The separation budget
Your money on one page: what it costs to live now and on your own, and what you own and owe between you.
Answer the first question everyone asks
When you're separating, the first question is almost always "can I afford it?" This spreadsheet answers it.
Fill in what comes in and goes out, now and for life on your own, and it works out what's left each month. Add what you own and owe, and it adds that up too, in the order Form E asks for it.
What's inside
- Start here: a one-page summary that fills itself in
- Monthly budget: every household cost, now and on your own, with any shortfall shown in red
- Own and owe: yours, your partner's and joint, with pensions kept separate
- Children: monthly costs, plus a calculator that splits them between you
- Starting again: one-off costs, what you've saved and what's still to find
One spreadsheet (.xlsx). Opens in Excel, Google Sheets or Apple Numbers. Written for England and Wales, and sold to buyers in the UK.
Have a look inside
Type in the cream cells and everything else works itself out. The totals are locked, so nothing breaks.
Questions people ask
Do I need Excel?
No. It opens in Google Sheets, which is free: go to sheets.google.com, then File, Import, and upload the file. It also opens in Apple Numbers.
Can anyone else see my figures?
No. The spreadsheet lives on your own computer or Google account. We never see what you type into it.
Is this financial advice?
No. It adds up your own figures so you can see where you stand. Speak to a financial adviser or solicitor before you agree anything.
Will anyone know I've bought it?
Your payment shows under a short, neutral name that doesn't mention divorce, and the email with your download link comes from "DL Members" with a subject line that doesn't mention divorce either.
What if something's wrong with my download?
Email [email protected] and we'll put it right. If the file is faulty or isn't as described, you're entitled to a replacement or a refund.
Also in the shop
The money workbookEverything a solicitor or mediator will ask about your finances, in the order of Form E.£19
The co-parenting plannerRoutines, handovers, holidays, money and the big decisions, agreed and written down.£12
The separation setAll three together, for less than buying them separately.£32