– We ask Valerie De Cock, 42, from Merelbeke how much she makes and how she spends it.
– What do you do?
– I work as a billing adviser, which means that I co-ordinate the invoicing. It’s an interim position right now, but soon I’m getting a permanent contract and I’ll earn more than I do now. I really like my job. It’s challenging, varied and I have quite a large range of tasks.
– Do you save?
– I earn €1,400 a month net, and right now I can’t set anything aside. I have a child who is about to go off to college. We try to save a little. We take the car on vacation instead of an airplane, and we don’t pay for a hotel because we can stay with family in Spain.
– What takes the biggest bite out of your budget?
– The rent. I spend €500 per month on that.
– What do you like spending money on?
– On clothes most of all, because you can enjoy them afterwards. I don’t really have any hobbies, but I am a do-it-yourselfer. Not out of need, but because I like doing it. I like helping friends with painting, wallpapering, hanging shelves, etc. It’s nice to do favours for other people.
– What do you hate spending money on?
– On the latest new gadgets like computers or mobiles. As long as you have what you need, that’s enough.
– What would you do if you won the lottery tomorrow?
– I would take a long trip. Then I’d share the rest with friends who have difficult circumstances, and I’d set some aside to save. I would definitely keep working.
– Do you have a big dream?
– One day, I’d like to own my own house.
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