how do single mom's survive on maternity leave?

Question

working under the table is illegal, even babysitting from my home. Maternity is 65% of my previous income. Help! Need creative ideas???

Answer 1

For food--church pantry, day old bakeries, do not eat out, eliminate unnecessary items like Junk foods, coffee shops, magazine, salons, beauty supplies extras. Look for grocery store specials, cut out coupons. Cook foods that will go along way, oatmeal for breakfast, soups for lunch, dinner starch base meals. Do not focus on what you don't have, focus on what you do have.

Answer 2

Well, you have some options: go illegal and under-the-table, save some money for the shortfall period, cut out unecessary expenses, and/or borrow.

If saving is out, bad on you for not planning ahead (something to keep in mind and start doing as a parent now).

If you've cut everything not-necessary already, good - you actually know how much money you need to get by.

If you need to borrow, I hope you have some family or can find a church or other philanthropy-based organization. If not, time to start researcing the web for info on what bills you should pay, how to talk with utilities (etc) about being short (for a while) on your bills, how to design apayment plan, etc.

Being a single mom is insane. Hats off to you all who have done it.

Answer 3

Try some other type of money making. Like Avon, Cookie Lee jewelry...etc. Get even more creative. Make extra money by cleaning your working friends house a couple of times. Offer to make pies or other desserts for friends and neighbors for the holiday. People will always pay for a little help.

Answer 4

Move back in with your parents to save money. Your child would benefit from living with a family rather than as a single parent family. In addition, yes working under the table is "illegal" , however it can still bring some additional income. Just declare that you are self employed. The government is only concerned that you are paying your taxes.