Financial independence is a cornerstone of rebuilding your life after experiencing domestic abuse.
Taking control of your finances can feel daunting at first, but even small steps can lead to a brighter, more secure future.
In this post, we’ll explore practical budgeting tips designed specifically for survivors, along with ways Juno can support you on your journey towards a better financial future.
Start with a Clear Picture
Before you can create a budget, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your current financial situation.
Begin by listing all your sources of income—whether it’s from a job, benefits or any other form of support.
Next, itemise your regular expenses, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation and any debts or obligations. This clear picture will serve as a foundation for creating a realistic budget.
Set Realistic Goals
Every fresh start begins with setting goals. What do you want to achieve financially? Start with short-term goals. Maybe you’d like to save £5 this month. Small goals are still goals. Anything that is achievable in the short term will give you the motivation to continue. So, make it realistic. That way, you will feel great when you achieve it.
You can write down long-term goals too. Perhaps you’d like to build an emergency fund, pay off a debt or eventually save towards a deposit for a home. Write these goals down as well but don’t put any pressure on yourself.
It is hard for most people in society today to do these things as the cost of living can be expensive. So, keep in mind your goals but know that it will take some time to achieve them. That’s okay. It’s better to be realistic than to feel disheartened that it hasn’t happened by next week (been there, done that!).
By writing down both short‐term and long‐term goals, you create a path for your financial future. Hopefully this will empower you to make decisions that are good for you and your piggy bank!
Create a Simple Budget
Keeping your budget simple can be a powerful strategy, especially if you’re just beginning to manage your finances independently.
Until recently, the advice was to use half your income on essentials like housing and food, and the other half for non-essential items and savings and debt repayment. With the high cost of living this seems almost impossible nowadays.
There are ways to create a better budget for yourself though. You can ask our helpline who will be able to assist you and refer you to more specialist help. There are also many budgeting apps and tools available that can help you track your spending. Check reviews and downloads of these in your Google Play or Apple Store to make sure they are legitimate and that lots of people are using them before you install anything though.
You could also have a look at the Money Saving Expert site run by the financial expert Martin Lewis. The site forums have lots of advice, although be wary about putting your details online. Instead, look at the suggestions given to other people in similar situations:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com
Cutting Costs
As you review your budget, look for areas where you might be able to reduce expenses if this is at all possible. This might mean comparing prices at the supermarket or finding more affordable suppliers of gas or electric. There are lots of price comparison guides online.
Shopping in markets will often be cheaper than the big supermarkets if you’re looking for fresh fruit and veg. Second-hand or vintage clothes shops can offer bargains, and of course, there’s always sites like Vinted or E-bay. If you keep a look out, you can snag yourself a bargain!
Reducing Debt
You may think you cannot change the amount of debt you have, but you can. Many of the large gas, electric and water companies will offer help if you are struggling. They may have hardship funds or will work on a budget with you. Now, it can feel daunting to call these people yourself, but there are organisations that can help.
Your local Citizens Advice can offer guidance. They may be able to call the company with you, so that they can talk on your behalf. Find the details of your local Citizens Advice online and give them a call. There’s no need to feel shy – they are used to helping people in this situation.
There is also a non-profit organisation called Step Change, which can help anyone with debt. They provide their services free of charge. They can help you in many different ways. You can find them at the address below:
Never pay anyone to help you with your debts. Citizens Advice and Step Change offer their services for free. Stay away from people who want money from you and let reputable organisations help you instead.
Boosting Income
If you have the time and energy, you could consider exploring ways to boost your income. Whether it’s pursuing further training or looking for a new job opportunity, even small increases in income can have a significant impact over time. This can be easier said than done, but there are ways forward.
Jobs
If you can spare a few hours a week you may be able to pick up supermarket or restaurant work. There are many opportunities to do cleaning or care work, although this is only really suitable if you are physically and emotionally able to cope with it. Cleaning is physically demanding, so it won’t suit everyone. Care work is hard work, and you may be dealing with enough of your own stuff to look after anyone else. That’s okay – you can put yourself first.
There are lots of job vacancies out there but many do not fit in with childcare or other responsibilities. Speak to the Juno helpline who will able to signpost you to further help. In Nottinghamshire, Inspire Culture, which is run by Notts libraries, offer a free service to help people back to work or access further training. You can talk through options with their job advisors for free. Details are here:
https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/skills-learning/help-into-training-and-employment
Training
There are opportunities for further training and if you are in the receipt of benefits, you may get these for free or at a very reduced cost.
This link will take you to a huge number of training courses that the government may pay for you to do:
https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/training-choice/free-courses-for-jobs
And in Nottinghamshire, Inspire Culture run many training courses that start several times a year. Some of these are ‘vocational’ – which means they can help you into a job. If you are between the ages of 16-24, take a look at:
https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/college-16-24/StudyProgrammes
And if you’re 25+ have a look here:
https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/skills-learning
Seek Financial Education and Support
Understanding money is a powerful tool for you to have. Many communities offer free or low‐cost workshops that cover budgeting, saving and debt management. Check out the links above, search online or ask around at community centres to see what’s out there.
Remember, learning to manage your finances is a journey, and every step forward is progress.
Build an Emergency Fund
One of the most important aspects of financial independence is having a safety net. Start by setting aside a small amount each month until you reach a goal of having at least a few hundred pounds saved. This may take some time and that’s okay. Keep plugging away at it.
Over time, even modest savings can provide a sense of security and freedom. Celebrate each milestone along the way—you are building a buffer that can help protect you in the future. That’s a great thing to do.
Be Patient and Kind to Yourself
Taking control of money, especially after experiencing abuse, can be a challenging process. It’s important to recognise that progress may be gradual, and that’s perfectly okay. It is not a race and you are doing well.
When you face obstacles, take time to reassess your budget, adjust your goals and remember that every step you take is a step towards a brighter future. And don’t be afraid to get expert help. Experts love helping people! So, get in touch with some of the organisations listed in this article and let them help you create a better financial future.
At Juno, We’re Here to Help
We understand that the road to financial independence after domestic abuse is filled with unique challenges. At Juno, our mission is to empower women and girls to rebuild their lives, including achieving financial stability. We will help you as much as we can, and refer you to others who can also help you. Whatever you need, we are here for you.
Final Thoughts
Budgeting for a fresh start is not just about managing money—it’s about reclaiming your independence and investing in your future. And you are worth the investment!
Each practical step you take brings you closer to a life where you feel secure, valued and empowered. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. With determination, support and practical tools, you can build a stable financial foundation for a brighter tomorrow.
Sometimes, all you need is a listening ear from someone who genuinely understands. That’s why our helpline is available for you to call or email at any time. Our caring and experienced team—many of whom are survivors themselves—offer a confidential, non-judgemental space where you can talk freely, without any pressure. Whether you need advice or simply someone to listen, we’re here to help you take each step forward. You can read more about our helpline and hear from the workers in this article: Recognising the lifeline that saves lives
And if you’d like to know more about this subject, we have a 3-part series starting mid-April, so please check the blog then as well for more useful information.
Juno Help
Calls to our helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills. There is no pressure and everything is confidential.
Helpline: 0808 800 0340
Sometimes our helpline is busy and you might not get through the first time, so please try again. We will always call you back if you leave a message stating it is safe to do so and if you leave us a safe contact number in your message.
If you are hearing impaired, text “Relay/NGT” to 18001 0808 800 0340. This option is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can also email us on [email protected] 9 am – 9 pm.
Please note, we may not be able to respond to emails straight away, but will try to reply within 24 hours.
National Help
If you’re further afield, you could contact other charities like Women’s Aid, who have instant messaging and email contact on their website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) also provide confidential support. They can help you make a safety plan, find safe housing, and access legal protections.
The deaf health charity Signhealth also runs a domestic abuse support service, DeafHope, using British Sign Language (BSL).
The Survivor’s Trust (for sexual abuse and assault support) – www.thesurvivorstrust.org