I am a single mom and I work full time, I need ideas on how to pay the bills on one income.?

Answer 1

1. Write down all your bills and your income
2. For now, cut Everything that isn't necessary (you can always add back later). Common unnecessary items: 2nd car use (gas), cable, long distance phone, newspaper, cell phone, internet
3. Refinance any items like credit cards, student loan bills, medical bills just let them know you plan to keep paying but cannot afford the current bill
4. Rethink your shopping strategy. Shop per month. Go to your local cost friendly grocery store. Do Not shop at Albertsons, Safeway etc.. In Oregon we have Winco and Grocery Outlet.
Buy foods you have to make. You can make them in a crockpot or prepare in advance if you are short on time. Do Not put back money for quicky meals (like frozen dinners) or out to eat. Oh and cut those coupons! They save a bunch!
5. Clothes aren't that necessary. Just 8 pairs of clothes per person is necessary. One for each day of the week and a spair. If you need more shop at Goodwill. The quality of their clothes can suprise you!
6. Look into assistance programs. Food stamps is one but if you don't want that there are other programs that can help with energy bill etc..
7. Think about lowering your bills. Make it a rule to have all lights off until it gets dark. Use sweaters instead of heat.
8. Oh and think cheap. When you shop for anything food or necessary items, get the cheapest one. I know we like to stick to our favorite brands but sometimes this just isn't possible.
9. Talk with your kids (if they are old enough to talk to). Let them know money is tight and you won't be able to spend on extras. If they are old enough they might be able to get a kid friendly job like helping neighbors or getting a newspaper route.

And then use the websites others have given you. I'm interested in checking those out myself.

Answer 2

I guess the obvious is look at your monthly bills and cut out anything that is not a necessity, like cable, anything more than basic phone service. Shop around for cheaper auto/home insurance.

Buy a copy of "The Tightwad Gazette" or at least search online for "tightwad" or "frugal". You will find TONS of tips on how to reduce your spending by being conservative and shopping smart. It will also help you evaluate your daily spending and how to reduce or eliminate those little extras that add up.

Apply for gov't help, too. It's there to help people who genuinely need it like young single mothers struggling to make it so don't be ashamed to use it.

Also, you didn't mention but are you getting child support from the father? He has a legal and moral obligation to support his child, so if you're not receiving that you might want to put the wheels in action to start!

Good luck!

Answer 3

I am also a single mom with a full time job and an income that barely covers the essentials. I host 8minuteDating events. You work here and there and get a guaranteed social life!

I'll admit that I also am a BeautiControl distributor, but mostly that is to have a discount for me and my daughters products. There are all sorts of good part time jobs that are flexible so you can be a great mom and earn extra cash.

Answer 4

Make a list of all your outgoings and a list of earnings. I use an excel spreadsheet and log everything I spend down to the last penny. That way you can budget and know exactly how much money you have at any given time.

If you find yourself a bit short you will know to make cut backs in order to get by until next payday.
Check out if there are any benefits you can claim being a single working parent.

Answer 5

I feel for you girl.

Food and shelter come first. Can you use public transport? Do you need to relocate so you can cut down on transportation costs and save a little.

Cut back on all the frills. Call waiting, cable, newspaper, gym membership, etc most of us have some of these. Cutting back actually gives more family time.

Cut back on meals/dining out. Rice and noodles are cheap! If ham is on sale, take advantage. Buy several. roast Ham sunday, ham salad tues, ham and cabbage wednesday etc.

Can your family help with chidlcare?

Make the dad take financial responsibility as much as you can. Tough situation usually talking about the $$$

Answer 6

Well, I usually just do my best. I write down all of my expenses and my paycheck. For the next month... I know some bills will not always be the same like water and electric, but the vast majority of them will be the same (dish, cell, rent, insurance). I try to figure out which are due when and pay for them. What is left over I use for grocery and gas...

Hope this helps..

Answer 7

spend less money on essential items and cut out spending money on non essential items. grocery shopping is the biggest expense, besides shelter, but groceries can be cheap if you shop at the right stores and buy certain items. frozen stuff/prepared meals are expensive, food from scratch is cheaper. i know you don't have time for food from scratch every day, but maybe on the weekends, you could make stuff to freeze for later.

Answer 8

Cut back on the bills.

Drop the cable, drop the magazines, drop the newspaper.

Answer 9

I feel for you....I too am a single mom trying to keep my head above water.

Answer 10

Good website: www.stretcher.com (dollar stretcher). Lots of info on what you're looking for