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Original poster

How much money does one adult and one child need?

14 replies

RicottaPancakes · 02/08/2017 18:05

Please could someone tell me how much money, on average, does a single parent with one primary aged child need in total per month? Thanks

OP posts:
itstoolateforthisbollox · 02/08/2017 18:07

There is no average. Depends on a million things like where you live, ehat you do, what debts or outgoings you have....

IT's a piece of string.

Original poster
RicottaPancakes · 02/08/2017 18:17

Yes of course. However, if you have no debts, live in an average town, live an average life etc, then apporximately how much would be reasonable?

OP posts:
Justgivemesomepeace · 02/08/2017 18:27

Well I earned about £1700 take home in the circumstances you describe and was fine. Did spend about £200 a month commuting costs though. Had enough to socialise but didn't go on holiday.

itstoolateforthisbollox · 02/08/2017 18:58

What is an average life in an average town? There isn't one!

user1493550293 · 02/08/2017 19:00

I have about £1600 take home but have no housing costs and do fine and put savings aside for me and dc.

shouldaknownbetter · 02/08/2017 19:43

As a rough guess I'd say 2k would be comfortable but it depends a lot on your definition of need, also local housing costs and whether you need your own transport.

Rainybo · 02/08/2017 19:46

I do fine on £1,900, I find that comfortable.

EnidNextDoor · 02/08/2017 19:53

Look at how much you would get on benefits and there's your starting point.

Ragwort · 02/08/2017 20:03

Why are there so many threads on this sort of subject at the moment Confused?

My DH was listening to a radio programme this evening on the 'millenium generation' and one of the people being interviewed said they are always skint - but they eat out a few times a week, go to the cinema at least once a week and have holidays abroad.

What one person thinks is 'average' another person might think is cheapskate/life of luxury.

How much is your mortgage/rent? Do you have childcare costs? Do you save for a pension? Do you run a car? Do you have life insurance? Do you eat frugally? Etc etc etc

QuiteUnfitBit · 02/08/2017 20:36

You need to do a spreadsheet with your particular circumstances, surely?

Original poster
RicottaPancakes · 02/08/2017 20:48

Good idea Enid, thanks.

Yes of course it depends on a lot of things. Asking for a friend who may soon find themselves in this situation,trying to help them but am finding it difficult to understand what other people think would be reasonable. Thanks.

OP posts:
EnidNextDoor · 02/08/2017 21:02

And just to add, when looking at benefit levels remember the invisible benefits e.g. free school meals, housing benefit etc. What you receive in cash isn't what you have to live off. Also, point her towards the money saving expert website.

redpebble · 03/08/2017 10:16

It depends a lot on rent. I'm a single mum with dd aged 5 and we get £685 a month in benefits after housing and council tax is covered, and it's very tight. We manage to eat frugally and cover our bills and the basics, but we don't have any luxuries at all.

Teaandchoccake · 03/08/2017 16:46

Well depends on your rent or mortgage really! Childcare bills etc. 2k?

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