Can one income run your household?
Separation usually means one income doing the work two used to do. Put in your real numbers and see your monthly surplus or shortfall in a few minutes. Your figures stay on this device.
Money coming in, each month
Money going out, each month
Add your income and at least one expense to see your result.
Budgeting for one household after separation
Two households cost more to run than one. After separation the same combined income has to cover two rents or mortgages, two power bills and two internet connections, so most people find money tighter for a while even when nothing else changes. Housing is usually the largest single cost, and a budget where rent or mortgage takes much more than a third of take-home pay will feel tight.
A realistic single-household budget is also one of the most useful documents in a settlement. Property is divided under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), s 79 for married couples and s 90SM for de facto couples, and the court considers each person's future needs, including income, care of children and the ability to re-establish a home. Spousal maintenance turns on one person's reasonable needs and the other's capacity to pay, which are both budget questions. Clear numbers make those conversations shorter and fairer.
There is real help available. The Services Australia payment and service finder shows what you may be eligible for after separation, such as Family Tax Benefit, Parenting Payment or Rent Assistance, and child support can be arranged or assessed through Services Australia as well. Many people miss payments simply because they never check.
Be careful with joint debts. Lenders are not bound by family-court orders, so a joint loan stays the legal responsibility of both of you until it is refinanced or closed, whatever your settlement says. If repayments are becoming hard, contact your lender's hardship team early, and the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 offers free, confidential financial counselling.
This is general information, not legal advice. This calculator is a simple snapshot based on the figures you enter. It does not assess your eligibility for government payments and is not a substitute for financial counselling or advice. Every situation is different. For advice on your circumstances, speak with a qualified Australian family lawyer.
If you are going through a separation, Separately helps you understand your financial position clearly and privately, at your own pace.
Learn how it worksData sources & references
- Free detailed budget planner you can save and refine: Moneysmart budget planner.
- Check which government payments and services you may be eligible for: Services Australia payment and service finder.
- Free, confidential financial counselling on 1800 007 007: National Debt Helpline.
These figures and legal points are general information for context only. They are not advice and not a prediction about any individual situation.