If you are a single mum, you already know our strongest feat — balancing parenting, work, bills, and the emotional load of doing it all on your own. Many wonder how you survive financially as a single mum, and honestly, sometimes... The post How to Actually Survive Financially As A Single Mum first appeared on Beanstalk Mums.
If you are a single mum, you already know our strongest feat — balancing parenting, work, bills, and the emotional load of doing it all on your own. Many wonder how you survive financially as a single mum, and honestly, sometimes it’s hard to explain even to yourself.
Surviving financially as a single mum can feel like a never-ending uphill climb. I’ve been there. When I became a single parent, I had zero clue how I’d cover the rent, let alone buy school shoes or birthday presents for my girls. But slowly, I started to piece together a plan. With a budget, a few clever side hustles, and a whole lot of learning, I began to take control of my finances.
This is a practical guide from one single mother to another. If you’re feeling stuck, low on savings, and wondering how to survive, this one’s for you.
How to Survive Financially as a Single Mum: Practical Tips That Help
1. Know Your Numbers: Start With a Single Mum Budget
The first step in surviving financially as a single mum is knowing exactly where your money goes. I was shocked when I added up how much I spent on takeaways and last-minute Woollies runs.
Sit down and go through your bank account. Create a realistic budget that covers rent, utility bills, groceries, and transport. Don’t forget irregular expenses like car insurance or birthdays. Once I had a clearer picture, I knew where I could cut back, and I even managed to set aside money for an emergency fund.
2. Tap Into Financial Support for Single Mums
You’re not alone. There’s financial help out there, especially for low-income families. When I was unable to work full-time due to a lack of childcare, I applied for Centrelink payments and the Single Parenting Payment. There are also other forms of financial support available—rent assistance, childcare subsidies, and school fee relief. Reach out to a financial advisor or your local council. Sometimes you just need to know what to ask for to get the help you deserve.
3. Find a Side Hustle on Online Platforms That Works Around Parenting
When I needed extra money but couldn’t take on a 9-to-5 job, I turned to a side hustle. My passion for crafting became my little Etsy store, which I ran in the evenings after the kids were asleep. Even if crafting’s not your thing, there are online platforms for tutoring, freelance work, or even selling second-hand goods. You only need a few hours a week to build a portfolio and bring in some additional cash.
4. My Fave Tip to Survive Financially as a Single Mum: Budget Like a Boss
I used to avoid my finances like the COVID-19 virus. But being a single parent meant I had to grow up fast. A solid budget gave me something I could rely on, especially when my cash flow got tight. Use free budget apps or just a spreadsheet. I include everything, right down to kids’ haircuts and school photo days. When you track your spending regularly, it’s easier to spot leaks and stay on top of your financial situation.
5. Prioritise Needs Over Wants (Even When It’s Hard)
As a single mum, saying “no” to things, birthday parties, new toys, dinners out, is one of the hardest parts. But to survive financially, I had to prioritise. Now, we still have fun, but we do it on the cheap: free events, park picnics, and second-hand treasures from the op shop. I’ve learned that kids don’t remember what you spent. What they remember is the time you get to spend with them; as the younger generations would say, the “core memories.”
Bonus Tips: How to Survive Financially as a Single Mum
Get Smart with Credit and Loans
If you are a single mother, chances are you’ve had to rely on credit cards or loans at some point. I’ve been there too, and the stress of repayments can feel like a weight on your shoulders. If you’re stuck in debt, talk to a financial advisor or your bank. There might be options to consolidate, reduce interest, or pause payments temporarily. Be honest about your financial difficulties. There’s no shame in asking for a hand when you’re doing it all on your own.
Accept Help (And Ditch the Guilt)
This one’s big. I used to feel embarrassed asking for help from friends, family, or my ex-partner. But you are a single person doing the job of two. Accepting help isn’t a weakness but a smart survival move. Whether it’s a friend offering to babysit, your parents giving a lump sum, or your ex paying alimony, take what’s offered. Every bit of support lets you catch your breath, and that’s essential when you’re trying to survive financially as a single mum.
FAQs: How to Survive Financially as a Single Mum
1. How do I Maximise What I’ve Got Even If It’s Not Much?
One of my biggest mindset shifts was learning to work with what I had. On a low income, I had to get creative. I changed utility providers, negotiated with my landlord, and shopped smarter. Meal planning and batch cooking also helped stretch my budget. I even sold a few unused items online for extra cash and put the earnings into our savings. I came to realise that little wins count when you’re living off one income.
2. How Do I Make Room for Savings?
When I first started saving, I could only manage $10 a week. But over time, I built a small emergency fund, and that gave me so much peace of mind. Now, I try to set aside whatever I can, even if it’s just spare change. Automate your savings if possible. That way, the money’s gone before you can spend it. Even small contributions add up, and they’re a lifesaver when unexpected costs pop up (like that sudden school camp or broken laptop).
3. Can I Rebuild My Career on My Terms and Still Survive Financially as a Single Mum?
After getting divorced, I had to leave my old job. But over time, I found a part-time role that worked with my childcare schedule. Eventually, that turned into a full-time opportunity. If you’re looking to earn more, consider upskilling or looking for a new job that fits around your kids. There are online courses, free webinars, and even podcasts tailored to working mums. Don’t be afraid to aim high, as your circumstances don’t define your potential.
Final Thoughts: How Do Single Mothers Survive Financially?
If you’re a single mother staring down the bills and wondering how you’ll get through another week, I see you. It’s not easy, and the emotional toll can weigh heavier than the financial issues. But I promise you, there’s hope. Little steps matter. A better budget, a well-timed part-time job, or a simple conversation with a financial advisor can spark real change. I’ve made it work with late nights, mismatched socks, and coffee-fuelled spreadsheets, and you can too.
You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to keep going. Because you’re a single parent, and that already makes you incredibly strong.
The post How to Actually Survive Financially As A Single Mum first appeared on Beanstalk Mums.
