Going through a breakup can be a difficult time, both financially and emotionally. As well as having to deal with the end of a relationship, many Brits are also left with financial problems as a result.
We recently conducted research to find out how many broken-hearted Brits are facing financial issues after a split with an ex-partner, and what costs are affecting them the most. Our research found that more than three-quarters of Brits who have experienced the end of a serious relationship have had to pay up to £5,000 in moving out costs and early exit fees from contracts.
Our research found that the top costs the nation have had to pay after a breakup involve moving costs, such as renting a van to help move. The second highest payment Brits have been left with is the remaining monthly rent costs – something that can prove very expensive if you decide to leave the contract early.
Below are the most common costs Brits have had to face as a result of the end of a relationship.
1. Moving costs – 24%
2. Monthly rent costs left in a rental contract – 22.9%
3. Having to buy new furniture/white goods (partner took some items) – 18.8%
4. Gas exit fees – 16.2%
5. Mortgage exit fee / costs of a car (joint car finance and insurance) – 14.7%
6. Holiday we could no longer go on together – 13.4%
7. Broadband/line exit fees – 12.8%
8. Electricity exit fees – 12.5%
9. Bank account fees (joint account) – 11.9%
10. Childcare/school fees – 11.6%
Our research also found that one in five of us are left in debt as a result of a relationship ending, and one in 10 have long term payment plans to settle debts caused by a break-up.
A breakdown of a relationship is something that is often faced by many people – however, what are the best ways of dealing with the financial strain commonly faced as a result?
Here at Space Station, we have put together some tips and special offers which we hope will help you, should you ever find yourself suffering financial issues after a breakup.
Assess your financial situation
The first step to take is to sit down and assess your financial situation. Write down any debts you have, both ones in your name and any joint debts. Also, write down what is owned by you, for items such as furniture, white goods and so on. Having a clear picture of your situation can really help reduce any confusion further down the line.
Sell it or store it
Work out which of the items you own that you want to keep, and which you don’t. Out of the items you don’t want to take with you to your next home, choose what you could donate to charity and which you want to sell to make some extra money to cover your moving costs. If you’re a little undecided with what to do with some items, you could rent a storage unit to store then until you have made a decision.
Close any joint accounts
One of the most important things to do after the end of a relationship is to close any joint bank accounts you have with your ex-partner. Make sure you don’t have any direct debits or standing orders set up first. You should also try to divide the money fairly, not equally unless you were topping up the account equally throughout the relationship. If you contributed £100 per month, whereas your ex-partner contributed just £50, agree to take this into consideration when dividing any money.
Communicate
If any of the bills, rent or mortgage payments are solely in your name and you’re worried you may be unable to make the payments on your own, make sure you speak to your landlord or provider. They may be able to help by putting payment plans in place, or if they’re unable to directly help, it’s worth them knowing about the situation from the offset.
Change any banking or subscription passwords
If your ex-partner has any passwords to any of your subscription or online banking apps, make sure to change them as soon as you can. Regardless of trust, it’s always important that only you have access to apps that contain financial information, in order to reduce the risk of any money issues in the future.