To find I’m still left with nothing each month despite it looking good written down.

[Itgetsharder]

I’m newly separated…about 9months on my own now. I have my dc 50:50. I’m proud of what I have achieve on my own and the separation process isn’t even really started yet legally do I know there’s a long road ahead. I am hating that I’m left with little to nothing at the end of the month and sometimes dipping into savings (when I used to save 500-1k per month)
my figures are as follows:
My basic salary (with no overtime!) Is 2600
Child benefit (in Ireland) -280

So that’s a minimum of 2860 or thereabouts

My only solid must pay outgoings per month are
Rent 1400
Storage 80 (I’m working on getting rid of this!)
Life insurance 84
Internet and phone 52
Netflix 15
Bins 23
Electricity 120

I have a car but I own outright it and tax and insurance are paid annually. (Used savings)

So that’s a Total of 1874
So that’s a Leftover 986 which seems like a lot but that’s to cover food, petrol and everything else (clothes, birthdays, haircuts, days out etc)

Rationally I know I’m doing ok, I get that, I’m just worried that I’ll never be able to save again and buy my own place. I’m trying to relax about it but I’m finding I’m stressing.

I have changed roles in work which will allow me to wfh a few days a week which will reduce my petrol consumption.

Im aware I’m lucky in lots of ways, I suppose I’m just venting. I just find I’m flirting between being strong about it in the now and worrying about how it will all play out. Anyone else?

@Tilly22222 i agree. I’m working on this one!

take it into account when you are coming to a financial settlement. Are you planning on going to see a mediator or anything?

I'm currently onto my friend about needing a lump sum to put towards her pension, she is so relieved to be out of the marriage that she has not been thinking about what is fair to her financially while her ex is living the life of Reilly.

Just a little update. I have changed my tax from joint to separate, which has made a difference. I have gotten rid of the storage which was 90 a month. I am working from home 2 days a week now which saves on petrol. I’m taking breakfast into work and some lunches too when I can. I am waiting for my broadband and phone contract to be up for renewal in January and I will look at changing if it makes sense.
The government budget will help a lot with the Tax band increases, double child benefit for Nov and dec is an extra 560 and the electricity credit of 125 before Christmas too.
My performance review will be in Jan/feb too so my pay will increase by 2-4k depending which is great too.

Oh and the life insurance policy I will be changing soon too. I just want to wait for official separation documents before I go ahead with that. 🙌

Nice update, OP. Sounds like some progress and a bit of relief!

(Still can't believe that despite you pointing out at least half a dozen times you're in Ireland, every other post is someone talking about things/prices specific to the UK. 🙄)

@CagneyAndLazy thank you. Ah I know, I suppose the majority on here are probably UK based but still. But yes, progress is progress, it’s small progress but good progress thank god! ☺️

You are doing brilliantly! Especially because the rent is so expensive. Sounds like things will improve financially in the near future too, which is great.

On the broadband, don’t be afraid to take your provider right up to almost disconnect point. I do this every contract renewal, pointing out what a loyal customer I have been, how they are not rewarding customers like me, only chasing the new ones. Go in armed with some comparable quotes, like for like, and if you don’t get forwarded, ask to be put through to the disconnection section. (Or “Customer Retention” as VM like to call it🤣). Here you will be talking to someone who can authorise a better price, but keep at it, and politely decline first couple of “discounts” They nearly always offer a sweetener as well. I have never failed to get a reduction in price, and have always come away with some sweetener, such as a free sim, included in my BB payment. Last month, I got £15 a month off, and a VM wifi booster unit worth a couple of hundred pounds, which has boosted an already good wifi signal. I did the same for my Mum with Plusnet, £20 a month off this one. It’s an hour of your life you won’t get back, but over the term of a BB contract, well worth the hassle. Money Saving Expert is good for special offer tips and bargains as well, if it’s relevant in Ireland.
Good luck with it all, it cannot be easy, but hopefully things will get better for you.

Thank you so much all. I’m feeling less panicked this month that’s for sure.
@Getitwright thank you, I’ll definitely try that!! I suppose I won’t know unless I try. The aim after that then is to start saving again and hopefully I can get my own place again. That’s the dream.

Just remembered that I totally forgot to add that I have tried to add in overtime each month too. If I do some time as a call out on a Saturday or Sunday then I get paid for a full day. So 2hrs work is means I’m paid for 8hours. This helps a lot!