Separating from your ex-partner means you’ll have to change how you manage your household and other finances. It’s often much more expensive for each of you to live on your own than to live together. But there are ways you can save money and cut costs.
Why a budget can help
After you separate, making a budget is a good starting point to reviewing your spending.
A budget is simply a record of how much money you have coming in and what’s going out each month.
When you’ve completed your budget, you should have a clearer idea of what you have to live on.
Budget planner
To help you manage your money, try our free and easy-to-use Budget planner.
Join our Facebook group
Join our private Budgeting and Saving Facebook group for money-saving tips and support from a community of savers.
Cut back on your spending
See if you can cut back on your day-to-day spending. Even a few pounds saved here and there will add up.
Save money on your bills
If you haven’t ever switched your gas or electricity supplier, or you haven’t switched for a while, it’s worth looking into as it could save you money.
Find out more in our guide How to save money on household bills
You can also consider switching if, for example, you want a fixed-price tariff. That way, you’ll know the price you pay for your gas and electricity each month or quarter.
If you have broadband at home, and you have a landline or mobile phone, you might be able to switch or get a better deal from your existing provider.
Find out more in our guide How to save money on your home phone and broadband
Travel for less
Travelling costs can make a big dent in your budget – for example, your train ticket to work or the cost of running your car.
Find out how to cut your costs in our guide Cut down on your car and travel costs
Pay less Council Tax or Rates
In England, Wales and Scotland
If your partner moves out and you’re the only adult living in the property, you can claim a 25% discount on your Council Tax bill.
You can also claim the discount if an adult lives with you who is a full-time student, a live-in carer or someone with a severe mental disability.
If you’re on a low income, you might also be able to get a reduction in your Council Tax. You’ll have to apply to your local council.
Find out more about Council Tax reduction on the GOV.UK website
In Northern Ireland
Depending on your income and situation, you might be able to claim ‘rates Housing Benefit’ or ‘Rate Relief’.
Find out more in our guide Council Tax: what it is, what it costs and how to save money and on the nidirect website
Emergency savings
Even though money might be tight after a separation, it’s worth trying to put away some money every week or month as emergency savings, if you can. That way, if your boiler or washing machine breaks down, for example, you’d be covered.
