As a contractor, I've got to be aware of my living expenses. With public holidays I don't work, so I don't get paid. I budget on a 4 day week, the extra day's pay goes into a seperate account, which is emergency & holiday money (have 2-3 trips planned this year & at the moment 2 for next year). I'm also planning on going back to university next year so will be cutting down to part time. I refuse to rely on partner's money for things that I want to do (like my solo travel or university).

I try to save every month, as I've got things structured that all bills/living/rent etc is from my first 3 weeks of the month's wages.