4 ways to get your financials back on track

Her advice comes after State Custodians Home Loans found almost half of all single women (46 per cent) and specifically three in five single mums (60 per cent) said that not knowing enough about money or who to turn to for help would be the biggest hindrance to getting their finances or their housing issues back on track.

However, Ms Sanghera said this situation could be remedied for future generations by following four simple strategies.

1. Be prepared

Ms Sanghera said women need to take responsibility for their own financial education, including creating a budget and keeping to it.

“That way, women will know what is coming in and going out each month whether they are single or in a relationship,” she said.

“They should also create a financial contingency plan and a roadmap to follow in times of financial stress, such as job loss or divorce.”

2. Start saving

Everyone should establish a regular savings pattern from when they start working, but it was particularly vital for women, Ms Sanghera said.

“No matter how small, by saving money incrementally, it creates a vital financial buffer that will help see them through difficult times,” she said.

“By adopting this regular savings regime, women will have access to emergency funds when they are needed the most.”

3. Be realistic

During a relationship breakdown, women also need to be realistic about whether it was affordable for them to remain in the family home, Ms Sanghera said.

“We all have emotional attachments to our homes but sometimes that attachment can cause future financial harm,” she said.

“By moving on into another home, the capital released can create a financial buffer, plus it can prevent unmanageable debt, which can have a damaging impact on your family as well as your emotional state.”

4. Seek advice

As the research also found that nearly 50 per cent of single mums had received poor advice from well-meaning family and friends, Ms Sanghera said women should seek professional advice.

“Finance professionals are objective and can advise women on the best course of action, whereas friends and family are clearly more emotionally involved,” she said.

“Seeking advice early, whether you are single or in a relationship, will be another element of your financial literacy, which can help set you up for a better future.”