Does anybody know or have any advice for a single mom on ways to cut costs/programs for single mothers/ways to save/financial advice. I work full-time and have a almost 3 year old son. I've found this to be a wonderful place for advice..any is welcome.
2007-01-29 07:59:09 · 9 answers · asked by Burn to Shine 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Yes I get some help with Childcare, Preschool and Kindergarten you'd think would be less because of going to public schools, but the school district here is horrible. I may be a single mom, but I refuse to put my child in a horrible school system. I'm hoping to find affordable (ha) private education, maybe through a religious school or something. Thanks for all the advice/encouragement.
2007-01-29 08:21:52 · update #1
Tip for grocery shopping...
WalMart offers ALL competitors advertised ads. I save about $50 each month reading the circulars and building my menus around things that are on sale and that I have coupons for. This way you don't have to go to each store you have a circular for...
Also, since I LOVE a bargain, I shop at consignment stores for my daughter. You can get great name brand merchandise thats only been worn once or twice (like I'm sure your kids do with their clothes). Most of the places are very particular about what they accept. Many of them will also take clothes for exchange or consignment, and you can use whatever credit you have for clothes.
As far as school, good luck. Many parochial schools have scholarship programs. At the school I teach at (we only have 110 students), 3 are on half tuition because of financial hardship. Sometimes you just have to be humble and ask!
2007-01-29 09:36:18 · answer #1 · answered by Danielle M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to be a single mom..and now that I am married with 3 kids, we still have a tight budget right now. I think the #1. thing is to shop sales. I find I save a lot if I keep an eye out for things on sale and buy what is on sale...whether it be food, cleaning supplies, clothing, etc. I also use coupons and that helps some. We have a program here in colorado that is called SHARE colorado..I know that they operate in some other states as well..it helps with groceries, as you can buy a good amount for a small price. You don't have to qualify, so income doesn't matter, you just participate.
Most states have some sort of childcare assistance..I used to use that but do not qualify anymore...it can really help with childcare costs though if you qualify.
You might qualify for WIC..or your son actually. That helps with food also.
I have found that keeping our heater down just 2 degrees from "normal" has helped cut heating costs!
2007-01-29 08:10:01 · answer #2 · answered by PennyPickles17 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not sure about advice, but how about some encouragement? I was a single dad for years and know first-hand how demanding it can be.
Keep your chin up though, it will pay off in the end. And, once he's in school it will get much easier. I know that seems like ages away, but he'll be in Kindergarten before you know it.
Best of luck to you!!!
2007-01-29 08:05:29 · answer #3 · answered by Sheik Yerbouti 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is one of the best programs out there to help with food costs. It provides no cost necessities to you such as milk, cheese, cereal, veggies, eggs, bread, etc. Just do a search for the program and it will give you all the information. Good luck!
2007-01-29 08:52:50 · answer #4 · answered by Goose&Tonic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way is to make a budget for yourself for a month. Buy off brand clothing and limit yourself on what you buy. Theres a saying that I tell my family, "Is it a need or a want." only buy the needs and dont buy the wants. I hope everything works out for you.
2007-01-29 08:14:10 · answer #5 · answered by Achilles 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try saving by purchasing off brand products and cutting coupons. beleave it or not coupons can save you a lot! Also, a nany or babysitter is much cheaper than daycare. You can always find a young mom who is also looking for work and hire them to babysit for you, that way they can bring there child to work with them and your son will have a playmate, plus they work for cheap.
2007-01-29 08:04:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
what city/state do you live in?
Here in ohio we have "united way first call for help" and they have a list of resources that can (and do) help....
2007-01-29 08:11:20 · answer #7 · answered by clevelandrocksgirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure when you find out please let me know! I will be a single mom soon!
2007-01-29 08:03:40 · answer #8 · answered by MCB 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
www.couponmom.com
www.clarkhoward.com
2007-01-29 08:05:25 · answer #9 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋