I know that there are wealthy single-parent led families out there—I just do not know any personally. At least not any single parent families with the kids still living at home. There are a few seasoned single parents I know who have raised their kids and are now much more comfortable than they were in the midst of the child-rearing years. So, for those of us frugal single parents on a budget, our kids might be building up some resentment (and we might get a bit down ourselves) at having finances ALWAYS have to be such a big concern…
When I was first divorcing and re-establishing a household, EVERYTHING was used, left-over, handed down, etc. Sure, I “got away” from the marriage with some things but there were things I didn’t want too. Gradually, over time, I re-established a household and provided for my kids—but in those early months a lot of things were used. I realized that it was wearing us down, however. My kids were balking and we just needed to get some balance to keep us from being so thrifty and careful that we felt deprived!
We can still be thrifty, and still take advantage of frugal ways of shopping and furnishing a home (not to mention buying clothes, sheets, etc.) without having to have everything we purchase be new. Saving up for that brand new couch or buying some new glasses on sale (or clearance) to add to our environment can be inspiring. It doesn’t even have to cost a lot of money to make one’s life feel abundant. Years later, my kids are all three absolutely fine with shopping in thrift stores and finding great values and bargains, but they also have learned the joy of the occasional splurge on something brand new. We have learned that if we prioritize and balance the new and the used, we feel rich and abundant and as though we have plenty—not as though we are deprived and raggedy.
Also: See the Frugal and Money Blogs