How much does a breakup really cost — Are you prepared for financial reality?

Mint

29-05-2025

Breakups are not just emotionally brutal – they can be financially devastating too. Think about it: shared Netflix accounts, co-signed rent agreements, couple trips on EMI, gifts bought on credit, and emotionally-triggered impulsive spending. Ouch!
In India, where relationships are becoming more independent and financially entangled, budgeting for a breakup isn't just smart, it's essential. Whether you're dating, live-in, or navigating a situationship, here's why you must prepare your bank balance for heartbreak.
That Goa trip? Booked. Those anniversary gifts? Swiped on a credit card. Shared Zomato Gold? Split down the middle. But when the love story ends, the financial story doesn't.
In a country where "couple goals" often means planning mini-vacations and buying gifts to keep up with Instagram reels, many young Indians forget to calculate the real cost of love—and the even higher cost of losing it.
Breakup budget tip: Always keep shared expenses transparent. Use UPI-based apps like Splitwise or SettleUp. If you're booking something expensive (like flights or furniture), get it in your name only if you're okay bearing the full cost later.
In metros, live-in relationships are rising despite societal scrutiny. But when a breakup hits, someone's left scrambling for a new flat, brokerage, deposit, packers, movers—and probably a crying session or two.
Suddenly, that ₹ 40K shared rent becomes a solo burden. Or worse, you have to move out within a week, thanks to a fight or a judgmental landlord.
Breakup budget tip: Build a 'Freedom Fund'—at least ₹ 50,000 stashed away for emergencies like sudden moves or solo rent. Think of it as your emotional insurance.
Netflix. Spotify. Prime. Google One. Couple accounts save money—until they don't. Breakups bring awkward 'Who gets the password?' fights. Worse, your ex's new date might be chilling on your Netflix.
Breakup budget tip: Use family plans with actual family. Or if you're sharing, create separate profiles and payment methods. Keep digital independence—it's cheaper than emotional baggage.
Heartbreak = Swiggy binge + Zara spree + impulsive Goa tickets. Emotional spending is real. For many Indians, buying feels like healing. But swiping your sadness leads to long-term pain.
Breakup budget tip: Give yourself a fixed 'healing budget.' Take ₹ 5K– ₹ 10K and spend it guilt-free on food, therapy, or a trip. Beyond that, rein it in. There are apps on Google Play Store and Apple Store to help you track and cap spending.
This one's for serious couples. Bought crypto together? Booked a flat under both names? Opened a joint account? Congratulations, you now have a legal entanglement post-breakup.
India doesn't recognise live-in breakups like divorces, so sorting joint assets can be a nightmare.
Breakup budget tip: Unless you're legally married, or have serious commitments, don't invest together. In fact, when investing together in gold, mutual funds, or business, use written contracts.
Breakups will take a toll on your emotional health. Therapy cost usually ranges between ₹ 500 to ₹ 3000 per session, and they are rarely covered by insurance.
Breakup budget tip: Make sure you factor in mental health into your financial plan. And use affordable online therapy resources. Good mental health leads to good financial decisions.
Indians are romanticising their relationship beyond tradition, yet they are often stuck in traditional practices regarding finances. We plan for marriages, not for breakups. But the practical fact of the matter is that without a budget, a break-up can hijack not just your heart, but your soul, money, and sense of security.
Whether you're swiping on Bumble or celebrating your third anniversary, financial independence and a breakup budget are non-negotiable.
Remember that you can not control when love ends, but you can control how broken it leaves you.