So prices are skyrocketing, fewer resources are being made available to you, perhaps you have recently lost your job, or are receiving fewer hours at work, maybe you’re struggling to pay bills, or even to feed and clothe your family. Relax, while there are no quick or easy fixes to this, there are a few actions that you can implement or modify, that will at least lessen the strain on your psyche as well as your pocketbook.
Be Positive
This one seems like a no-brainer but there is a lot to be said for the ways in which having a positive attitude can affect the outcome of a situation. In terms of finding and utilizing resources, on average, people respond much more positively to those who are more cheerful and upbeat rather than those who are down and depressed. It may be the hardest thing to do, but keep a smile on your face as often as possible. It will, at the very least, help you and your children to cope with the many stresses of your financial straits.
Furthermore, in an article by Desiree Despues on the California State University website, she quotes S. Cohen et. al (1988) that: “Stressful life events are related to the risk of infected individuals developing an illness. Traumatic stressful events may trigger either behavioral or biological processes that contribute to the onset of disease. Chronic stress has been associated with increased reports of illness.” Understand that your mind is one of the most powerful tools in terms of overcoming any obstacle. It may take some work to keep a positive mindset under such dismal circumstances, but the benefits will be well worth your efforts.
Use Coupons and Buy Sale Items in Bulk
If used regularly, coupons can be worth their weight in gold during times of financial hardships. Develop a system of coupon clipping in which you can have a coupon for most, if not all, items that you purchase. A good way to go about this is to keep all your coupons in one container or folder, put them in order in terms of expiration date, and write your shopping list based on what coupons you have available. Also, search online for coupons for things that you need but don’t have coupons for. You will find that many products have printable coupons available online.
You should also try and buy foods that you eat regularly. This can obviously only apply to frozen or non-perishable items, but if you find a good deal on something that you buy frequently, buy more of it! Furthermore, buy items such as diapers, wipes, formula, deodorant, shampoo, etc. in bulk. Find them on sale, or use coupons, you’d be surprised how much not having to buy deodorant or shampoo on the regular basis can save you, and if you fall upon extreme hard times, having a stock pile of say, soap, or deodorant, would definitely be more preferable, than not.
Grow Your Own Food
Of course, this is no easy task but this could by far be the most important tip for a struggling mom. Rather than going for broke trying to feed you and your family, you can grow a small garden of fruits and vegetables in your own backyard. This is becoming more and more common for even two-parent families, as the rising costs of food is leaving a bad taste in the mouths of most consumers. You can start small with an herb garden, or work to set aside a whole plot of land for a full garden with an array of your favorite veggies and fruits. Although it will be challenging, this is something that would eventually be very rewarding and is a project that you can even do with your kids.
Shop at Thrift Stores
This may be a tough pill to swallow for some, but thrift can be an excellent location to pick up things such as gym shoes, summer clothing, or even things like lamps or book shelves. Although it may take some pride swallowing for some, thrift stores can be an extremely beneficial tool for the penny-pinching single mom. Just be prepared to spend some time searching through there inventory. They have almost everything you can think of, and may not always be the most organized places, but with some patience and persistence you can usually find almost exactly what you’re looking for.
Barter
This may sound a little odd, but could be essential to survival during even the most extreme of times. The key to this is trading services you can offer for services that someone else can offer. For instance, you could trade some hair styling, or sewing services, for something like child care. This will not only save you some cash, but could be vital in terms of catching up on bills or needing to free up extra money for things like gas, or food.
Above all, just bear in mind that nothing is permanent. Life is a cycle and you need the rain so that you can have enough water to grow when the sunshine returns.
Sources
Despues, Desiree. "Stress and Illness." California State University, Northridge. Spring 1999. Web. 30 Mar. 2011.
Cohen et. al. (1998). "Type of Stressors That Increase Susceptibility to the Common Cold in Healthy Adults." Health Psychology, 17(3):214-233.
Venus Lockett - A multifaceted, wide eyed, studier of the universe, Venus has always used her natural knack for writing and deep love for word play as a ...
Join the Conversation