Earlier this year, I kept track of my spending for a week and published the results in this post.  I found keeping track of my spending incredibly useful as it helped me identify where I could make savings. Writing the post gave me the reality check and kick up the arse I so desperately needed. That was January, I think it’s reasonable to say that a lot has changed since then so I thought I’d share a more recent spending diary.

[Source]

Back in January, I stated that I didn’t mind earning a relatively low salary for someone with my experience. While my pay was lower than average, I worked for an organisation that promoted flexible working. Since the beginning of March I’ve realised just how fortunate I am to work for such a supportive organisation. The support we have all received has been amazing. I just hope that I can find another job when my fixed-term contract ends in November. Although at the moment this is looking extremely unlikely, my priority remains the same as it was in January, to find myself a permanent job.

At the start of the year, one of my goals was to save at least £1500 a month. I wanted to get onto the property ladder. I’m still saving £1500 month, however, I’ve accepted that I won’t be getting onto the property ladder anytime soon as I can’t get a mortgage without a permanent job. Another aim was to generate at least £250 a month through what I called my side hustles. This aim was slightly too ambitious as I’ve struggled to generate anything like £250 a month. Since the start of lockdown I’ve had to put most of my side hustles on hold. It’s not all doom and gloom as I’m not spending £74.60 a month on a travel pass.

Background:

• Age – 41
• Occupation – Hydrology Technical Specialist
• Salary – £35,577

Monthly expenses:

• Rent – £500
• Mobile phone – £75
• Other bits and pieces including the main food shop – £200

Without further ado, here’s what I spent last week.

Monday Before Covid-19 changed everything, I used to work from home 1-2 days a week. I’m now working from home every day, and have no idea when I’ll return to the office. Working from home has had one unexpected consequence; increased online shopping. I think I’m in danger of turning into a shopaholic.

I managed to be reasonably restrained on Monday. I completed the first claim club transfer process on the England Athletics website, this cost me £10. Once club training sessions start up again, I’ll pay another £65 to join the club. I spotted someone mention running socks on twitter and was reminded I needed some more running socks. Before I could say “socks”, I was on SportPursuit spending £16.67 on three pairs of Stance running socks.

Total for Monday:  £26.97

Tuesday I managed to have a reasonably thrifty Tuesday. The seasonal fruit, vegetable, and salad food box I’d ordered from M&S the previous week was delivered. The food box, unfortunately, didn’t contain all of the ingredients I needed to prepare my favourite Italian oven-baked penne recipe. Although I only needed one red onion, I somehow ended up spending £11.98 buying random bits and pieces in my local Co-op.

Total for Tuesday: £11.98

Wednesday Since the start of lockdown I’ve aimed to have what I call ‘no spend days’ twice a week. Some weeks I’m successful, other weeks I fail miserably. Wednesday was very nearly a no spend day. When I’d made it to 9pm without buying anything I started to feel hopeful. That was until I saw that Marathon Talk had got hoodies back in stock. I’ve wanted a Marathon Talk hoodie for a while so I decided to treat myself. This treat set me back £36.50. 

Total for Wednesday: £36.50

Thursday I’m not sure what was going on, but it felt like the majority of emails I received on Thursday were from running brands trying to sell me tempting looking running gear. One such email almost resulted in me treating myself to a couple of running tops in the Lululemon sale. Only an issue accessing my Lululemon account prevented me from buying yet more running tops I probably wouldn’t have worn.

I did, however, end up on Gillman and Soame spending £4.95 on a proof of a school photograph taken way back in 1992. I’ve no idea if I ordered the correct proof; hopefully, it will be a case of third time lucky.

Total for Thursday: £4.95

Friday Finally, a no spend day! I almost treated myself to a takeaway but managed to resist the temptation and used some of the contents of the M&S food box.

Total for Friday: £0.00

[Source]

Saturday I still don’t have my own car so since the start of lockdown I’ve been relying on occasional food deliveries from a friend who lives near me. As I’ve not got the best memory, I’ve set a reminder on my phone and transfer £50 into my friend’s bank account each Saturday.

Total for Saturday: £50.00

Sunday My favourite Chinese restaurant introduced a delivery service a couple of weeks ago. Since delivery became an option, I’ve been treating myself to a takeaway on a Sunday evening. I’m not entirely convinced that the food I ordered was worth £16.40, but it tasted amazing and gave me a break from cooking for one.

Total for Sunday: £16.40

Total spent this week: £146.80

Like last time, I found writing this post informative. After what had felt like a reasonably thrifty week by my standards, I was a little shocked to discover I’d spent almost £150 in a week.

Although working from home means I’m not paying for a travel pass and lunches at work, being at home more means I’m spending more online than I was previously spending on occasional meals in Bistrot Pierre and on drinks in my local pub.

With the threat of unemployment looming, I need to reduce the amount of money I spend online. The unessential treats need to stop. If anyone has any tips, please do share them with me.

What has been your most random lockdown purchase? I’m still not convinced I’ll ever wear my Fatface dungarees in public. I think they make me look like I’m about to head out on a window cleaning round.

Will you continue to shop online? Although more shops have now reopened, I don’t think I’ll be in a hurry to head out on a shopping trip. Walking around my local Co-op is stressful enough.

---