MUSIC MANAGER WHO COULDN’T SLEEP WITHOUT A COSY NEST EGG

Delphine nizet, 38, a product manager in the music industry, bought her £235,000 flat in South london seven years ago after living frugally to save the £46,000 deposit. A committed saver, she now has a £22,000 nest egg. She says: I lIved in shared houses in london for ten years after graduating and was so determined to get a place of my own that I put away up to half my wages every month.

That meant that while friends were splashing out on takeaway coffees and expensive gym memberships, I watched every penny.

Back then my wage was £30,000 and it’s now a little over £50,000, so I’m able to save even more — almost £1,200 a month — yet still live comfortably. I am single and have no children, so have only myself to support.

I enjoy eating out a few times a month but never throw away money on takeaways. It’s a stupid waste.

While I love clothes from Reiss and Ted Baker, I only shop there in the sales. My wardrobe mostly comes from cheaper High Street stores, such as Zara and H&M.

My plan is to buy a rental property this year and gradually build up a portfolio to create financial security for the future.

I couldn’t sleep at night if my savings ever fell below £6,000. I’ve never been in debt, so would hate having to pay interest to a bank or credit card company.

Some friends don’t really ‘get’ my attitude to money, and I do get teased. But others say they admire me for being so frugal.

MONTHLY INCOME: £2,950 MONTHLY OUTGOINGS: £2,950

MORTGAGE: £700 GROCERIES: £150 EATING OUT: £150 UTILITY BILLS: £165 INSURANCE: £100 MOBILE PHONES: £0 (paid for by employer) PUBLIC TRANSPORT: £85 HOLIDAYS: £250 CLOTHES: £30 CHRISTMAS AND BIRTHDAYS: £50 ENTERTAINMENT: £100 SAVINGS: £1,170