How do single moms make it financially???

Question

I have three kids and I am living with my mom. My ex pays almost nothing and I didnt go to college and have very little job experience because I stayed home to raise my kids. I dont have time to go to school and make just barely too much to get welfare but nowhere near enough to afford rent. What kind of job or business would be wise to pursue where I could make good money in a reasonably short amount of time?

Answer 1

Check out: http://www.IanParkin.info

Answer 2

i am a single mother. i do only have one child, but i do it by myself. i receive no child support, food stamps, or welfare checks. and we live pretty nicely. 3 kids would probably be a little harder.

are you a people person? you wanna make money with no college education, become a server. contrary to what people may think, we make quite a bit of money. i average $12 to $15 an hour. sometimes i make as much as $25. i personally am not much for dealing with drunks, but if you get a job were they serve alcohol you will make even more.

next, you gotta learn how to shop. consignment sales are great places to find like new clothes and toys at low prices. clearance, clearance, clearance. shop for next fall/winter at the end of this one. jc penny is the best. arizona jeans and shirts for $1.50, etc. i love ebay. you can get new and used for great prices there. i cant tell you the number of things i have gotten my son that came with $30 $40 price tags that i spent less than $10 on shipping and all. what else, learn what you can buy that is off brand. some things you can, some things you cant.

housing. i dont personally do the income based housing but have some friends that do. they have really nice places. just because you make to much for welfare of any kind doesnt mean you cant get that. i would check into it.

my mother watches my son while i work, so i dont have childcare expenses.

you can do this, and live well. you just need a little time to figure it out and emotional support.

if you have any further questions, elaboration on anything i have said, or just want to vent a little my email is [e-mail]

good luck and brightest blessings

Answer 3

Yes it does suck I live with my mom as well. And they are horrid about welfare yet immigrants can not even pay taxes and get it sad isn't it? First of all, you need to take your ex back to court because that's unacceptable. When you don't go to college your options are limited. Factory work yes it sucks but it usually pays the most. Like Denso in Tennessee they pay anywhere between $12-20 an hour starting off. They have programs where they put you through school for job related work they get discounts at a lot of apartments and restraunts and stuff. I believe they have a daycare as well. It's great money good luck to you

Answer 4

I'm a single mum, to one child. I'm in Australia so I guess the system is differant. I work 20 hours a week, and get some family assistance off the government as well as a very small amount of pension. My ex is supposed to pay child support but I very rarely get it. I also pay rent. My secret is...budgeting! I have a 91 model car, but I own it. I don't live by credit. If I can't afford something...I don't get it. I use lay-by alot. In July we have lay-by til christmas, so I take advantage of that. I lay-by winter clothes as soon as they come into the shops. I sort through the junk mail, work out what I need that's on special, and buy multiples. I get petrol on Tuesdays, when it's cheapest. My son doesn't go without...he has more then enough of everything.
I lived with my parents for a while until I got back on my feet. If you live with yours, I'm sure they would be more then happy to help you out while you study a differant career. I've often thought of study child-care or doing a teachers-aid course...it fits in perfectly with school hours, and is ideal for single mums. Look into some night courses maybe.

Answer 5

Why don't you start an in-home day care? Then you could be with your children, make money, and take a tax deduction on a portion of your housing expenses.

You could also try to find a job at an Inn that provides housing. I live in a touristy area and a lot of Inns provide suites for full-time staff.

Answer 6

I'm not a single mom but know many (God Bless them, because from where I stand, it's hard!)

My friends who are single moms make it with friends and family. To help financially (not really lending money, but helping with childcare, gas, food etc) and emotionally.

I don't know what kind of business for you to start in; I would say pick one and stick with it, so that way you can make good money in a few years with experience.

Answer 7

In some states being a unwed mother, the government will pay you to go to school. Take advantage of this, there are many short term classes you can take at vocational schools, and when your done you will have the skills , training and confidence you need to take control of you finances and your life. You can do it.

Answer 8

I get along just fine. I have a great support system where another one of my single mom friends and I trade babysitting, I work nights for shift differential, at a job where I can work on finishing up my 2nd degree. My job has a great benefits package. I have a tight budget. I've been making it just fine.

Answer 9

If you are good with numbers how about going to real estate school? Also, if your EX has a job you CAN take him back to court and see about getting the child support raised, and you can have them garnish it directly out of his checks.

Answer 10

The answer is: They dont!!!

And me and the rest of society believe that it is your own fault for getting knocked up, having more kids than you need and/or can afford and also getting divorced.

People on this site might try to be sympathetic but they wont go as far as helping you out.

You learnt a life lesson the hard way:
"Go to school, finish college, get a job, have enough money, get married, have kids, (optional get divorced), die

thats life and hope you have a good one!!!