Money · Childcare vs income
Childcare vs Second Income Calculator
After childcare, commuting, tax, and work costs, how much does the second income actually net? The true figure is often closer to zero than expected.
Instant result
Plain-English why
Copyable takeaway
What this means
No waffle. Just the number and how it was worked out.
Formula used
Monthly net = take-home pay after tax and NI minus (childcare + commuting + clothing + lunches).
Worked example
£32,000 gross income, £260/week childcare, £120/month commuting: take-home ~£2,200/month, costs ~£1,450/month, net ~£750/month — lower than most people expect.
Common questions
What are the government free childcare hours?
In England, children aged 3–4 receive 15 hours free childcare per week (term-time). Working parents of 3–4 year olds may receive 30 hours free. Some 2 year olds also qualify. These reduce the effective weekly childcare cost.
Is the calculation ever negative?
Yes — particularly when childcare costs are high and the gross income is modest. In these cases, the second income is generating a net financial loss, which changes the calculation entirely. Non-financial considerations (career continuity, pension contributions, mental health) are separate.
Plain-English summary
The result summary for this calculator will live here.
This section translates the result into a short, direct takeaway rather than leaving the page at a bare number.
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