How to Single Parent on One Income

How to Thrive as a Single Mom: 20 Years of Wisdom

Being a single mom is no small feat—it’s a marathon of strength, love, and creativity. After 20 years of navigating this wild, wonderful journey, I’ve learned a thing or two about thriving on one income while keeping my family happy and well-fed. Whether you’re new to single parenting or a seasoned veteran, these tips are here to inspire and support you!

Side Hustle Magic

Sure, a full-time W-2 job keeps the lights on, but those bills don’t stop coming! Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of supplementing my income with gig jobs like DoorDash, Instacart, and Spark. Flexible hours mean I can earn extra cash during peak times while still being present for my family. Pro tip: track demand trends to maximize efficiency.

Meal Planning Mastery

Feeding kids on a budget doesn’t have to be a headache. Here’s my go-to method:

1. Take inventory of what you’ve got. Avoid wasting those forgotten cans of beans or the half-bag of rice!
2. Build a custom shopping list. Stick to ingredients for meals your family loves.
3. Plan two weeks of meals. I double and triple the favorites to save time and effort. Adding rice to taco meat is a game-changer, and baked potatoes? Oh, they’re versatile lifesavers.

Oh, and here’s one of my favorite rules: “If you will eat it, I will buy it.” When one of my kiddos asks for a special food, I keep it simple—if they’re going to eat it, it’s worth buying. It keeps mealtime positive and stress-free.

And always remember: FED IS BEST. Perfection isn’t the goal—nourishment is.

Biweekly Grocery Runs

Why shop every week when you can save time and energy by planning biweekly trips? Stick to the list, shop smart, and take advantage of discounts, coupons, and cashback apps. It’s like a treasure hunt, but for budget-friendly groceries.

Lunch Like a Pro

Bringing lunch to work has saved me hundreds—if not thousands—over the years. Here’s the trick: make a big meal (pasta bakes, rice bowls, casseroles) over the weekend and divide it into five portions. Boom, five work lunches prepped and ready to go, and you don’t have to worry about those overpriced takeout menus.

Keep It Fun and Family-Centered

Being a single mom isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving and creating joyful memories. Get the kids involved! Turn grocery shopping into a scavenger hunt, make meal prep a family activity, or plan budget-friendly movie nights and hikes. Moments like these remind me why all the hustle and hard work is worth it.

From one mom to another: you’ve got this. It won’t always be easy, but trust me—small, consistent steps lead to big rewards. Cheers to us, the superheroes of single parenting! 💪