Single Mom’s Guide to Going Back to School: How to Navigate the Process

by | Nov 21, 2008

Part of the wealth building process may include getting more education. More education usually means more money earned in the long term. A college graduate earns more than a high school graduate. The higher the degree level the more money you can make.

So what can an adult going back to school expect? What are the costs? Can you get your mind in study mode? What should you study? These are all valid questions that can be answered with the help of a college advisor or someone who has been down that path.

The first step through this process is to decide what you want to be when you grow up. What has always been your passion? What are your interests? What have you always dreamed of becoming? The answers to these questions will give you the first clues to deciding on a major and minor. From there you can evaluate the college websites that are in your neighborhood or online. With many college programs going virtual you don’t have to worry about leaving your home to get the education you need. This fits in well with the responsibilities that single moms have. (more…)

A Tale of Two Kids and One Crazy Mommy!

by | Nov 20, 2008

AJ, my, darling son, almost lost his “son” privileges this morning. He was fussing about having to wipe up some juice. He didn’t spill it (I think I did accidentally) and he shouldn’t have to get it up. He was the one who discovered it.

I told him to get it up because we all live here and have to help out. He got made and said he didn’t want to live here (at my house) any more. I told him that was fine and that he should find someone to go home with today because I wouldn’t be picking him up (hehe).

He looked a bit confused and nervous then he went to get some juice. I made him put it back because since he was no longer living here he couldn’t have any of my food. This was upsetting for him. (more…)

Side Hustle Series – Bake Up Some Profits

by | Nov 19, 2008

With the holiday season ramping it now is the time to use your baking skills to earn some extra Christmas money. If you make exceptional cakes, cookies, and/or pies you are one of the few people that will be in demand. Not everyone can bake and the thousands of people around you with a sweet tooth will beat down your door once they find out that you can bake.

How do you get started? Make some samples and place them in the employee, teacher, or nurses’ lounge. Put your baked goods where people gather and leave a note letting people know how to get more. You could give out samples as an early holiday gift, sort of a holiday kickoff things. Attach your business card (make some up), brochure, or mini-flier to the package.

You will have to come up with a system to take orders and deliver your product. Another option is to bake up a batch of cookies, brownies, or other easy to bake and take item and sell them from you office desk or locker.

If you are daring place a classified ad on Craigslist.org, Backpage.com, or Kijiji.com. You can also sell your goodies (the baked ones) on eBay. They have a classified ad option for $10 that will remain on the site and searchable for 30 days. That’s not a bad value at all!

So there you have it. Another side hustle idea that you can run away with. Tweak it and make it yours. Let me know how it works out for you.

Single Mom’s Guide to Free (Low-cost) Food

by | Nov 14, 2008

During this time of year in the US most people focus on the holidays and eating. Everything is very festive and the spirit of giving is at an all time high. Unfortunately there are many who do not have the extra money to have a nice spread of food. Fortunately there are organizations that help ease the burden by providing free or low-cost food baskets to those in need.

Food Pantries Blog – this website lists food banks across America. It is updated manually so be sure to check back often. The food banks are listed by state and cities. You will likely find something near you.

Angel Food Ministries (this program has closed) – Angel food ministries runs a monthly program. (more…)

Single Mom’s Guide to Bargain Christmas Gifts

by | Nov 13, 2008

I went to Target yesterday to browse. I really like the store and may become a convert if things over at Wally-World gets too crazy. But that’s another article.

Anyway their $1 section is so tempting. The cute little things they have make me what to buy one of each. It’s too easy to spend $50 in that one part of the store. Right now they have there holiday items out. I figure that I can get all the kids in my family two or more gifts easily.

My daughter loves dogs (she’s playing with the idea of being a Vet) and they have so many cute puppy items. There were calendars, pens, pencils, magnets, and notepads. I was tempted to get all of them for her (I love giving gifts) but I have to remember that Christmas will be here soon so I need to just wait.

I did get her a calendar (she was thrilled) and bought a pack of six magnets with pictures of adorable puppies on them. The will be her dogs until we get a real one in the future. I also got my son a couple of $1 books because he is getting into the reading thing.

What did I get for myself? A bra… I know not very exciting but I can never have too many. So I’ll be going back to Target next week to stock up on Christmas gifts for the kids in my life.

With Christmas just around the corner now is the time to get out and get those gifts (while the supply is still good). Of course there is always Black Friday, but if you are like me and hate crowds do your shopping now.

There are other places to get low cost gifts (they will never know it cost $1). Run on over to your local Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and any other “dollar” store. Most kids are more concerned about quantity versus quality so don’t be so concerned about buying those overly priced toys (that they will break the same day). Spend that money on several small gifts and watch them scream with glee because they got so much.

Happy Shopping!