Life can take unexpected turns, and for one 70-year-old part-time writer in Cork, Ireland, it’s meant learning to navigate solitude and financial stability after his partner’s move to a nursing home due to dementia. But here’s where it gets emotional: as he shares his weekly spending and saving habits, we’re reminded that life’s challenges often come with hidden lessons in resilience and adaptability. Welcome to How I Spend My Money, a series on The Journal (https://www.thejournal.ie/money-diaries/news/) that dives into the real-life financial journeys of people across Ireland. Are you a spender, a saver, or somewhere in between? We’re inviting readers to track their earnings, savings, and expenses over one week. If you’re curious, drop us an email at money@thejournal.ie—we’d love to hear your story.
Each diary in this series is a personal account, submitted by readers just like you. And this is the part most people miss: these stories aren’t meant to be universally relatable but rather a window into someone else’s life. So, let’s approach them with kindness and understanding. Last time, we met an accounting manager earning €60K in Dublin. This week, we’re with a part-time novelist and screenwriter in Cork, living on a pension and adjusting to life alone after his partner’s diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia.
Here’s the controversial part: while many retirees dream of a carefree life, this writer’s reality is a delicate balance between managing limited funds and finding joy in simple pleasures. His partner, now in a nursing home, no longer recognizes him, and her doctor advises limited visits to avoid distress. With a small dog as his companion, he relies on his Irish pension and inherited investments to make ends meet. Though saving is a challenge, he manages to set aside €100 monthly, paying most bills via standing order. His hobbies—golf and gardening—offer solace, but they come with costs.
Occupation: Part-time writer
Age: 70
Location: Cork
Income: Pension (no salary)
Monthly Net Income: €2,000
Monthly Expenses:
- Transport: €500
- Rent: None (mortgage paid off)
- Household bills: €300
- Phone bill: €120
- Health insurance: €145
- Groceries: €500
- Subscriptions: None (medical card holder)
- Entertainment: €200 (pub visits, meals with friends)
- Golf expenses: €100
- Travel (holiday): €100
- Christmas gifts: €100
- Nursing home expenses: €150
Total: €2,215 (exceeding income by €215, covered by liquidating investments)
A Week in His Life:
Monday:
- 7:00 AM: Starts the day with coffee, laundry, and ironing, followed by a shower and catching up on news.
- 9:00 AM: Writes in his home office for 4-5 hours.
- 10:30 AM: Late breakfast, a tradition with his partner.
- 2:00 PM: Walks his dog.
- 3:00 PM: Prepares a light dinner, lights the stove, and cleans dishes.
- 5:00 PM: Watches a film and TV.
- 10:00 PM: Bedtime.
Daily Total: €500 (standing orders).
Tuesday:
- Similar morning routine.
- 1:30 PM: Cleans the house and prays for his partner, a long-standing tradition.
- 4:00 PM: Meets friends at the pub (€25).
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime.
Daily Total: €25.
Wednesday:
- 6:30 AM: Lights the stove to combat the cold, avoiding central heating due to high oil costs.
- 9:00 AM: Writes for six hours.
- 4:00 PM: Cooks beef stew in a crock pot for multiple meals.
- 10:00 PM: Struggles with insomnia, vacuums before bed.
Daily Total: €0.
Thursday:
- 2:30 PM: Makes business calls, resolves bill issues, and consults his accountant on tax savings.
- 7:00 PM: Beef stew for dinner.
Daily Total: €0 (occasional bills average €100 weekly).
Friday:
- 9:00 AM: Drives to Kenmare for grocery shopping at Aldi and Lidl (€175).
- 4:30 PM: Returns home, puts away groceries, and relaxes.
Daily Total: €175.
Saturday (Golf Day):
- 9:00 AM: Drives to Berehaven Golf Club, reminiscing with music.
- 2:45 PM: Dines at the clubhouse (€35).
Daily Total: €35.
Sunday:
- 11:45 AM: Attends Mass, followed by drinks at the pub (€30).
- 9:00 PM: Reflects on the upcoming week’s solitude.
Daily Total: €30.
Weekly Subtotal: €835.
Lessons Learned:
- Overspending: He’s €150 over budget weekly. His accountant suggests cutting costs on utilities, phone bills, and health insurance, and reducing entertainment expenses—a tough but necessary choice.
- Saving Strategies: He’s started a cash tin, saving €60 weekly for local outings. He’s also canceled unused apps like Spotify and YouTube, and is considering cheaper TV alternatives.
Thought-Provoking Question: How do you balance financial constraints with emotional well-being during life’s most challenging transitions? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a meaningful discussion!
