Personal Finance Information

Single Mother and Learning how to Save


Saving may seem easier if you were saving for a new car, or a vacation however when it comes to saving in general it may prove to be more challenging because you may not necessarily feel you are receiving a reward from it. However saving pays off, especially as a single mother. All you need to do is simply spend less than you make each month.

You are going to want to establish a budget. First, make a list of all your monthly income. Next, list all your monthly expenses. This will show you how much money you have coming in each month and how much money you have going out.

Now circle your three largest expenses. For most of us, they usually are rent or mortgage, auto expenses, and food. Sometimes this could mean, selling your house and buying something smaller, or taking the bus opposed to spending more money and maintenance on your car. Your main goal is to get your expenses as minimal as possible even if it means giving up things you thought you could never live without.

People will find that by moving to a cheaper geographical area, an older apartment, and walking rather than driving will immediately free up hundreds of dollars per month. If you were working a second job, the amount of overtime you were putting in before or hours spent at a second job should start to decrease. The money saved from using new alternatives should go towards paying off debt.

Another great money saving tip is to cook and make lunch opposed to hitting the drive through or picking up a pizza for dinner. You can save hundreds of dollars by cooking.

Its easy to cook and can be fun too. Borrow cookbooks from friends or your local library. You'll be quickly amazed at how much there is to choose from, starting with breakfast all the way to dessert. Try to make about five meatless meals each week for dinner, but don't skimp out on the protein. Some good sources of protein are scrambled eggs, peanut butter on crackers or toast, cheese and fruit, yogurt, lentil chili, and bean quesadillas. It's important to eat healthy to stay healthy. Try using tuna, which is inexpensive and tasty. Eat it with bread or toss it on a fresh bed of salad greens and it becomes a quick main course lunch meal. Add some vegetable sticks and juice or water and your lunch is nutritionally complete and inexpensive.

Also, in order to save money on food, it is important to decide what you really need and what you can live without. Such as a latte on the way into work or brand name products. Coupons can be a great source to cut down costs. Cutting coupons can be a time consuming task so as a single working mother you should have allow your children to help if they are old enough to use scissors so you can multitask by spending time with your children and cutting costs.

Clothing is an important necessity however; where you buy it determines the cost. If your children are young you can get great deals at local garage sales, and thrift stores since they are bound to grow out of them in a short period of time. You can also buy furniture and household items here. You can find great deals at discount stores opposed to spending more money for a name brand shirt that is most likely made out of the same fabric. Also if you have other children in your family such as nieces and nephews ask for second hand clothes.

There are easy ways to reach your goals by cutting costs. Whatever that trade off is, whether it be trading in your car for a bus pass or giving up your house for a more cozy older home or apartment, cutting your food bill by cooking instead of getting take out, buying generic brands, and skipping out on treats you don't necessarily need you can save costs and reduce your debt. You can put all this saved money into a savings, pay off debt, or treat yourself and child to something special that you both deserve! Stay motivated and committed and you'll be debt free in no time!

Kathryn Spencer specializes in advising young mumshow to make a budget and has long authored educational and support pieces for women and single mothers. Kathryn is a contributing author and editor to a variety of international and domestic web sites, and free newsletters. Kathryn lives in the southeastern United States with her two children Dylan and Kalie.


MORE RESOURCES:

03/26/2024
New Robinhood Credit Card Will Earn 3% Back on Most Purchases - NerdWallet
The Robinhood Gold Card won't have an annual fee, but to get the card you must be a Robinhood Gold member, which costs $5 a month as of this writing.


more info


03/26/2024
3 Ways AI Could Transform Your Insurance Policy - NerdWallet
As insurers use artificial intelligence to make better predictions, AI technology could spur major changes for insurance customers. Learn more about what to expect.


more info


03/26/2024
Taryn Phaneuf, Lead Writer - NerdWallet
Taryn Phaneuf is a lead writer at NerdWallet. She previously spent more than a decade reporting on business, education and public policy for local news outlets.


more info


03/26/2024
Financial News - NerdWallet
NerdWallet reporters bring you the latest in financial news, with a focus on what it means for your wallet.


more info


03/26/2024
Lottery Pool? Take These Precautions Before Diving In - NerdWallet
A lottery pool can be a thrilling way to socialize with coworkers. But if luck strikes, the stakes can be a lot higher. Here's how to avoid legal tangles.


more info


03/26/2024
Latest FAFSA Error Affects Aid for 200K, Offers for Everyone Else - NerdWallet
The Education Department miscalculated the financial need of roughly 200,000 dependent students who submitted FAFSAs before March 21 — nearly 15% of processed forms. Those students could get less aid than they expect, and everyone else might face further delays.


more info


03/26/2024
What’s at Stake as the Supreme Court Hears an Abortion Pill Case? - NerdWallet
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments in FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, a case that could limit access to mifepristone.


more info


03/26/2024
Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards of March 2024 - NerdWallet
Save money while getting out of debt by doing a balance transfer: Moving debt to a card with a 0% introductory interest rate and low fees.


more info


03/26/2024
Best 0% APR and Low Interest Credit Cards of March 2024 - NerdWallet
Using a credit card with an introductory 0% APR period can save you big money when financing a major purchase. See all of our expert recommendations.


more info


03/26/2024
Best Cash Back Credit Cards of March 2024 - NerdWallet
Cash back is the most flexible credit card reward, since you can use it for anything. Our list will help you find the perfect card for the way you spend.


more info


03/26/2024
New Breeze Airways Credit Card Takes Flight With Up to 10X Back - NerdWallet
Airline also launches Breezy Rewards, the airline’s loyalty program, which supercharges rewards earned with the credit card.


more info


03/25/2024
Buying Life Insurance if You're Transgender - NerdWallet
Your gender identity doesn’t impact your eligibility for life insurance, but there are a few things to be aware of when you apply. Learn more now.


more info


03/25/2024
Egg and Chocolate Prices Are Hopping — Just in Time for Easter - NerdWallet
Bad weather and disease are straining the supply of cocoa. Meanwhile, another outbreak of bird flu is pushing up egg prices again.


more info


03/24/2024
Jae Bratton, Lead Writer - NerdWallet
Jae Bratton is a writer on the credit cards team at NerdWallet.


more info


03/24/2024
Mega Millions, Powerball Jackpots Near Combined $2 Billion - NerdWallet
The Mega Millions jackpot is now $1.1 billion, while Powerball has grown to $865 million. Mega Millions will be drawn on Tuesday night; Powerball on Wednesday.


more info


03/23/2024
Government Shutdown Threat Finally Put to Rest — For Now - NerdWallet
Congress missed its midnight deadline, but shortly thereafter approved the final set of appropriations in a $1.2 trillion spending package. The last-minute deal prevents a government shutdown that would have furloughed government workers.


more info


03/22/2024
Alaska Access: The New Subscription Service from Alaska Airlines - NerdWallet
Like its existing Flight Pass subscription, Alaska Access could be a good deal for frequent Alaska flyers looking to get the best deals with the airline.


more info


03/20/2024
American Airlines To Add Streaming and Free Wi-Fi - NerdWallet
American Airlines says it will be the first airline to offer video streaming capabilities on its entire mainline fleet. It is also offering free Wi-Fi with ads.


more info


03/20/2024
Fed Chair Powell: Rate Cut Risks Are ‘Two-Sided’ - NerdWallet
For the fifth time in a row, the Federal Reserve paused the federal funds rate at 5.25%-5.50% as Americans continue to wait for lower rates to cut costs on mortgages, credit cards and other loans.


more info


03/20/2024
Tailpipe Emission Rules Give Automakers More Time to Ramp Up EVs - NerdWallet
New stricter rules for vehicle emissions are expected to roll out more slowly than initially proposed last year, which gives automakers more time to beef up electric vehicle stock.


more info


03/20/2024
Powerball Hits $750M as Mega Million Jackpot Nears $1B - NerdWallet
The estimated Mega Millions jackpot is $977 million, while Powerball has grown to $750 million. Drawings are Friday and Saturday respectively.


more info


03/18/2024
How Is the Economy Doing? - NerdWallet
The state of the economy is generally strong and inflation is slowing down, but still remains elevated. The Federal Reserve is looking at key economic indicators to signal it’s time to cut rates.


more info


03/18/2024
Caitlin Mims, Content Mangement Specialist - NerdWallet
Caitlin Mims is a content management specialist on the credit cards team at NerdWallet. She has covered credit cards, credit scores and retirement planning.


more info


03/15/2024
What the Big Realtors Settlement Means for Home Buyers and Sellers - NerdWallet
A landmark legal settlement between home sellers and the real estate industry could complicate negotiations, let home sellers keep more of the sales proceeds, and require buyers to negotiate how their agents would be paid.


more info


03/15/2024
Biden’s Battle Against Junk Fees Turns to Colleges, Student Loans - NerdWallet
The Biden administration, in its efforts to curb junk fees, is proposing eliminating origination fees for federal student loans in addition to other fees that college students pay.


more info



home | site map | contact us