Grants Sources for Single Mom
By · CommentsGoing to school and being responsible for providing for a child is difficult, but it can be done. You have options and in this day and age the opportunities are greater because of the internet.
I’ve included several sources of grants and scholarships for women below. This is a very general list. Some of the information may be repeated but look through them all anyway.
Have you considered going to school online? What about a program that offers in person studies and online studies so you only have to go to the actual school part time? As for working, perhaps you can find a work-study job or something on campus.
http://www.collegescholarships.org/grants/women.htm
http://www.ehow.com/list_5799514_education-working-women-returning-college.html
http://www.free-4u.com/women1.htm
http://www.fundsnetservices.com/women.htm
Remember, you have to do the research and apply early. I know it’s a pain but it’s worth it in the end. Also, bug your financial-aid officer at your college every week for new opportunities. They have the best information and can guide you.
If you are not already, get temporary governement assistance until you are finished with school. There will be plenty of opportunities to give back through taxes when you are working full time after school. There is no shame in getting help for a legitimate need.
If food is a concern, contact local food banks through churches and other non-profit organizations. Things are tight all over but you can still find help. Use coupons and buy items that are on sale in the store circular. Go to consignment shops for clothes and thrift stores for furniture. Go to the dollar store for inexpensive school supplies, etc.
Just don’t lay down and give up. There is always a workable solution. Also check into dependent care services on campus.
All the best and much success!
Samantha a.k.a. Rich Single Momma
Author, 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood
The Power and Beauty of Reinvention
By · CommentsI am the queen of reinvention it seems. I reinvent my life every 5 years or so. Why? Because it’s necessary for growth and moving to the next level in life.
For many, starting their lives over is the scariest thing in the world. Why do it? How can a person just stop in mid stream and change course? For me it’s the only way to feed my need for variety, self-development, and as I said before, movement to the next level.
This reinvention happens after a major crisis takes place in my life. Usually after I’ve made a mess of things and correct course. For some people (me included) it’s hard to learn from other people’s experience. We are experimental people.
We must get down in the mud and play. It may be dangerous, exciting, risky, or any other number of descriptive words. The point is living life on the sidelines taking notes doesn’t make sense when you can get in the game.
In the course of living problems come up. Stuff happens. The key is to learn from it and move on, either going in the same direction or changing course. In my life, I change course.
I move, change jobs, cut or color my hair, or adjust my attitude and thinking. All the while I am thinking about what happened, learning the lesson, and resolving to do things different the next time.
The area of life I have the most challenge is my relationships. It has taken much longer to learn the lessons in this area of life than the others.
I don’t know why, but matters of the heart, no matter what kind of woman you are, affects deeply. Fortunately I’m learning my truth and what works for me. It’s been a course in self-discovery, which has been quite painful; but that is what life’s all about.
The thing about self-discovery and the power of reinvention is, when I’m an old lady, I’ll have many stories to tell my grandchildren. I’ll have wisdom to pass on and will be able to wipe away their tears, assuring them they will be fine; because I’ve been there….
All the best and much success!
Samantha a.k.a. Rich Single Momma
Author, 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood
My 2010 New Year’s Goals and 10-Year Plan
By · CommentsEvery year I make the choice to create goals for the New Year. This year is no different but I’ve included one, five, and 10 year goals. (I’m not into resolutions because they are more like wishes rather than concrete goals.)
Here’s a peek into my plans:
In five years I will be 44 years old my daughter will be 18 and my son will be 14. In 10 years I will be 48 years old my daughter will be 23 and my son will be 19. In looking at the ages of myself and my children I can gauge where I will be in life and can make plans accordingly. It’s not secret that women are relationship oriented so this method works for me because my children are a central part of my life.
So in five years I will Read More→
All the best and much success!
Samantha a.k.a. Rich Single Momma
Author, 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood
It’s My Birthday! Grab Your Gift!
By · CommentsFor some single moms, birthdays are incredibly difficult. There is no significant other to plan a special birthday celebration for you. The kids might be too young to do anything that will bring a bit of joy for your day. As much as you appreciate their effort (if they are old enough to understand), it still doesn’t compare to the thoughtfulness of that special someone.
Today is my birthday and I don’t have a special someone. My kids are old enough to understand and wish me a happy birthday, but they are not old enough to plan a huge celebration. My 13 year old daughter is sweet enough to treat me to dinner with her saved allowance but getting to the destination and paying for my son falls on me.
A few years ago I decided to treat myself extremely well on my birthday. Before the kids were old enough and had allowance, I took myself out to lunch or dinner. I went to a movie and bought myself something nice. I changed my attitude about the day and it’s made a big difference. Depression doesn’t cloud my door. Instead I am filled with gratitude to God for loving me and keeping me alive.
I thank my parents for giving me life. I tell all my friends how much I love them because without them my life would be kind of empty. At the end of the day I go to bed smiling because I’ve had such a great day. The cool thing is everyone joins in wishing me a happy birthday because they see how positive I am.
I don’t get a bunch of cool gifts but I get a lot of warmth and love. I know when I finally meet a wonderful man, he will shower me with more love (and lots of gifts), which will just be the icing on my birthday cake!
If you haven’t seen the gift I have for you in my Rich Single Momma Community blog post, go and grab it. It just might be the best gift you receive this year, because it will have an impact that lasts a lifetime! NOTE: Sign in or Sign up to get the gift.
What do you do on your birthday? How do you celebrate? What could you do to make it better?
All the best and much success!
Samantha a.k.a. Rich Single Momma
Author, 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood
Happy New Year! Happy Finances!
By · Comments
Many people begin the new year with resolutions to improve their finances. It could be we want to increase, save, or invest the money in our lives. This is a great resolution but too often we fall short.
It’s not enough to wish for better, happier finances but to plan for the financial future you want. How do you plan? Start by writing, with pen on paper, what you want to do. Want to save $500 for an emergency fund? Write it down. Want to get a raise? Write down how much you need. Want to make money on the side? Write down how much extra you need per week, month, or year.
Next, review your goals each day and begin taking action. This is the first step to keeping your resolution. So start right now.
The Forum is now open in the Rich Single Momma Community (Free Membership Access)
To start off the new year I have opened the Forums in the Rich Single Momma community. Community is all about you so now you have the opportunity to let your voice be heard.
What are some of your most pressing financial needs?
What do you want to learn about saving, investing, and making more money?
What are your financial goals for 2010?
These and other topics are ready fo you to dive into. The more we discuss these issues the more support we will feel as we move toward happier finances 
All the best and much success!
Samantha a.k.a. Rich Single Momma
Author, 100 Secrets of Successful Single Motherhood
