SHOPPING WHOLESALE

        In what day or time is a parent not shopping for groceries, clothing and shoes or household supplies. In the area of household supplies and groceries, a good way to save on money and time is to shop wholesale. This save money that can add up in the long run. I myself have shopped at BJ's, Sam's Club and Even Cosco. I find that Sam's Club is much more affordable and even their store brand items work just as well as the name brand ones. I am a woman that don't enjoy shopping. For clothes maybe for groceries hell no! So when I do shop I  make it a one month trip.  Most importantly above all I'm saving money.

LIVING WITHIN YOUR MEANS

                   It can be a difficult task to live within one’s means, but it is practical to do so.  With the age of credit cards and bill me later, many people have grown accustomed to even though they can’t afford to.”  Why spend what you do not have? As I watched the many reports on why the economy went downhill, I hear these four words often "living within your means". With time, hard-work and patience, every goal is attainable. A lot of us don't want to wait for anything. We prefer instant gratification. Here is where self discipline also comes in. When you set financial goals you have to stick with them, no matter what or you won't reach these goals. 

PAYING BILLS ON TIME

           Paying utility bills on time can also help with building good credit. Some landlords will accept a good history of bill payment if good credit is not established as yet. It is also a responsible habit, which goes a long way in establishing healthy behaviors,

OUR NEEDS VERSUS WANTS

       I have taken my children to Walmart at times during shopping trips. My four year old always has this habbit of asking for a new toy. He feels every new trip to walmart or Target should result in him getting a new toy. In the past I would always given in, but recently I stopped doing it. Much of what kids ask for in the store are items they simply want. When you are a single parent whose goal  At times we have to simply say no. It is a better idea to have children earn special toys, rather than just give it to them.  This develops a sense of accomplishment and responsibility in children. It also keep impulsive spending at a minimum, which allows you to save more.

COUNTING YOUR PENNIES

        Take nothing for granted. Cents add up to dimes. Dimes and nickels add up to quarters. Quarters add up to dollars and dollars add up period! Take charge of every financial decision in your life. Take charge of your future. 

CREATING A MONTHLY BUDGET

          Having a monthly budget is a smart way to manage your bills, adapt responsible behavior and also promote good credit. If you know how much your monthly expenses will be, then you know how much you are able to save. Saving brings you closer to obtaining your financial goals. Unexpected bills can always show up, but if there is a budget, the stress of handling them won't be as high. When you are a single parent, it helps to have the less amount of stress possible.  Planning ahead is a wonderful way of keeping stress at a minimum. As you plan for your monthly expenses, put something extra aside for unexpected events. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF SAVING

         It can be a daunting task to save money in a single parent home, but it is a must that we do so. If you are only able to save $50 a month, it is worth it. Over a ten year period that $50 can grow to $5000. This money can be used as a down-payment for a house or even put towards purchasing a car. Saving  brings us even closer each month to achieving our financial goals.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

         The first thing to do when you want to secure a financial future is to set goals. What is your plan for the future? Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? These questions must be answered before you can begin to secure your financial future. Most people, especially single parent families, face a nagging reality that they could possibly spend their lives living from paycheck to paycheck. This is not a conclusion that any of us should accept. Life is full many possibilities. When we limit ourselves to something, we become a slave to it. Who wants to become a slave to bills and debt? None of us. Being a single parent does not mean you cannot live a happy and debt free life.