back in Cardiff I walk home via the supermarket and buy things for the week ahead. I spend £14.62 on yoghurt, apples, feta, tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, green beans, broccoli, mushrooms, soy sauce, muesli, milk, peppers, butter beans, and tuna.
7pm: Use the supermarket food to make a yummy salad for dinner and spend the rest of the evening watching Netflix with my housemates.
Total amount spent: £25.42
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