single parenthood on the rise. According to U.S. Census Bureau, there are 13.6 million single parents in the United States. Of these, the vast majority are mothers.
While the majority of single parents' situations are the result of divorce, a growing number are not. Many single moms have never been married. But no matter what the situation, as a single parent can be tough.
Barriers to lone parents
In today's economy, it is difficult for two-parent households to make ends meet. As a single parent, you are responsible for the entire family needs, but with about half the revenue that would, if the partner were present. Unfortunately, bills do not get cut in half. You are still responsible for housing, food, clothing, school expenses, and everything else.
Being a single parent also puts you in charge of all the important decisions for the household. In terms of it's liberating, as you do not have to defend his position to someone else. However, it also adds a lot of pressure, as you do not have anyone to give you feedback or check out their selection. Therefore, you must be confident in your ability to get things right, and forgiveness for yourself, if something does not turn out as hoped.
Tips for getting By
Single parents can be a challenge, so it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve. Here are some things you can do to improve your cash flow:
o If you receive child support, stay on top. Make sure you are getting the amount that was agreed that each month or week, and if not, take action to collect. If you are not getting child support and you should be, or if you do not feel that the amount that you are getting is fair, talk with an attorney about the possibilities.
O Get all the tax breaks you're eligible for. You May Qualify for filing status that will work to your advantage, as the number of tax credits that can reduce your debt or increase your refund.
A smart shop. Be on the lookout for the best deals on food, clothing and other needs, and use coupons as much as possible. You can find coupons in the Sunday paper, magazines, in stores and online.
O keep a close eye on shipping costs. With rising gas prices, they can really take a chunk out of your budget. Use public transportation when possible, to carpool, and make it more each time as possible.
A carefully weigh the options of your children. If your kids are in school, you may be able to find a job where you can work around them. If they are too young for school or working hours do not coincide with their school hours, however, you will need to find a sitter or daycare. Friends and family may be willing to do babysitting exchanges, or May they watch their children for a lower rate than you would pay elsewhere. There is government assistance available to help pay for childcare in some cases.
Being a single mother of a little balancing act. But with some careful planning, you can stay within your budget. And with your budget under control, you can spend less time worrying and more time with their children.
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