Whats your disposable income like?

[Oglefish95]

Going back to work soon after maternity and have some credit card bills to pay. Ive not really a concept of what I need to live off monthly as my partner has been holding the lion shares of expenses while ive been off. I was aiming to pay £1500 monthly off credit csrds and then have £1000 left to live off (after mortgage/ utilities/ car etc are paid off).

I know mumsnet has alot of variety of incomes, I would say ours is just a bit higher than average, nothing crazy. Im asking because ideally id pay off even more of my credit cards monthly if realistic. I dont have loads on them, just 0% rates are running out soon. Its not something I would discuss with friends or family so genuinely wondering what is the norm.

Context is 2 kids and live in north East so cost of living isnt too bad.

YABU - £1000 is way more than needed
YANBU - £1000 is just right (maybe even need more!)

This is when I return to work. For the past 12 minths my income has been SMP. This money is just for me my partners money after everything is paid for is his own, including savings. In considering asking for some to put towards the CC debt, but also think its wise to have savings for anything else that might come up!

When the car broke, I protected my savings so I could pay my household bills for the duration and food shopping, petrol etc. Maybe this wasnt the best financial choice? But I chose a year off with my child while they were young over being debt free and going back to work early.

As it seems like its a sticking point for alot of people here's the low down on numbers (you've cracked me)

CC debt - just under 8000, 0% until Sept 2026.

Income is 75-85k depending on bonus so I budget based on 75k and the bonus usually goes into savings. Ive relasied that to be honest I have no idea if the 8k is alot or not in relation to my wage, but the monthly repayments of a similar sized car loan were affordable but with almost 11% interest i opted to take the hit on a 0% credit card. Never had one before and never will again as it seems like its the devils work 😂

I went from one maternity leave to another quite quickly with less than a year back at work so I really have saved money for the past 3 / 4 years pretty much and rarely spend on myself / holidays etc. My biggest splurges are probably on items for my kids and the new car! I also have received a few pay rises as well so have never been in the position where I have had this much money spare, although appreciating its not spare when I have debt. I just didnt want to rinse myself dry forking it all into the CC when I could use some to do some needed home improvements or maybe buy myself a new bra 😂

To those who answered the acutal question thank you! It was really helpful and I am absolutely going to dial down my expectations of what I need 😊

Ok. For me I’d personally 4 months of 2k and get rid, but 1500 works as well, so I think you’re fine,

I would clear the majority of the debt asap, build up savings then enjoy my disposable