To ask how much you survive on as single parent?

[helpmeplease2045]

Recently separated and working three days, plus tax credits and contribution from ex we will have about £26,000.. doesn't seem a lot!

Does anyone have any good ideas for cutting monthly costs? My mortgage, council tax and bills will be about £600 a month..

Thanks for any advice!

"*Sooooo - nursery is£600 a month (three days a week while I work), " + after school clubs for my son on days I work."

My heart bleeds for you.

Well I have around £1900 a month and JUST my rent and bills are £1150.00. Then I have food bills, clubs and travel etc. No car but other travel costs.

You will be FINE.

OP have you checked you're claiming all the childcare help you can? How long until your youngest starts school - I imagine your childcare costs will reduce then. Do you pay for breakfast club for older DC? If so, you could arrange a childcare swap with a friend so you take their DC to school on your days off work and they take your DC to school on your days in work. I wouldn't do childcare swap for after-school club as it's more difficult to find after-school care should the arrangement not work out.