Break ups are different for everyone. Sometimes you end up losing out on a lot of money, but sometimes you benefit financially. My live-in partner of over 1 1/2 years and I just recently broke up and in my situation, I will be one of those people who end up financially better. Hey, my heart may be broken, but at least I have good credit!

Living situations: A lot of couples usually move in together because it provides cheaper rent… and because they love each other too. Now that my partner and I have broken up, its probably a good idea to move out. In my case, we were paying for a two bedroom apartment to have studio space. Moving into a one bedroom will be cheaper for me and will allow me to shed my bagagge, so to speak. I’ve collected lots of things over the years, so selling a lot of the furniture, books and random items I’ve accumulated will generate some money to get fresh, new things with no memories attached to them. Another option for those who can’t afford their own place is to move back in with your parents. I moved back in with mine for a year when I was 22 and not only did I save a lot of money, but I formed a closer relationship with my family. A lot of people end up doing this at some point in their life, so don’t feel ashamed if you have to.

If you are the breadwinner: Usually the person bringing home the vegan bacon ends up financially supporting the other person. You no longer have to worry about covering your partner when they don’t have the cash. Best of all, you don’t have to double check the shopping cart when you go shopping to see if there are some items snuck in at the last minute. You can spend your money on yourself and only yourself! Now you only have to worry about paying your bills instead of doing the math to make sure you’re both paying your share.

No more spending on gifts and dinners: Now you don’t have to worry about birthday presents, X-mas gifts, and other random acts of kindness. You can go out to dinner and not feel obliged to pay for the other person.

Wake up early! Since there’s not a warm body to cuddle next to in the morning, it’ll be easier to wake up and make sure all your bills are paid!

More YOU time! This is probably the most important. Now you have so much time to focus on things you always wanted to do! Did you want to take a vacation somewhere exotic? Now you only have to worry about booking your own travel plans and saving money is half the battle. What about that project you have stashed in the corner that you keep putting off? Now is the time to do it! Not only will it take your mind off of things, but it will show your ex-partner what they are missing out on. Their loss right? Plus if you have a hobby where you can sell your finished products, more power to you! Now is the time to live and do the things you love.

Like I said, most of this is specific to my situation, but I’m sure there are others who can relate and apply them to their situation as well.