How a 40 Year Old Screenwriter on £20,000 Spends Their Money
Welcome to ‘What on Earth are We Doing With Our Money’, a series where our community shares their financial journeys, hopes, and aspirations. It’s completely anonymous, and you can take part by filling out the form here.
screenwriter. warsaw. 40. single.
⌛ What is an early money memory you have that's impacted your view of money?: Overspending on a pair of smart shoes for me as there was just no choice in shops— Poland in the 90 was post communist & there wasn’t much choice— either cheap shit or something abroad that costed a hell of a lot— terrible dissonance!
😳 What are the obstacles you feel you face most when it comes to finances?: I’m a freelance writer, underpaid and barely making a living, let alone save for the future.
🔮 In an ideal world, if money were no option, what would you do with your life, how would it look?: I’d do exactly what I do— write, I love it
💰 Reflecting on your financial journey, what is one valuable lesson you have learned that you would like to share?: Never save on healthy foods, medicine & wellbeing— there’s very little left to enjoy and live for in the future.
🛍️ What is one purchase or financial decision you made that made you happy? Or unhappy?: I purchased a flat with family inheritance at a time before the pandemic, and now it’s been growing in value so rapidly!
👀 Does the idea of pensions and retirement scare you?: It doesn’t scare me, it’s just not attainable as I’m always on freelance gigs— systems don’t accept those gigs as working towards pension.
💸 How is money making you feel right now?: I’d rather not have to deal with it.
📈 If you're not investing yet, what keeps you from getting started? If you've started, how confident do you feel?: No money I can put aside, I’m barely making a living as a writer.
⚡ What are the key things you want to achieve financially?: Invest in property, save for a down payment.
🚀 What is financial independence for you?: Paying for my holidays.
🎓 What do you want to learn more about money?: New economy designed for gig economy.
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