Household budgeting after separation · Southern Tablelands, NSW

Separating is hard. Getting your money organised doesn't have to be.

Practical, judgement-free help to create a clear household budget, bill plan and next steps after separation.

Book a free 20-minute chat

You don't need to have everything figured out. We start with what you know today.

Download the free preparation worksheet
  • Practical budgeting support
  • Based in the Southern Tablelands
  • Video or in person
  • Private and judgement-free
Need urgent help? In danger, call 000 Domestic, family or sexual violence: 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 Free financial counselling: National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007

Two homes, one clear plan.

See how it works

Separation can leave you with too much information and not enough clarity. I help you break it down into a clear budget, a plan for your bills and simple next steps.

What would help most right now? The free chat makes sure you get the right help, even if that isn't me.

"I need help organising
my budget and bills"

You've separated, or are separating, and want a clear picture of what's coming in, what's going out and what's due when.

Book a free chat

"I'm behind on bills or
worried about debt"

If you're behind on bills, facing debt collectors, or worried you can't pay, free financial counselling may be the best first step. It's independent and confidential, and you don't need to pay anyone.

Call 1800 007 007

National Debt Helpline

"I need legal, tax, mortgage
or investment advice"

Settlement, super, investments, mortgages and Centrelink eligibility need a qualified professional.

Based in the Southern Tablelands.
Sessions by video, or in person by arrangement.

GoulburnYassCrookwellBraidwoodBungendoreQueanbeyanMarulanBoorowaGunningTaralga
What you'll receive

A budget that works for your new household

A clear, usable household budget based on the information available today. Where figures are still uncertain (child support, settlement timing, Centrelink), they're labelled as estimates so you can update them as things change.

In one focused session, you leave with:

  • A household budget you can actually useA spreadsheet you can keep using, with confirmed and uncertain income shown separately.
  • A bill and payment calendarRegular and irregular costs, like rego, insurance and school fees.
  • A short, prioritised action listSimple next steps in plain language, most important first.
  • Questions to take to your lawyer, adviser or brokerSo your time with them is well spent.
  • A simple way to update your budget as things changeSo you can keep it going on your own.

You don't need perfect records or a final settlement to start. We work with what you know now.

You keep everything you receive. Your information is handled as set out in the privacy policy.

A taste of your action list

Your first 30 days

An example of the practical steps you might leave with. Yours will be built around your household and what matters most to you.

  1. 01List every regular bill and its due date.
  2. 02Separate the bills that must be paid now from the ones that can wait.
  3. 03Note any bills you're finding hard to pay, so you can talk to the provider or a free financial counsellor.
  4. 04Pick one bill or cost to review this week.
  5. 05Book your next appointment with a lawyer or adviser, if you need one.
How it works

Four simple steps

Calm, practical and judgement-free. We start with where you are today.

  1. 01

    Free 20-minute chat

    We'll work out whether this is the right support for you. If it isn't, I'll point you to the service that is.

  2. 02

    Gather your numbers

    I send a short preparation worksheet. Bring what you have. Missing information is okay.

  3. 03

    60-minute session

    By video, or in person by arrangement. We build your budget and bill calendar together.

  4. 04

    Your written summary

    Within two business days after the session, once you've supplied the agreed information.

Introductory price
$99per session

For the first 10 paid clients. My usual price will be $149. The 20-minute chat beforehand is always free.

What's included

  • One 60-minute session, by video or in person by arrangement
  • Your budget, bill calendar and action list in writing
  • No ongoing commitment, with an optional follow-up if you need it
Book a free chat

Payment is due at least 24 hours before your session. Need to cancel or reschedule? Give at least 24 hours' notice for a refund or a new time. See the service terms. Prices are the total you pay; GST is not charged. Optional 30-minute follow-ups are $59. Practical household budgeting support and general financial education, not financial product advice.

Clear roles

What I help with, and what I don't

Clear roles mean you get the right help from the right person.

What I help with

  • Household budgeting
  • Bills and upcoming costs
  • Organising income and expenses
  • Questions to take to a lawyer, adviser or broker

What I don't do

  • Investment, super, insurance or mortgage recommendations
  • Settlement or property-split advice
  • Centrelink claims, eligibility advice or myGov access
  • Handling your money, paying bills for you, or negotiating with creditors

Where to get free help

  • National Debt Helpline
  • Services Australia
  • 1800RESPECT
  • Family Relationship Advice Line
Numbers and links
Why families choose this service

Calm, practical help that fits real life

A clear plan, not more paperwork.You leave with a budget, a bill calendar and next steps you can act on.
You keep everything you receive.Every document is yours to keep, use and update.
No ongoing commitment.One session is often enough. A follow-up is there if you want it.
Free help first, where it fits better.If a free service suits you better, I'll tell you.
Safe, private contact.You choose how and when I get in touch.
Dani Hayes, smilingSouthern Tablelands, NSW
About Dani

Hi, I'm Dani.

I'm based in the Southern Tablelands, and have more than 20 years' experience in financial services, including operations, compliance and client support.

My background is in organising financial information, improving processes and helping people work through complex requirements. With Two Homes Budgeting, my focus is much closer to home: helping people organise their household budget and bills after separation.

We start with what you know today.

Together, we put your income, everyday costs and upcoming bills into a clear budget, then identify practical next steps.

I'm not a financial adviser or financial counsellor. I provide household budgeting and money-organisation support, and help you identify when another professional or a free support service would be a better fit.

Outside work, I teach tai chi and spend time gardening and farming.

  • BackgroundMore than 20 years in financial services operations, compliance and client support
  • Based inSouthern Tablelands, NSW
  • AvailableBy appointment
  • SessionsOnline, with in-person appointments by arrangement
Your privacy and safety

Safe, private and on your terms

Your information

  • I collect only the information needed to provide your budgeting support.
  • Where practical, you can show me documents during a session without me keeping a copy.
  • Access to your records is restricted.
  • Records are kept only for the purposes and periods explained in the privacy policy, including any legal and insurance requirements.
  • Joining my mailing list is always optional.

Read the privacy policy

Staying safe

  • Tell me the safest way and time to contact you. I'll record it and follow it for routine contact, and we'll check any automatic reminders or receipts before you book.
  • I'll check before sending anything to a shared email or device.
  • Use the Quick exit button at any time to leave this page.
  • Quick exit doesn't erase your browsing history. If someone else uses your device, you may also want to clear your history or use a private window.
  • If you're worried someone is monitoring your devices, 1800RESPECT can help you plan to stay safe.
Free help, any time

You don't have to do this alone

You don't need to book with me to get support. These services are free.

National Debt HelplineFree, confidential financial counselling.1800 007 007
1800RESPECTFamily, domestic and sexual violence support, 24/7.1800 737 732
Family Relationship Advice LineInformation and referrals for separating families.1800 050 321
Lifeline24/7 crisis support.13 11 14
Services Australia: Financial Information ServiceFree information about your finances and payments.servicesaustralia.gov.au →
MoneysmartGovernment guides on separation and money.moneysmart.gov.au →

In immediate danger? Call 000.

Questions

Things people often ask

Do I need to be divorced, or have my paperwork sorted, first?

No. You don't need perfect records or a final settlement to start. Many people come to me soon after separating, before anything is formalised. We build your budget around what's known now and label the rest as estimates.

Can you tell me what I'm entitled to, or what to do with my settlement?

No. That needs a family lawyer, and decisions about investing, super or a mortgage need a licensed financial adviser or broker. I can help you prepare clear questions for them, so your time with them is well spent.

Can you help with Centrelink?

Yes, in a practical way. I can help you understand what a Centrelink form or letter is asking for, in plain English, and help you gather the information you'll need.

You decide how to answer, and Services Australia decides what you're eligible for. I don't give Centrelink advice, tell you how to answer, advise on eligibility, complete claims for you, or access your myGov account. For those questions, I'll point you to Services Australia or a free legal service.

I can also include Centrelink payments in your budget as expected or estimated income.

What do I need to bring?

Whatever you have: recent payslips, bank statements, bills and any known upcoming costs. The free preparation worksheet walks you through it. Missing information is okay.

What if I can't afford it?

Free financial counselling is available through the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. I also keep a small number of reduced-fee places for people referred by community services. Ask during the free chat.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

The introductory chat is free. For paid sessions, payment is due at least 24 hours before your appointment, unless we've agreed on something else.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give at least 24 hours' notice. Your payment will be refunded or moved to a new appointment, whichever you prefer.

If illness, an emergency or a safety concern stops you from attending, contact me when it's safe to do so, and I'll offer you a reasonable alternative. For your first late cancellation or missed appointment, I'll move your payment to a new appointment once, at no extra cost. After that, a cancellation charge of up to $30 may apply. If I cancel, you can choose a full refund or another appointment. Refunds are started within five business days.

These terms don't take away any rights you have under Australian Consumer Law. See the service terms for details.

Is this the same as counselling or therapy?

No. Sessions are practical and focused on your household budget. If you'd like emotional support, I'm happy to suggest services.

Let's talk

Book a free 20-minute chat

  • No obligation and no sales pitch.
  • Bring as little or as much information as you have.
  • Free chat by phone or video. Paid sessions by video, or in person by arrangement.
  • Tell me the safest way and time to contact you.
  • If I'm not the right person to help, I'll point you to a free service.

Please don't send bank statements, ID, court documents or detailed financial information through the enquiry form or email. We'll go through what's needed together.

Download the free preparation worksheet (PDF). No email sign-up needed.

Two Homes Budgeting provides practical household budgeting support and general financial education. It is not financial product advice, and it does not include credit, legal, tax or Centrelink advice. Dani is not a financial adviser or financial counsellor.