You may already know Refinery29’s Money Diaries… this is our own version of it! We’ve put together a few questions to understand what women are doing with their money. Let’s break the taboo and talk more about finances!

It’s short, snappy, fun and anonymous.

Digital Designer. London. 30. Single.

Financial goals:

Short term (1-5 years): Build up an emergency fund first, top up my monthly investments with more money and then focus on saving for a trip to Australia

Medium term (5-10 years): Continue building up on my savings so that I can make the jump to freelancer or start my own business

Long term (10 years +): Saving enough for retirement while investing (compound interest for the win!) so that I'll have peace of mind that I did something for my future

Best buy ever: All the flights I've taken to visit my family (living in a different country) ever since I've moved to the UK. Each flight costs me around £200 depending on the season I'm flying.

Worst buy ever: Cheap shoes that look amazing but don't last more than an year so I keep buying more

Things you spend the most money on: Definitely my astronomical rent, bills and travel (within London and the overseas flights)

Salary / Income: £37,000

Net worth (what you own vs what you owe, or your assets minus your debts): Around £10,000

Any side hustles: None

Savings: Yes, a savings account with an emergency fund

Home: Not planning to buy in the near future. I'll probably keep renting as it provides me more flexibility to move around due to unforeseen circumstances.

Debt: No debt ever. I've learned to manage my money on my own and live within my means by taking my parents' lives as an example.

Investing: I was really afraid of starting investing due to a lack of knowledge on that sector but overcame that irrational fear about an year ago when I finally decided to take the plunge and open a Stocks & Shares ISA to which I contribute monthly. It was the best decision I've taken for my future self and makes me feel more savvy and in-control of my own money.

Pension: Yes, through my workplace. I'm contributing with as much as I can per month and it's great watching the number grown even though it's still a very small amount.

Insurances: Unfortunately no, what I can save from my salary after bills goes to my emergency fund, investment ISA and flights to visit my family.

What is money for you? Absolute freedom and most importantly independence. The ability to live my life the way I want within my own means without having to rely on anyone other than myself. Nothing beats the feeling of having responsibility over your own money.

What is financial independence for you? Not having to rely on anyone so I can be my own person but most importantly being able to live a life worth living, even if doesn't include aspirational adventures and experiences, for me it will be a rich life if I can cover my bills while finding happiness in the little things I can afford throughout.

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