Being a single parent working two or more jobs is difficult. You’re constantly juggling work, caring for your kids, and keeping the household running smoothly. Saving money seems impossible when you barely have time to breathe between inflation and struggling to manage a budget. The great news is you can find some creative ways to save money. Here are twenty money-saving strategies for how busy single parents can save big!

Create a Budget that Works for You

Budgeting doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. You don’t need fancy spreadsheets or complicated apps. Monitor your monthly income and expenses. Your expenses include bills, groceries, transportation, and childcare costs. Once you know where your money is going, you can identify areas to cut back.

You then want to live below your means each month. That means spending less than you earn each month in income. This allows you to save money at the end of every month.

You can use popular budget apps like Mint or EveryDollar. These apps sync with your bank account. Budgeting apps make it easier for you to track expenses automatically. Setting it up takes just a few minutes. You can monitor your spending on the go.

You can also set up apps to alert you if a purchase is made that exceeds an amount threshold. You will then receive a text or email alert.

Cut Down on Grocery Costs

Groceries can be a major expense, especially with kids at home. You can start to save money at the grocery store by shopping sales, using digital coupons, and avoiding impulse buying. Take a few minutes weekly to plan your meals based on what’s on sale, and create a shopping list before you go to the store.

Tips to Save at the Grocery Store:

• Buy in bulk: You can purchase items on sale in larger quantities. You can purchase non-perishables like pasta, rice, and canned goods. You can even buy meat that is on sale and then freeze it.

• Shop store brands: Purchase the off-brand rather than the store brand. This can save you a good chunk of change depending on the particular product or brand at the grocery store.

• Use rebate apps: You can use apps like Ibotta and Rakuten to earn cash back on purchases.

Embrace Meal Prepping

Meal prepping can be a time and money-saver. Instead of grabbing takeout on your way home from job number two, you’ll have something ready in the fridge.

Spend a couple of hours on your day off preparing meals for the week. You can cook big batches of family favorites like pasta, stir-fry, or casseroles and portion them out.

Reduce Your Utility Bills

Lowering your utility bills doesn’t require big sacrifices. You can make small changes that can quickly add up to significant savings over time. For instance:

• Unplug electronics when you're not in use to avoid phantom energy costs.

• Switch to LED bulbs that last longer and use less electricity.

• Set your thermostat for the season. Be sure to set it a few degrees higher for summer and lower in the winter. This simple strategy can help reduce your heating and cooling costs.

Shop Secondhand for Kids’ Clothes and Toys

Kids outgrow clothes and toys so quickly that buying new ones can feel like throwing money away. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp can help you save a lot on kids’ stuff. You can shop at your local Goodwill or thrift stores.

Another fun option is you can organize a clothes swap with other parents. It’s a fun way to refresh your kids’ wardrobes without spending a dime.

Take Advantage of Free Community Resources

There are often free or low-cost community resources available that can help you stretch your budget. Look for food banks, free meal programs, clothing closets, and assistance programs in your area.

For example, websites like Feeding America can help you find local food banks. Your local library might also have free events, classes, and even tutoring services for your kids, saving you money on entertainment and education.

Reduce Your Entertainment Costs

Paying for cable or multiple streaming services adds up. If you’re looking for ways to save, consider cutting the cord. Services like Pluto TV  and Tubi offer free streaming options with many movies and TV shows.

You could also reduce your entertainment subscriptions as much as possible. You could read books, exercise, and go for walks rather than watching, always needing a screen to entertain you.

Use Public Transportation or Carpool

If you live and work in a town or city with public transportation, use it to save extra money.

You can also carpool if your coworkers, friends, or neighbors work in a similar location. Carpooling helps you to spend less money on gas and car maintenance.  

Check out local transit options and see if you can switch to taking the bus or train, even if it's just a few days a week. It might take some getting used to, but the savings on fuel and parking can be worth it.

If public transit isn’t an option, consider carpooling with coworkers or other parents. It’s a great way to reduce gas costs while sharing the driving load.

DIY Where You Can

Doing it yourself can save a lot of money. From basic home repairs to making your own cleaning supplies, a little DIY can go a long way. You can find articles and watch videos online for projects you think you can do.

Easy DIY Ideas:

• Make your own cleaning products with ingredients you probably already have, like vinegar and baking soda.

• Learn basic car maintenance to save on trips to the mechanic. YouTube has tutorials on everything from changing your oil to replacing wiper blades.

Take Advantage of Tax Credits and Assistance Programs

As a single parent, you may qualify for tax credits that significantly reduce your tax bill or increase your refund. Take advantage of the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and the Dependent Care Credit.

Also, check if you qualify for assistance programs like SNAP for food benefits or LIHEAP for help with heating and cooling costs.

Avoid Expensive Bank Fees

Bank fees can sneak up on you, especially if you’re juggling multiple accounts and trying to keep track of automatic payments. Here’s how you can avoid those pesky charges:

• Choose a bank with no-fee accounts, or switch to an online bank like Chime that offers free checking with no minimum balance requirement.

• Set up alerts to warn you when your balance is low to avoid overdraft fees.

Be Smart About Your Credit Card Use

If you’re using credit cards to make ends meet, the interest and fees can quickly become a burden. It’s essential to use credit cards wisely to avoid falling into debt.

• Pay off your monthly credit card balance to avoid high-interest charges.

• Look for cards with cash-back rewards to help you save on everyday purchases.

Start an Emergency Fund

Even if you can only save a little monthly, having an emergency fund can give you peace of mind. You can begin by setting up a separate high-yield savings account.

You can automatically transfer a small amount from each paycheck into that account each month from your employer. Or, you can make it a habit to transfer money from your checking to the high-yield savings account when you receive each paycheck.

Find Side Hustles You Can Do on Your Own Time

If you’re up for it, finding a side hustle that fits your schedule can help you bring in extra income. A side hustle doesn’t mean taking on more work that exhausts you. A side hustle can offer you flexible options.

Depending on the side hustle you choose, you could turn the side hustle into a business.

Save on Childcare Costs

Childcare is often one of the biggest expenses for single parents. To save money, consider setting up a childcare swap with other parents in your community. You watch their kids for free on your day off; they do the same for you.

Also, look into after-school programs, community centers, or local churches that offer affordable or free childcare options.

Make Use of Loyalty Programs and Coupons

Loyalty programs and coupons can help you save a little each time you shop. You can join free loyalty programs at the stores where you frequently shop. You can always check for digital coupons before making a purchase.

Use websites like RetailMeNot and apps like Honey to find and apply coupons automatically when you shop online.

Reduce Your Phone Bill

If you’re paying too much for your cell phone, consider switching to a no-contract carrier or a prepaid plan. Companies like Mint Mobile and Visible offer affordable plans with unlimited talk, text, and data at a fraction of the cost of traditional carriers.

Review your current phone plan to see if you can reduce data usage or remove any features you don’t use. You may even find a free app that does the same thing your phone company charges you for. Simple changes like connecting to Wi-Fi at home or running errands can reduce your data usage and help save money.

Utilize Free or Low-Cost Entertainment Options

You don’t have to spend much money to have fun with your kids. Look for free or inexpensive entertainment options in your area. Many communities offer free movie nights, festivals, or activities at local parks.

You can also find many free resources at your local library, from books and movies to educational programs and workshops. Websites like Eventbrite often list free local events that are perfect for a fun family outing without the hefty price tag.

Negotiate Your Bills

Don’t be afraid to negotiate your bills. You would be surprised at how much you can save by simply asking.

Call your internet, cable, or phone provider. You can ask them if they have any current discounts, sales, or promotions that apply to your account. Mentioning that you’re considering switching to a competitor can often lead to better rates.

You can also use a budgeting tool like Trim or BillCutterz, which negotiates bills on your behalf. These tools save you time and stress. They work on a commission basis, taking a percentage of the savings they find you.

Start a Cash Envelope System

The cash envelope system is a great way to track your spending and ensure you don’t exceed budget. Set aside cash for different categories like groceries, entertainment, and transportation at the beginning of the month. When the envelope is empty, that’s it. You can’t spend any more in that category until the next month.

This hands-on approach helps you visualize your spending and stay accountable. You can even get your kids involved, teaching them about budgeting and saving in a fun, practical way.

Summary

Saving money as a busy single parent working multiple jobs isn’t easy, but it is possible. By implementing these twenty money-saving strategies, you can reduce expenses while building a financial cushion for your family's future.

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The views expressed in this article are the author's opinions and views and do not reflect the views of Secure Single. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Secure Single does not give health, medical, relationship, travel, or financial advice. Secure Single does not provide advice of any kind. Always consult and speak with a professional.