Millennial Money: Case Study

19 Apr 2022

Occupation: Sales Exec
Age: 26
Location: London
Salary: 100k (Base) + ~40k (Bonus)
Any other income sources: Not yet

 

How would you describe your relationship with money?

It’s good - but I’ve had ups and downs over the years. When I first moved to London it was tough, but luckily my salary has increased and that’s made things easier for me.
 

What money habits did you pick up from your parents (good or bad)?

My parents taught me a lot about personal finance and always involved me in their money discussions. This helped me understand taxes, the value of money etc. I think the one ‘bad’ thing is they are very risk averse, so they would opt to max out low interest savings, premium bonds etc, rather than invest into stocks. I don’t think they did anything wrong but it definitely meant Stocks/Funds were a whole new world for me. 
 

Do you have any personal finance tips?

Max out your company pension if they offer one, this has really helped me combat lifestyle inflation and save some decent money. I think the most important thing for me though is to not be afraid to ask for pay rises- know your worth! Within 5 years I moved from an entry level grad scheme salary to my current one.
 

Do you have any debt?

Not really. I finished repaying my student loan (plan 2) last tax year. I also have my mortgage.

Are you paying this off and if so, how much each month?

Do you invest/save? Yes

If so, where and how much each month?

£1,665 (to max out my 20k ISA limit) into Hargreaves Lansdown split across 3 cheap index funds & £1,700 goes into my pension (I am lucky to have a generous employer that contribute most of it)
 

Do you feel that you can live “comfortably” on your current salary?

Yes. I felt comfortable from 75k+

If no to the above, what amount do you think you would be comfortable on?
(If no to the above) What amount would you be comfortable on

 

Best/worst money story?

Probably in my early years living in London. I decided to upgrade a flight to business class and smashed the very little savings I had and moved back into my student overdraft that I still had. For about 3 months I would eat a bread roll for lunch and 13p spaghetti hoops for dinner most days.