By: LaToya Lester
With the economy in despair many people are looking to take on a
side job. This is especially true for single parents. Meeting the
responsibilities of parenting alone and making enough money to pay the
bills is a real challenge. There just is not enough time in the day to
take care of child and work a second job. The internet provides many
side job opportunities for a single parent to make some extra money.
One of these options is content mills. Content mills are websites that purchase articles from writers like yourself, typically for a flat fee.
Here are some popular content mills:
1.Textbroker
2. Demand Studios
3. Associated Content
4. WiseGeek
5. PureContent
These are just a few sites that allow you to write for money. Keep in mind that content mills are by far on the lower-end of the freelancing job market. These companies typically pay a set rate per article or word depending on your writing level but with just a few hours a day, a single parent can create a second income to help pad a tight budget.
Overall, content mills allow a person to be flexible with their time and
still meet their responsibilities as a parent while making extra money
to take care of their children.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
If Expensive Vacations Are Not an Option This Year, Try a Daycation
By: LaToya Lester
As a single parent, it can be difficult to be able to get away on a
long vacation. Often times, time constraints and work obligations make
it nearly impossible to take any substatial time away from home.
Vacations can often be expensive as well, and it may not be possible to
spend thousands on airfare, car rentals, food and hotels. Needless to
say, not being able to get away from time to time can lead to built up
stress, which can create tension and negativitiy within the home.
One wonderful idea for single parents to relax and destress would be to consider a "daycation." Daycations can often be done on a weekend and do not require hours of travel across country. The idea of a daycation is to be able to provide a much needed "getaway," not only for the parent, but for the children as well.
One excellent example of a daycation would be to plan a day at a beach. One does not need to live near an ocean to do this, as a day at the lake would be just as fun. Having a picnic and bringing a cooler full of snacks and drinks would not only cut down on the cost, but would create wonderful family memories as well. Building sandcastles, or collecting interesting rocks or seashells can be relaxing and can also be great momentos for kids to take home.
If a beach or lake getaway is not an option, trips to local museums can be a wonderful way to get out of the house and relax. Another great idea would be to pitch a tent in the backyard and go "camping" with the kids! The best memories can be created sitting around a campfire (or flashlights) telling scary ghost stories and roasting marshmallows.
There are many ways that a single parent can unwind and destress with the kids, without spending much money. All it takes is a weekend and a little creative thinking. It truly is possible to create cherished family memories without breaking the bank!
One wonderful idea for single parents to relax and destress would be to consider a "daycation." Daycations can often be done on a weekend and do not require hours of travel across country. The idea of a daycation is to be able to provide a much needed "getaway," not only for the parent, but for the children as well.
One excellent example of a daycation would be to plan a day at a beach. One does not need to live near an ocean to do this, as a day at the lake would be just as fun. Having a picnic and bringing a cooler full of snacks and drinks would not only cut down on the cost, but would create wonderful family memories as well. Building sandcastles, or collecting interesting rocks or seashells can be relaxing and can also be great momentos for kids to take home.
If a beach or lake getaway is not an option, trips to local museums can be a wonderful way to get out of the house and relax. Another great idea would be to pitch a tent in the backyard and go "camping" with the kids! The best memories can be created sitting around a campfire (or flashlights) telling scary ghost stories and roasting marshmallows.
There are many ways that a single parent can unwind and destress with the kids, without spending much money. All it takes is a weekend and a little creative thinking. It truly is possible to create cherished family memories without breaking the bank!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Building an Emergency Fund
By: LaToya Lester
It's not an impossible task for a single parent to build an emergency fund for long-term protection for his or her family members they are charged with providing love and care. Actually it's a pretty good idea for anyone. That said the common sense question to be asked and answered is do they have the mental discipline to honor the fund? Since it's conceptually different from a savings bank account where you're drawing a meager interest rate, is it really possible not to "dip-into" the emergency fund for reasons other than the original purpose intended?
There are several successful methods that can be and have been used to begin building a single parent emergency fund. Here are a few of the usual suspects that come to mind:
#1 - Certificates of Deposits. The rates may not be anything to write home about, but at least you're saving some money each year.
#2 - A large jar set aside at home where you can toss all of your loose change every day or night you come home. You'll find it can add-up rather quickly.
#3 - Start your emergency fund thinking: "small, “even if it's just $20 bucks out of each paycheck.
#4 - Treat your emergency fund as if it were a "bill" to be paid each month. When paying your usual monthly bills, pay your emergency fund $5 dollars, too; more if you can afford it.
#5 - Think $1.00 bills, not $10's or $20's. Each day or night when you get home, take a peek in your wallet or purse, dig out all your $1.00 dollar bills, and stuff them in your emergency fund jar.
#6 - If you drive an older car, dump collision and comprehensive, increase your liability
coverage, and put the $$$$$$$ in your emergency fund.
It's not an impossible task for a single parent to build an emergency fund for long-term protection for his or her family members they are charged with providing love and care. Actually it's a pretty good idea for anyone. That said the common sense question to be asked and answered is do they have the mental discipline to honor the fund? Since it's conceptually different from a savings bank account where you're drawing a meager interest rate, is it really possible not to "dip-into" the emergency fund for reasons other than the original purpose intended?
There are several successful methods that can be and have been used to begin building a single parent emergency fund. Here are a few of the usual suspects that come to mind:
#1 - Certificates of Deposits. The rates may not be anything to write home about, but at least you're saving some money each year.
#2 - A large jar set aside at home where you can toss all of your loose change every day or night you come home. You'll find it can add-up rather quickly.
#3 - Start your emergency fund thinking: "small, “even if it's just $20 bucks out of each paycheck.
#4 - Treat your emergency fund as if it were a "bill" to be paid each month. When paying your usual monthly bills, pay your emergency fund $5 dollars, too; more if you can afford it.
#5 - Think $1.00 bills, not $10's or $20's. Each day or night when you get home, take a peek in your wallet or purse, dig out all your $1.00 dollar bills, and stuff them in your emergency fund jar.
#6 - If you drive an older car, dump collision and comprehensive, increase your liability
coverage, and put the $$$$$$$ in your emergency fund.
Guide to Single Parent Finances
By: LaToya Lester
Many newly-single parents are blindsided by the financial aspects of raising a child. However, following a few basic principles can help any parent develop a fail-proof plan of personal finance management.
Organize priorities. Decide what is most important and arrange your schedule based on that. As with most families, no matter their structure, paying the bills for basic needs like housing, food, utilities, and transportation are the most pressing concerns. Make a list of monthly expenses, along with those that occur less often, like car maintenance or school clothes. See how much discretionary income remains for non-essential but valuable expenses, such as recreational activities.
Set up a budget. Single-parent households must be extra careful to balance needs with wants, since there is no second parent to help with expenses. There are many software applications that can help you develop a realistic budget that can be easily followed and updated.
Maintain employment stability. Don't give up a current job unless you have found another, except for true emergencies. Do your best at work to create a professional image and willingness to learn. Those kinds of employees get noticed by supervisors and may be offered raises, bonuses, or promotions. Their quality work performance earns top-notch annual review, and that helps to ensure job security.
Child support and alimony. If you receive child support, remember that any change in your ex's financial situation may impact your income as well. If the child's father gets a raise, you may be entitled to an increase in child support.
Plan for the future. Child support will eventually end when the children come of legal age, so you will need to revise your household budget when that happens. Downsizing to a smaller home or condo may help to offset loss of income. College expenses for a child should be considered, too, and both parents should plan for that.
With a minimal investment of planning and effort, single parents can learn to become successful money managers to meet their family's budgetary needs now and in the future.
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