Earning £3,000 net per month (£36,000 a year after tax) places you somewhere in the middle of UK household incomes.
But as a single mum, that figure rarely feels comfortable.
Once housing, food, utilities, transport, and child-related costs are covered, what’s left can feel surprisingly small. This is why popular budgeting rules like 50/30/20 often don’t reflect real life for single-income households with children.
This budget takes a practical, bill-first approach — focusing on stability, avoiding debt, and building small buffers over time.
Example Scenario
- Net income: £3,000 per month
- Location: Outside London
- Housing: Mortgage
- Child: School-age (no full-time nursery, but ongoing extras)
-
Goal:
- Pay all bills comfortably
- Save £100–£200 per month
- Avoid using credit for everyday costs
Step 1: Bills (Everything That Keeps Life Running)
Instead of splitting costs into artificial categories, this approach groups all essential spending into one “Bills” section — because these are the expenses that leave your account whether you like it or not.
Monthly Bills Breakdown
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | £800 | Fixed-rate payment |
| Utilities | £180 | Gas, electric, water |
| Council tax | £140 | Single-occupant rate |
| Ground rent / service charge | £120 | Annual cost ÷ 12 |
| Internet / TV / phone | £120 | Combined |
| Groceries | £300 | Own-brand, no luxury |
| Household | £50 | Cleaning, toiletries |
| Transport | £120 | Fuel / insurance / public transport |
| Child clothing & shoes | £50 | Monthly average |
| Health & beauty | £100 | Prescriptions, basics |
| Child extras | £100 | Snacks, school lunches, trips |
| Childcare / clubs | £150 | After-school or holiday cover |
| Total Bills | £2,330 |
Money left after bills: £670
This is the number that matters most — because everything else has to fit inside it.
To help you started download my free Automated budget planner in Excel or Google Sheets.
Most budgets fail because they force you into categories that don’t match real life.
The template is fully customisable.
You can rename categories, add or remove bills, and adjust amounts so the budget fits your situation — not the other way around.
The template automatically:
- Calculates totals for you
- Shows how much is left after bills
- Helps you prioritise savings and sinking funds
- Adjusts instantly when you change a number
This template is designed to give you clarity, not control, so you can make confident decisions with the money you already have.
Step 2: Savings & Debt (Before Lifestyle Spending)
Saving something — even a small amount — is what prevents future stress from turning into debt.
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency / sinking funds | £150 | Repairs, school costs, dentist |
| Debt repayment (if any) | £80 | Small, manageable debt |
| Total | £230 |
Money left: £440
Related: How to Build an Emergency Fund in 4 Easy Steps
Step 3: Wants (Realistic, Not Idealised)
This is where many budgets either collapse or become too restrictive.
“Wants” are not a failure — they’re what make a budget sustainable.
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subscriptions / gym / hobbies | £90 | Basic or shared |
| Gifts & birthdays | £50 | Monthly average |
| Clothing / personal | £100 | Occasional |
| Total Wants | £240 |
Remaining buffer: £200
In real life, this buffer often disappears into:
- Dentist appointment
- Car repairs
- School costs
- Clothing growth spurts
That’s normal — and exactly why buffers matter.
This is where sinking funds make the biggest difference — especially for things like school costs, dentist visits, car repairs, and clothing growth spurts.
I break these down in detail in
12 household categories no one should ignore.
Reality Check: Why Traditional Budget Rules Don’t Work Here
Under the 50/30/20 rule, “wants” on a £3,000 income would be £900.
In reality, they’re closer to £240 — about 8%, not 30%.
This isn’t poor budgeting.
It’s the reality of housing costs, childcare, and single-income households.
At the same time, cutting “wants” entirely often leads to burnout and impulse spending later. A small, intentional allowance is far more effective long term.
5 Small Tweaks That Make a Big Difference
-
Switch energy tariffs
Save £20–£50 per month. -
Tight meal planning
Groceries down to £250 without sacrificing nutrition. -
Redirect tiny amounts
Move £20 from “wants” into a repair or kids’ fund. -
Use sinking funds properly
£20 per category per month prevents emergencies. -
Optional side income
2–4 hours a week can add £100–£200 breathing room.
Next read: 15 Stealthy expenses draining your wallet
Final Thoughts
£3,000 a month as a single mum is workable, but it isn’t easy — and it doesn’t allow much margin for error.
This bill-first budget prioritises:
- Stability over lifestyle
- Predictability over perfection
- Small wins over unrealistic goals
When the essentials are covered and savings come first, money feels less chaotic — even when it’s tight.
