Advice for a mum struggling to cope financially in the beginning......

[Nafnaf]

Hey,

I'm at the very beginning of my journey into separation... so much so my partner doesn't know i want to leave yet.

I'm at the stage of "getting my ducks" in a row. I need help. I don't know where to start with all the financial stuff. I haven't told him i want to leave because i'm scared i cant cope financially on my own.

Can you spam me links to help sift through all the information out there.

Our current situation is we are in private rented (both names on lease) i work part time (22 hours per week),he is a contractor and has his own company. On paper i'm the bread winner because my monthly salary is higher, but he gets other benefits i.e dividends, fuel payments, rent payments from business, which means he earns significantly more. We also have a young DC.

We live in an expensive city and i can't manage rent for a house for me and dc and pay bills and nursery on my salary.Moving in with parents isnt an option.

If anyone can offer a glimmer of hope id really appreciate it. What did other people do in my situation?

Have you checked tax credits? & maintenance? Mine was way higher than I thought it would be.
I think upto 70% of childcare costs can be covered.

I've had a quick look at it, but struggling to know for sure what i'm entitled to.

My salary has significantly dropped in the last 6 months. I've recently started a new job after mat leave, so i've gone from a decent full time wage to my part time salary.

If they base the tax credits on last years salary it looks like i'd get nothing- would they take into consideration my change of circumstances?

Have a look at www.entitledto.co.uk will tell you everything.