I know what it’s like to be a single mom on a budget! I was once a single mom on food stamps and even though those tough times are behind me, I’m still budget-conscious. I’m also passionate about telling other single moms how I made the best of dire circumstances and what I still do to save money on a daily basis.
Read Related: Busy Moms: Tips to Break Your Bad Spending Habits
In a one-time collaboration with Cricket Wireless Half is More, Ask the Expert Series, you can ask me your questions about saving money or sticking to a budget as a single mom. Please tweet them to @Lorrainecladish or @MiCricket using #CricketConsejos, or post them on MiCricket’s Facebook page, or in the comments below.
The answers to the questions will be posted on the Half is More page by Cricket Wireless.
In the meantime, here are some of my money saving tips for single moms make the most of their money.
Shop at the dollar store.
Many well-known brands are sold at the dollar store. From toiletries to cleaning products and even food, you can save a lot of money by purchasing in stores where everything really does cost one dollar.
Use coupons and two for one offers.
Coupons do help save money, if you use them! Make sure you use coupon apps or cut them out from the Sunday paper or find them online. Some supermarkets have two for one deals weekly. Only use them for products you actually consume.
Buy clothes at discount shops
I am a regular at Marshall’s, TJMaxx, Bealls and of course the Goodwill. In the U.S., I find it almost a sin to pay full price for anything, whether you can afford it or not. If you go often enough, you will find exactly what you need!
Tell the school that you need help.
When you’re a single mom in need, you have to set your pride aside for your kids’ sake. When I told the school administrators of my dire straits when I separated, they gave my girls all their necessary school supplies. They also gave them new shoes, socks and underwear and gently used uniforms.
Apply for discounted or free lunch at school.
You may qualify for discounted or free lunches at school, whether or not you are on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Every little bit of help counts!
Apply for SNAP benefits.
Even though these programs are undergoing severe cuts, you may still be eligible. It can’t hurt to try!
Do free stuff with the kids.
There are a lot of free things to do with the kids, from going to the library to having fun at the bookstore to enjoying a picnic at your local park.
There are so many other things you can do…I can’t wait to receive your questions and hopefully steer you in the right direction to save money as a single mom!
Lorraine C. Ladish is Editor-in-Chief of Mamiverse. You may follow her @lorrainecladish and @mamiverse
