Being a single parent can honestly be pretty tough. There may be a wave of reasons why you’re having to go about this journey alone, but in the end, you know in your heart that you’re still going to be providing your little one with nothing but the very best. While many parents are having to get second jobs in order to keep their family afloat, there are some other things that can be done to help keep your family happy and healthy.
You can make money work for you, while it doesn’t mean that everything is going to be perfect, you can still make it work for you in the end. So, here are some ways that you can cut some costs here and there while being a single parent.
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Opt for cheaper food options
When it comes to getting groceries for the family, this can honestly be tough. One of the best things to do is to make a very tight budget. While yes, this can mean that your children will be eating more things that they dislike, it’s just going to be something that is going to need to be done. Couponing can honestly be great, and this is also a way to cut back on costs.
Switching to generic brands for groceries can also be an additional way to get more for your buck as well. And last, but certainly not least, it may be best to not buy prepackaged meals. While yes, they taste great and are super quick to make, these can be two to five times more expensive than making something by scratch. But of course, you’ll need to use your discretion and think about how much time you have each day to cook for your little ones.
Cut back on entertainment
This may not exactly be ideal, but it might be best to take a good look at what you’re spending on entertainment each month. If you have a bunch of subscriptions, it may be best to cut them in half. Something like the internet at home is going to be needed, but maybe not that Hulu subscription or that Disney Plus subscription.
There are free options out there for entertainment such as YouTube. But what about family outings? While you shouldn’t cut back on that, you can cut down on costs such as going to the park, taking a walk, or seeing if there are free events within your area.
Pack your child’s lunch
If your child is in daycare or school, then usually the food needs to be paid for there unless you and your child are in some program. These lunches are usually terrible and expensive. Instead, it may be best to make the food for your child. This alone can save you quite a bit of money and you know exactly what they like. This way, you’re providing a great lunch, they get their nutrition, and you’re saving money. This alone can be a win-win!
Go thrifting
While years ago, thrift shops use to have a negative stigma, this has been thankfully changed due to being eco-friendly. Buying your children’s toys and clothes at a thrift shop can be a great way to be eco-friendly while still saving money. While you don’t need to buy all of their clothes from there, some things can be purchased. Kids grow up fast, and their clothes may not last too long anyway. So, with this in mind, going thrift shopping can be far more beneficial than at first glance.
Cut back on trips
While this is never ideal, this may need to be something that you have to do. Try to not go on a trip every year, and instead try to make it every other year, that alone gives you time to save up. When it comes to being a parent, you deserve support. You deserve praise, validation, and emotional support for single mothers is out there. It’s never easy being a single parent and for one reason or another, with these circumstances being thrown at you, it’s just so important to know that you’re strong. It can be stressful, and even downright scary to feel like you can’t provide all of those nice luxuries that other parents give to their kids.
But just remember, you’re doing the very best that you can to be a good parent. You’re doing the very best that you can in order to provide the things they need and deserve. While it can be very discouraging from time to time, just remember that you’re doing the best that you can with the circumstances that you’re dealing with.
