Money Diary: An Administrator On £20,000

Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last penny.

This week: “I’m 36 and live with my husband in County Durham. I was doing research work, but the recent end of a fixed-term contract saw me move to an administrator role. I’m loving this, mainly due to the team, who are fantastic. I am still doing charity administration and have reduced these working hours. Since my last Money Diary, almost two years ago, I’ve been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and have seen huge changes to daily life and the costs that come with disability. After a year of survival (which was not very pleasant), trying not to let the MS ‘win’, I’ve accepted my body has changed, and life needs to change with it. I’ve reduced some of my working hours, also travel less and have an additional afternoon off a week. I’ve also just changed treatment for greater stability, although I am considering another change to a pregnancy-safe option. My mum was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease within a month of my own diagnosis (by the same consultant!). It’s been a rough time as a family and also personally with unpleasant symptoms, waiting on a diagnosis and accepting and adapting to a new reality. I’ve had a lot of anxiety and finally feel I’m getting to grips with the vulnerability I live with and accepting this without it making what already feels hard, harder. We’ve taken some financial hits with my diagnosis. We had to replace my car from manual to automatic (I have left leg fatigue and muscle weakness). Our shower also had to be replaced as I was not safe getting in and out of it. The plumber did a really poor job and we are now having to have this work done again. It’s beyond frustrating to see our savings being used like this. I’m just thankful that we have the savings to do this. Even if it isn’t what we want, it’s what we need.”

Occupation: Administrator
Industry: Higher Education
Age: 36
Location: County Durham
Salary: Approximately £20,000 across the two jobs, university and charity administration.
Paycheque Amount: Take home £841 and around £800 in the first month with reduced hours.
Number of housemates: One (husband, C).
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses

Housing costs: £187 (for my half of the mortgage).
Loan payments: I don’t earn enough to pay off my student loan.
Savings?: £200 a month into a savings account (approx £4,000 total). I also put £80 into my Monzo each month which is then split into pots for general spending e.g. date night.
Pension? I honestly have no clue how much I pay into my pensions. One of my jobs has just changed provider which has sparked conversations about combining them, but this needs some investigation. Whatever happens, I’m certain it’s not an amount that will look after me in the future! When salaries are needed for living, it’s hard to see the immediate value in increasing contributions.
Utilities: We each put £800 each into a bills account which covers everything including mortgage, internet, water, gas/electricity, Netflix, council tax, life insurance, car insurance etc. Our food shopping, petrol and random house stuff also comes out of here.
All other monthly payments: £16 SIM only.
Subscriptions: £60 annual meditation app, £150 weaving class membership, paid per term.

Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
I went to university for an undergraduate degree and I had a student loan and a maintenance loan. My parents supported me by covering my rent. I then did a Master’s degree a few years after being employed which I funded through savings, using inheritance and working as well. I then did a PhD, during which time I worked and lived at home where I contributed to the house approximately £200 a month. My parents saved this money and I was able to use it towards research expenses.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money?
Growing up I was always encouraged to save. I remember trips to the local Building Society to deposit birthday and Christmas money, those were the days where everything was printed in a little book!
In terms of education about finances, this was mainly through attitude and dinner table conversations. Be cautious, don’t overstretch, debt should always to be avoided. Fundamentally, don’t buy something if you could not afford it.

If you have, when did you move out of your parents/guardians house?
I moved out when I was 18, then moved back when I was 25 and then moved out when I was 31. I’m very grateful to them, without them I would not have had some opportunities such as my PhD.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself? Does anyone else cover any aspects of your financial life?
While I have been supported by some time living at home, including food and utilities, I have covered all of my other expenses since I left for university. Currently, C and I share living costs, although reducing my work hours and the impact of ill health has made me feel at risk of not being able to contribute my half of ‘life’. These conversations usually lead us back to the mantra: health over wealth.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
I was 13 at the local newsagent’s on a weekend. I used to stack shelves and count coupons. I think I got about £2.50 an hour. I loved it!

Do you worry about money now?
I do, although I try not to let this dominate. We are going through another round of redundancy at the university and my other role was re-evaluated, reducing my pay by £2 per hour (my current salary is protected until April 2026). To be honest, I’m looking for other opportunities all the time. Again, it’s a balance of what is possible versus what is good for me. Vulnerability has been a buzzword for me over the past year and I’m trying not to let the fear dominate. I’ve come to the conclusion that if we live within our means and look after our savings, we should be able to weather any storm?!

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income?
I inherited £1,000 when my grandma died, and £3,000 when a close family member died. I used all of this on further education. I wanted to use it for something that was lasting.