Lina, 1,854 € per month: reality after graduating from a commercial school

How do those who earn less than 2,000 € per month live in Paris? Does going to a for-profit college guarantee a high-paying job? In this week's showdown, we ask ourselves these questions and more. Talking about money is still taboo in France. However, it is a fascinating and, to a certain extent, feminist topic! In Unboxing, different people analyze their budgets, talk about their financial organization as a couple or alone, and their attitudes towards money. Today, Lina* has agreed to shed some light on her finances.

Lina, 26 years old

works full-time for a large jewelry company as a web communications manager in the marketing department. She lives alone in Paris in'' A 'small apartment' that she has only been renting for a few months. "I lived in shared rentals for a long time to cut costs before finding my first place to live. This, of course, causes extra costs, but I wanted to try and live on my own. "

Lina receives a salary of 1,940 €, withholding tax at source up to 1,854 €. She also receives a bonus of 1,270 €, paid in September and December. In addition, she receives monthly lunch vouchers worth 200 €. "Like many people, I feel that I am underpaid for my work, the number of hours I work and my credentials. The company does not compensate for this by offering remote work, weekends off or even good company meals. "

For Lina, her situation reflects'' The 'reality of today's labor market,' where young people entering the labor market do not get the benefits and recognition that their predecessors had. "I graduated from business school and we are sold fabulous salaries there after graduation, although the reality is quite different. Especially in the communications field. I still think I end up in the middle tier and am content that my salary allows me to live in the capital. Oh, and another notable fact is that I like my job, and that plays a part too!"

Financial organization

For Lina, her situation reflects "the reality of today's job market," where young people entering the workforce do not receive the benefits and recognition that their predecessors had. "I graduated from business school and''we're sold fabulous salaries there after graduation, even though the reality is quite different. Especially in the field of communications. I still think I end up in the middle tier and am happy that my salary allows me to live in the capital. Oh, and another notable fact is that I like my job, and that plays a role too!"

Lina pays a rent of 900 € for her small apartment in the center of Paris. As for many French people, this is a major expense. Hot and cold water and heating are included in the rent, so Lina pays only for her electricity consumption, which is estimated at 20 € per month.

Ether fixed costs include internet provider (15 €), telephone tariff (15 €), subscription to Netflix''(8,99 €) and a family subscription to Spotify (5,99 €). The total is 44,98 €.

The girl's bank charges are very low: 2 € per month, as is her home insurance. She pays 5 € per month for insurance per year.

Lina uses public transportation to get around Paris and has a Navigo card, for which she pays 84 € per month. Added to this cost is 80 € for the train when she goes home for the weekend each month.

For grocery shopping, Lina mostly goes to the supermarket. She estimates her grocery expenses at 150 €, which she mainly pays for with lunch vouchers.

With regard to the so-called "women's" expenses, Lina estimates them at around 25 € per month. This includes about twenty € for the waxing sessions she has in the spring and summer and "a bit expensive skin care because of acne". "I used to do manicures, but I bought a machine to do my own gel polish application. I also make some grooming products myself, such as solid shampoo, makeup remover oil... "

For going out, relaxing and traveling, Lina allocates about 230 € per month - this is the cost for a year. The girl prefers free or inexpensive activities such as sports at home, running and reading. 'I read a lot, but I exchange books with friends. Before the age of 25''I used to enjoy free admission to museums and exhibitions. Now I wait for the first Sunday of the month or look for free exhibitions first. "

When she goes out with friends, she is also extremely controlling of her spending. "I set myself a budget limit and never choose very expensive places. "

In fact, most of her entertainment budget is spent on weekends, which she spends "here and there with friends." She prefers the train to the airplane and funds her trips abroad with an annual award. "It's an expense item for '\'social life'\' that may seem like a lot, but it's part of my lifestyle. "

After all, Lina admits she loves clothes. And while she prefers to take things secondary to Vinted, she all'''still spends about a hundred euros a month on clothes. It's an expense item she would like to reduce. "At the beginning of the season, I allow myself to buy a few things I don't really need. My latest purchase? For my birthday: a Chloé bag, again secondary. "

Although her expenses can fluctuate - especially because of the monthly holidays - Lina has managed to put aside about 400 € per month. "Sometimes more, it depends on the time period. "

The girl already has an idea of the next "big" expense she plans to spend her savings on: buying a washing machine.

In the longer term, she would like to leave Paris and return to her hometown to invest in real estate. "But it's still a bit uncertain because'"that I couldn't pay off the loan without living in the house I bought."

Thanks to Lina* for sharing her finances with us!

* Name changed.

Share your opinion on Madmoizelle.

To share your thoughts on the Madmoizelle website, email us at: [email protected]

We look forward to your feedback!

What if the movie you go see tonight turns out to be crap? Each week, Kalindi Ramful gives you her opinion on a FILM worth seeing (or not) in The Only Opinion That Matters.