Single Mom On A Budget - How To Guide
It goes without saying if you're a single mom, you're on a budget.
Unless of course your ex is extremely wealthy.
In reality though single parenting and budgeting normally go hand in hand.
Find ways to stretch your money here.
Make sure you have a child support court order.
Don't be stubborn, you'd be surprised how many single moms don't file.
Check with social/human services to see what you qualify for.
They have many programs most people don't even know exist.
For example: a program that helps you pay your utility bill every month.
Although if your reading this article I'm sure you've already searched these avenues, I still had to mention them.
As I like to say, "free is me.
" Hand me downs from friends and family are ideal, although not always possible.
The internet is your friend.
You can search online for freebies.
The most popular site is Craigslist, but there are many more to explore.
If you do the work you can find almost anything for free.
Kids grow like weeds so clothing is a large expense in our budgets.
Sell your children's old clothes to friends/family or online.
Every season I sell my son's old clothes and use the money I make towards his new wardrobe.
Now if you're getting your child/children's clothes for free, your actually making money off them every season.
Trust me when I tell you their clothes are in demand and they will sell.
Especially baby and toddler clothing, they seem to sell best.
Try your best to only do your shopping when there's a sale.
Think of coupons as paper money.
It's hard for some people to get into the habit of shopping sales and using coupons, they see a small pay off.
Let me put it into perspective for you.
If you only save $25 a week from planning your grocery, clothing and necessity shopping around sales, that's $1,300 a year that stays in your pocket! This tip can be tricky but try your best to follow it.
Eat your meals at home.
It is so simple yet so difficult for people to stick to this way of life.
Eating out costs money, by making ALL your own meals you will save thousands every year.
Don't forget to pack meals for when your on the go as well.
If your bringing your kids to the mall around lunchtime, pack their lunches.
It's not that time consuming and saves a ton of money.
So hit the mall when sales are going on with coupons and lunches and your on your way to keeping more money in your pocket.
Unless of course your ex is extremely wealthy.
In reality though single parenting and budgeting normally go hand in hand.
Find ways to stretch your money here.
Make sure you have a child support court order.
Don't be stubborn, you'd be surprised how many single moms don't file.
Check with social/human services to see what you qualify for.
They have many programs most people don't even know exist.
For example: a program that helps you pay your utility bill every month.
Although if your reading this article I'm sure you've already searched these avenues, I still had to mention them.
As I like to say, "free is me.
" Hand me downs from friends and family are ideal, although not always possible.
The internet is your friend.
You can search online for freebies.
The most popular site is Craigslist, but there are many more to explore.
If you do the work you can find almost anything for free.
Kids grow like weeds so clothing is a large expense in our budgets.
Sell your children's old clothes to friends/family or online.
Every season I sell my son's old clothes and use the money I make towards his new wardrobe.
Now if you're getting your child/children's clothes for free, your actually making money off them every season.
Trust me when I tell you their clothes are in demand and they will sell.
Especially baby and toddler clothing, they seem to sell best.
Try your best to only do your shopping when there's a sale.
Think of coupons as paper money.
It's hard for some people to get into the habit of shopping sales and using coupons, they see a small pay off.
Let me put it into perspective for you.
If you only save $25 a week from planning your grocery, clothing and necessity shopping around sales, that's $1,300 a year that stays in your pocket! This tip can be tricky but try your best to follow it.
Eat your meals at home.
It is so simple yet so difficult for people to stick to this way of life.
Eating out costs money, by making ALL your own meals you will save thousands every year.
Don't forget to pack meals for when your on the go as well.
If your bringing your kids to the mall around lunchtime, pack their lunches.
It's not that time consuming and saves a ton of money.
So hit the mall when sales are going on with coupons and lunches and your on your way to keeping more money in your pocket.
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