By now you have plenty of tips on how to save money, and you might have already started counting those pennies and stockpiling that extra cash. But if you still need a little push in the right savings direction, these additional tips will help. Remember: Start out with one or two of them, get comfortable with the way it feels, and then strive to do more. Saving money can be a major lifestyle change, and as with any big change, it takes time to grow accustomed to it.

  • Get inspired! Wander around the web and find instances of families cutting corners, saving pennies, and making a savings out of what seems to be nothing. Look for sites that offer cheap recipes, homemade solutions, and inspirational tidbits to start counting your dimes!
  • Team up with friends. Don’t hit that bistro for lunch and then worry about the prices. Pack sack lunches and go on a bike ride instead. Plan on a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, and don’t bring along the checkbook — there’s too much temptation afoot! When museums or zoos have freebie days, get together with your kids and take them. Have a blast for free and save the money you would have spent.
  • Use direct deposit. Out of sight, out of mind. Have a small amount of cash taken out of your paycheck and sent to your savings account before the money ever touches your hand. That way, you know you will be saving money, and you will work with what you have.
  • Rid your home of temptation. Magazines, shopping on the television or the internet, and other money-grabbers have to go. Throw the magazines in the trash, block the television channels that try to sell you something, and avoid sites on the internet that suck your time and money.
  • Got a raise? An extra check here or there? Save it. The smallest amounts really do add up over time. That five dollar rebate check or that tiny refund you weren’t expecting will look nice in your savings account.
  • Actually get that savings account. Many people will decide that getting a savings account is a hassle, or they worry about bad credit, and so avoid the savings account altogether. But this makes it very easy to spend the money you do save. If you absolutely cannot open up a savings account, spring for a safe deposit box or some other option that will keep the money safe, but out of your immediate reach. This will alleviate those tempting “gotta have it now” moments of impulsive purchasing.
Visit our Single Mom Forums and talk with other single mothers just like yourself. Or, use the share button below to add it to your favorite social site.

Share |

{ 0 comments }

How Single Mothers Can Avoid Investment Scams

January 28, 2010

Many single moms fall victim to investment scams every year. They are targeted because they really do often need the money, and they hope to provide a better life for their children. Investment scams prey on the hopes and dreams of those who have been handed a tough hand in life, and single moms seem [...]

0 comments Read full post...

Single Moms Can Save Money by Repurposing Household Items

January 21, 2010

When money is very tight, sometimes even the simplest things are hard to come by — and then what do you do? Creative repurposing of items around the home is a great way to extend the life of the things you own, keep the materials from filling up your landfills, and best of all, you [...]

0 comments Read full post...

Single Moms Really Can Dress for Success!

January 14, 2010

With everything else single moms have to worry about, dressing for a job interview might be the last thing on their mind. In fact, you might consider the best dress you’ve had in your closet for years the only interview attire you have.
Proper business attire gives a first impression to your potential employers, and the [...]

0 comments Read full post...

Single Mom Savings Tip: Learn to Haggle!

January 7, 2010

Single moms often have to deal with financial hardships. Sometimes you might see that gorgeous dress or that perfect item you know your kids need, but you simply can’t afford the price on the tag. That’s when you make a decision: Do you walk away from it? Or do you learn to haggle the price?
Not [...]

0 comments Read full post...

Even More Ways for Single Moms to Save Money

December 31, 2009

When it feels like you are scraping the bottom of the money barrel every month, how can you possibly save anything? For a single mother, every penny counts. But it is also important to save money for a rainy day or those emergencies that always seem to pop up right when you don’t have the [...]

0 comments Read full post...

Tips for Finding Health Insurance for Single Moms

December 24, 2009

It’s a sad reality of today’s world: Health insurance costs more than most people can afford. Single moms who are trying their best to make ends meet can find the idea of health insurance laugh-worthy. How could they possibly afford the health insurance they need?
Before you throw in the towel, consider all the options for [...]

0 comments Read full post...

How to Save When There’s No Money Left Over

December 17, 2009

How many times have you heard about the need for an emergency fund? It’s been mentioned several times on this blog, and you’ve probably heard a snippet of the same advice from every financial guru you have ever seen on television. It’s a fact that a savings account is a necessity for a rainy day [...]

0 comments Read full post...

Single Mom’s Guide to Lowering Utility Costs

December 10, 2009

Sometimes the cost of heating and cooling your home can be what breaks your monthly budget. For a single mom, even the slightest “surprise” in the utility bill can mean the difference between paying it on time or having to juggle.
Don’t let utility costs compromise your chances of saving money or having plenty of food [...]

0 comments Read full post...

Single Mom Guide to Budget-Friendly Gifts

December 3, 2009

Let’s face it: Holiday gift-giving can be tough on single moms. When you’re struggling to make ends meet, giving gifts to familiy and friends might seem like an impossible proposition. But remember the saying that the best gifts are those that come from the heart? That’s absolutely true — and here are some frugal gift [...]

0 comments Read full post...

Single Mom Advice: How to Get Along with Your Ex

November 26, 2009

Dealing with your ex-husband, ex-boyfriend, or father of your child can be a difficult situation, no matter how long you have known each other. There are bound to be emotions running high over one thing or another. Even if your child was the product of a friendly romp with someone you still respect, when it [...]

0 comments Read full post...

Single Moms and an Affordable Thanksgiving

November 19, 2009

Single mothers know just how important the holidays are to their children. Building family traditions is very important, especially when you feel as though you are run ragged by work, financial worries, family issues, and handling the day-to-day needs of your kids. Sometimes you just long for a moment to unplug, sit back, relax, and [...]

0 comments Read full post...

More College Grants for Single Moms

November 12, 2009

So you’re a single mom who wants to go back to school, but you don’t know where to start. No worries! College grants for single moms are everywhere. It might not seem like there are all that many, but the key is in the specialization. General grants might be hard to come by, but if [...]

0 comments Read full post...