Money-Saving Tips for Single Moms to Kick Off the New Year by Michele Meza

As a single mom, it’s important to make every dollar count. It’s a new year and now is the perfect time to begin applying some money-saving strategies that can help you stretch your budget further. Here are seven money-saving tips to help you get started:

#1 | CREATE A BUDGET

The first step in saving money is to know exactly where your money is going. Make a list of all your monthly expenses, including bills, groceries, gifts, necessities, and entertainment, and compare it to your income. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back. Research free apps to help you keep track of your expenses. In most cases, banks offer this service for free.

#2 | CUT UNNECESSARY EXPENSES

Once you have a good idea of where your money is going, look for ways to trim the extra spending. This might look like canceling subscriptions you don’t use, eating out less often, or switching to cheaper cell phone, internet or cable plans.

#3 | USE THE ENVELOPE METHOD FOR SAVING

Once you create a budget, you pull out the funds and label the envelopes. It’s an easy way to stick to your budget. You can also do the same for savings. For example, if you’re planning a family vacation next year, label the envelope with the target vacation date. You’ll be surprised how much money you can save up in a year simply stashing five dollars or ten dollars at a time!

#4 | SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST PRICE

Don’t be afraid to shop around for the best prices on groceries, household items, and other necessities. Look for sales and use coupons whenever possible. Some stores will price match the items you’ve found somewhere else, which saves you time and transportation costs.

#5 | USE CASH

Studies have shown that people tend to spend less when they pay with cash, as it feels more “real” than using a credit or debit card. Consider switching to a cash-only budget for non-essential purchases. It’ll also help prevent you from overspending.

#6 | LOOK FOR WAYS TO INCREASE INCOME

Calling all side hustles! If you’re falling short on your budget, consider taking on a part-time job or finding ways to earn extra money on the side. This might include freelancing, selling items online, reselling items you find at garage sales, or taking on odd jobs in your community. Nowadays, there are sites designed specifically for utilizing your talents through freelance work, which allows for more flexibility versus physically going into a brick-and-mortar job.

#7 | LOOK FOR WAYS TO SAVE ON CHILDCARE

Child care can be one of the biggest expenses for single moms. Look for ways to save on this cost, such as sharing child care duties with a trusted friend, relative, or neighbor, or by finding a cheaper daycare or babysitting option. There are legitimate websites dedicated to providing sitters or nannies that have been vetted by their systems, which saves you time and eases anxiety so you can focus on providing for your little ones.

Moreover, there are endless possibilities for planning for the future. Even small amounts can add up over time. By taking small steps in the right direction and implementing these seven money-saving tips, you can start the new year off on the right foot and build a more secure financial future for you and your family.

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Meet The Author

Michele Meza

For over 28 years, Michele Meza, also known as, Coach Michele D, has been a leader in business and academia industries and is the Branding Strategist at Luksi Coaching & Consulting; Michele has been featured in several well-known industry publications and podcasts. She has received multiple recognitions, including local and national leadership awards.  She is formally trained in Organizational Leadership, holds an MBA and a B.S. degree in Entrepreneurship. She holds certifications as a Business Process Manager, Green Belt in LSS, and a REBT & EI Mindset Coach.  She’s a single mom who’s passionate about generational wealth and breaking the stigma against single motherhood.

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