A Chennai-based couple has opened up about their monthly expenses while raising a baby on a combined post-tax income of ₹78,000. Sharing their situation in a Reddit post under the budgeting community, the couple said they are “financially stretched” with only ₹8,000 left at the end of the month, which they aim to use as savings and emergency funds.
“We are a couple living in Chennai with a combined monthly income of ₹78,000 (after tax). We have an 8.5 month-old baby, and we’ve chosen a good daycare and a safe rental house very close to it,” the post read. They added that they are not looking to cut rent or daycare costs. “We chose them with utmost care because our baby is very small and we want to ensure safety, cleanliness, and proximity.”
Rent, Daycare and Baby Essentials Take Up the Bulk
The couple’s biggest monthly expense is rent plus daycare, which totals ₹46,500. This is followed by ₹10,000 on groceries, fruits, vegetables, and milk, ₹8,500 on commute (including auto, metro and petrol), and ₹3,000 on baby diapers. Their utility bills include ₹1,000 for electricity and another ₹1,000 for a gas cylinder.
With these expenses adding up to ₹70,000, the couple is left with only ₹8,000 a month. “Going to be savings plus emergency fund for a month,” the post mentioned, underlining the financial tightrope they are walking.
No Family Support, Seeking Genuine Advice
The couple revealed they do not have family support, having married against their families’ wishes. The wife, who has one hour a day to spare, is now looking for ideas for part-time or online work from home. “Would really appreciate help with: Genuine part-time work ideas for 1 hour/day, expense control hacks (without compromising baby’s needs), how you track and control spending daily, any success stories from similar situations.”
Their story has struck a chord online, sparking discussions on urban parenting, budgeting, and the need for flexible work options.