One thing that I’ve always struggled with as a single mom is finances. With a growing child there is always some unexpected expense so usually I was juggling, as my grandmother used to say “Robbing Peter to pay Paul.” The unfortunate part was that I didn’t learn anything from this for a long time. We struggled so much that when I had a little extra money I felt like we deserved a treat. That was all well and good, until the next financial crisis occurred.
What I learned over time is that saving money should be the first thing I do. Every time you get paid, even if it’s only one simple dollar, put something away. In addition to creating a habit for yourself you will also be creating a nest egg. It’s hard to say there are ways to cut back when you feel like you are living from day to day just trying to make ends meet, but there are always things you can do. I know some families who go for walks on the weekends and collect aluminum cans which they then recycle. The money is usually saved for a family treat so that the treats don’t have to come out of the budget. Not only are they adding to their savings but they are getting exercise, spending time as a family and helping to clean up litter.
Grow a garden with your children. Fresh produce can be so expensive and laden with chemicals from fertilizer and pesticides. If you grow your own vegetables you don’t have to worry about chemicals and your kids will be more likely to eat green things they have helped grow.
There are many ways to save money as a family that will also allow you to spend time together. When Hailey was younger we loved to go “yard saling.” She would save her money all week and then we would hit the yard sales, she found books and toys, I found much needed winter coats, jeans and household items.
Research ways to save money and add a new one every week or month, whatever works for you, and put away the money you save.
As single parents we need to save money. The bigger our kids get the more expensive the things they need are, I’m not talking about wants, I’m talking about things like braces and fees for high school. If you start putting away a little at a time, before you know it you will have a little safety net and you will feel much more secure.