One-Income Budget Ideas for Single Parents
With only one income coming in every month, single parents must be creative and plan ahead to maintain their budgets. Single parents should not constantly splurge on luxurious items. When single parents wastefully spend money on clothes, restaurants and other things, they cannot rely on a spouse's income to cover household expenses.
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Free Activities
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Take advantage of free or discount entertainment options. Take your children to a park. Bring along a football, soccer ball or baseball with a bat. Many museums across the country offer free-admission days either weekly or monthly. Find a discount theater, where movies typically cost no more than $2. Eat before you take your children to the discount theater because purchasing food and drink there could quickly put a strain on your budget.
Vehicle Repairs and Maintenance
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Set aside money in a savings account or envelope to use for unexpected vehicle repairs and regular maintenance. Do not use the money for anything else; having this money budgeted could mean the difference between having a reliable vehicle and taking public transportation or relying on someone else to get you and your children around. Take precautions to maintain your vehicle to reduce maintenance cost. Always change the oil according to the owner's manual. Ensure that tires are in good working condition.
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Eating Out
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Limit eating out to special occasions, such as your children's birthdays and achievements in school. Pick restaurants where children can eat free. Also, look for coupon offers. Order tap water with meals, as many restaurants don't charge for it. Regularly cook meals at home and prepare dishes that make for plenty of leftovers, such as soups and stews. Pair them with rice or beans and cornbread.
Clothes
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Limit clothes-shopping for your children to once or twice a year. Purchase school clothes at the beginning of the year. When summertime arrives, purchase your children's summer clothes. Buy clothes at national discount retail chains or at local consignment and thrift stores. Check with local classified advertisements in newspapers or online for parents who want to donate or sell clothes that their children can no longer wear.
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References
- Photo Credit young mother image by Galina Barskaya from Fotolia.com
