When I was at school, I thought “I’m too cool for this”, and didn’t commit to what I could have achieved.
As a result, I became determined through university and my early career to be dedicated to working hard and to progress as I should, despite my shortcomings as a teenager.
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I joined a property graduate scheme straight out of university and began commuting into London from my family home in North Bedfordshire, aged 22. My employer also put me through a surveying industry part-time masters.
I bought my first property (a small two-bedroom terraced house) in a commuter village in south Northamptonshire aged 24, before becoming a chartered surveyor aged 26.
My plan was always to move closer to London, so I later bought a three-bedroom semi-detached house in south Bedfordshire aged 28. It is a 39-minute train ride into the city.
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I never rented in London, unlike many of my peers when I started working. Being in the countryside and being able to “escape” from city life suits my personality. I love green space, running in the fields, playing at my local cricket club and the village pubs.
The downside of limited late night trains home after nights out in London has been rewarded by never having to pay rent and now, aged 31, comfortably owning nearly 30pc of a property valued at more than £415,000. I also knew if I bought in London, I would sacrifice my personal interests in working on properties and renovating them, which I have thoroughly enjoyed doing.
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I also have savings, which I separate into multiple pots. These include putting aside £50 a month into a rainy day fund for emergencies; £150 a month towards holidays and excursions; £100 a month towards working on the house, such as buying new paint or furniture; £50 a month into a medium-risk investment account with my bank; £100 a month into Premium Bonds (though I never ever win) and £25 a month into a 10-year locked assurance fund that will mature when I’m 34.
Day 1
My parking at the train station and my return ticket to London comes to £26.30, including a Railcard discount.
I know lunch is leftovers from yesterday, but I pick up a mid-morning snack from the M&S Bakery near the office for £3.90. I don’t spend again for the rest of the day.
Total: £30.20
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Day 2
I pay £3.50 for parking again, but it’s a £13.90 one-way train ticket to London as I won’t come home this evening.
For lunch, I spend £8.20 at one of my favourite Moroccan sandwich shops near the office. In the evening, I go out for drinks and nibbles with my other half and spend £47.35 across several rounds which we generally split. I go back to stay at theirs, which costs me £9.55 on the train.
Total: £82.50
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Day 3
I had a cheaper commute from my other half’s place into London at £12.
I spend £5.75 on my lunch, and today also happens to be the day my direct debit for my gym membership is taken. I use a gym local to my village where the costs are significantly lower than in London, with my monthly membership costing just £29.99.
I still end up paying £13.90 to get home to where I am based at the end of the day. I also still had my daily parking charge of £3.50 as my car was left at my original station for another 24 hours.
Total: £65.14
Day 4
I spend £26.30 on the commute to work again. I bring breakfast bars with me to have for breakfast, along with the free fruit in the office in the morning, and later I buy a small lunch for £4.90.
I’m out for dinner with a friend and it’s my turn to pay the bill, which comes to £82.12. In typical style for us we also want to have a couple of drinks before dinner, and I spend £32.95 in the pub beforehand.
Total: £146.27
Day 5
I work from home to avoid paying for the commute again. I have all of my food covered with what is in the house, and I don’t need to spend anything else. After two nights out and four days in London, I’m ready to have a quiet evening in.
Total: £0
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Day 6
I need a new wardrobe for my bedroom, as my old storage space is now being used by the lodger. I buy a second-hand wardrobe – which I know I will enjoy refurbishing – from a local homeless charity for £95, including delivery.
I also do my fortnightly shop. I do everything I can to spend between £30 and £40 on this to ensure I make the most of long-lasting items in the freezer and don’t waste anything. Knowing I get 10pc rewards back, I shop in Morrisons and spend £34.32.
Total: £129.32
Day 7
I fill up my car with a full tank of petrol, which costs £72.93. As I spend the rest of the day at the gym, at home and visiting my family for Sunday lunch, I don’t spend anything else.
Total: £72.93
Weekly total: £526.36
