| Are you a single mother by choice or by | | | | amount each month, so keep track of all |
| chance? When it comes to managing finances, | | | | payments and receipts for a month and total |
| it can be difficult no matter how you came to | | | | them. Then, figure out what your monthly |
| be a single mother. Not only do you have the | | | | income is. If you have more income than |
| responsibility of caring for a child (or | | | | expenses-terrific! But, if not you will need |
| children) but you also have the | | | | to do some prioritizing.2. Reset your |
| responsibility of keeping the household | | | | priorities as a single mother. Cut out all |
| running and paying for all of it. Even if | | | | unnecessary expenses. Downsize your car and |
| you are fortunate enough as a single mother | | | | your house if necessary. Where are you |
| to get child support and/or alimony you may | | | | wasting money? Do you eat out too much or |
| still have trouble making ends meet. Here | | | | spend too much on entertainment or clothing? |
| are some very basic tips to get you started | | | | These are areas where you can really trim |
| on your way to greater financial freedom as a | | | | costs if you make an effort.3. Get educated. |
| single mother:1. Budget, budget, budget. | | | | You can update your schooling and skills to |
| Some women have never budgeted before when | | | | increase your earning potential-and as a |
| they become a single mother for the first | | | | single mom, you have an advantage for many |
| time. This can be intimidating so if you can | | | | scholarships or grants. Talk to the school |
| find a family member or friend to help you go | | | | financial counselors.4. Become a Savvy |
| over your expenses it might be helpful. | | | | Shopper. Shop sales and clearance racks to |
| First, you need to total up all of your | | | | save money. Use coupons and match them with |
| expenses such as your mortgage, car payments, | | | | grocery ads. Buy bulk and freeze meals to |
| insurance, food, utilities, entertainment and | | | | save money and time in food preparation so |
| credit card bills. It may take some time to | | | | you don't eat out.Eriani Doyel writes |
| figure out some things that are not a set | | | | articles for and about Singles. |