A few days ago my mother sent me an article about the cost of raising a child from birth to the age of 18. The numbers vary depending on which study you are looking at, but this article suggested that you will spend $222,360 by the time your child graduates high school. They claim that children cost between $11,000 and $13,000 a year depending on their age. That first year is expensive. Newborns go through clothes, diapers, and formula in the blink of an eye. After the first year or so it starts to taper off and then goes right back up as they are starting school. It seems the expenses are never ending.
As a single parent how do you possibly have that much money to spend on your child? They estimate that children cost nearly $1,000 a month. Most of us are scrounging by as it is so cutting down the cost is important. As the kids are getting back into school, look at a second-hand store for their back to school clothes. Most of the clothes are in fairly good condition and if you are lucky you can even find some with the tags still on it for only a fraction of the price!
If you qualify, and many single mothers do, for government programs like WIC take advantage of them. They are there to help you while you are getting back on your feet. They help to cut the cost of food for your child and they focus on teaching your child healthy eating habits. Don’t feel guilty for needing a little help sometimes, that’s what they are there for.
Shop the sales and use coupons when you have them. This can cut the cost of food nearly in half. Kids are expensive and when you are single it is hard to afford even the basic necessities sometimes. Cut costs where you can. There are lots of ways you can save a little money here and there you just have to get a little creative sometimes!