When you are a single mom or dad and are the sole provider for managing your family’s budget, you have to be very thrifty and not wasteful of your funds.  Saving a little money at a time or sparing loose change could help you save money without resorting to painful cutbacks in your budget.   Whether you have one, two, or five children, you must take extra steps to ensure your budget is in good shape each month.  You will also need to make sure to set aside money each month for the future.  Saving $10 a month will save you $120 in a year.  In 10 years, you will have saved $1200. Saving money on car repairs, day to day expenses, groceries, and childcare, or even gas will help you stay afloat and prevent financial hardships.

First, you should examine your monthly expenses to see where your money is being spent.  Save all of your receipts and bill stubs, and ask yourself if there are any extra expenses that can be cut out for a few months (cable, movies, cell phone, traveling, etc).   Saving small amounts of money on these items can save you hundreds of dollars at the end of the year.  Another suggestion – Search for cheaper housing.  If your rent or your mortgage makes up over half of your monthly expenses, you may want to consider moving into a more affordable home.  Use coupons when shopping.  Take time to clip coupons, make a grocery list every time you go to the grocery store, and only buy items that you need.  Pack lunch for work and bring snacks so you don’t have to rely on the vending machine.  Cut back on transportation costs.  Consider walking, carpooling, or using public transportation when you can.  Riding a bike will even help to keep you in shape and eliminate the cost of gas.  Remember…saving small amounts each month, will add up at the end of a year!

Next, you should consider eating at home for each meal.  Saving $100 each month on food costs will save you $1200 in a year’s time!  Consider planning each meal on the weekend for the coming week.  Cooking everything during the weekend and freezing items will save you time and money as well.  By doing so, this will give you a chance to feed your family a nutritious meal and will save you money as well.  Look into packing school lunches as well.  Saving yourself $25 each month on your kid’s lunches will save you $300 in a year’s time.

Lastly, look for free activities in your area to take your children.  Visit your local library to use the computer or to rent books and magazines.  Also, instead of going to a movie theatre or to the skating rink, consider taking your children to a park.  Also, look in your community paper to see about free entertainment and activities offered by your community.  There may be local festivals, farmers markets, state and local parks, and even free museums that will keep your children entertained!  This will also give you an opportunity to enjoy time with your family and save money!