Milk & Money was born out of a simple idea: parents shouldn’t need a PhD to understand what childcare will cost them.
After spending time in Denmark, I saw what a system looks like when childcare is treated as part of a child’s education, not just a work-enablement scheme. In Copenhagen, we paid around £700/month for two children (aged 1 and 3) in full-time care. The government covered 75% of the cost, and a 50% sibling discount made it genuinely affordable for families.
Back in the UK, I found the contrast jarring. The support system here is so complex that many families, especially those with school-aged children, don’t claim what they’re entitled to. And while the government has expanded funded hours, working out what you’ll actually save can feel impossible.
High earners face another challenge: benefits like tax-free childcare and 15/30 funded hours disappear completely once just one person earns over £100k. Add in the loss of Child Benefit above £60k, and many families are hit with hidden marginal tax rates that can make a pay rise feel like a financial loss.
In practice, this often affects the lower earner in a household as the person whose job may be seen as more flexible or whose salary doesn’t “justify” the cost of childcare. These decisions aren’t just financial; they shape careers, ambitions, and how household responsibilities are divided. We want to make sure those choices are informed, not forced by confusing or hidden costs.
There are bigger problems we can’t solve: shortage of nursery places, lack of support for non-traditional working hours, and inconsistent delivery of funded hours. But we can help you understand the system as it is and make the best of it.
I’ve spent years working with complex data; through a science degree from Cambridge, PGCE training, and PhD-level research involving coding, modelling, and analysis. I’m also a loving mum, who’s juggled nursery drop-offs, spreadsheets, and tough career decisions. Milk & Money is the result of both head and heart: a resource built to give families clarity, confidence, and support when they need it most.
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Although optimal savings are typically achieved through early tax year planning, it's not too late to capitalise on opportunities for this year's funding. Act now to maximise your benefits—every day counts!
Testimonials
“Catherine’s guidance on how a pay rise would impact my free childcare hours was invaluable. She broke everything down clearly, helping me make the best decision for my family and career. Highly recommend!”
- Jessica