It’s no secret that being a single mom is tough. Not only do you have to juggle all of the responsibilities that come with being a parent, but you also have to do it without the help of a partner. It’s no wonder that so many single moms struggle with depression and other mental health issues. I suffered from depression for over 20 years before I got help. I hope you won’t wait that long!
But how do does a single mom fall into depression in the first place? Here are a few reasons.
Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.
Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.
She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.
We are a month into 2022 (as of this writing). How is it going so far? Hopefully you are still feeling a sense of newness and possibilities. Here are 5 Steps to Personal and Financial Success in 2022:
Forget Resolutions
I don’t do resolutions but i set my intention for my life. This year I made a simple list in my notes app that I can look at every day. I also have my digital vision board on my phone, laptop, and tablet as my background. Here is a quick tutorial on how I did it in Canva.
Create a Vision Instead
This is how I set myself up for success. I also practice raising my vibration so I live in more positive mindset and energy. There are things that irritate me and throws me into a fits of rage like rude drivers but I’ve learned how to keep that from ruining my entire day. I’ve learned how to recover quickly and return to a higher vibration.
I also practice the law of attraction, meditation, and affirmations daily. I have grown to believe that everything and everybody is for me not against me. I believe that I can have anything I want in life. I believe there is plenty in this world so there is more than enough. This belief system is something I cultivated over time so it didn’t happen over night.
Create a Plan
It was a process of reading, taking notes, watching videos, listening to audio books, journaling, and practicing what I learned. My life changed from being a struggling and depressed single mom to a thriving and happy woman with amazing kids. See the difference?
It’s not rocket science but it does take commitment to self development. That’s kind of hard because we try so hard to get acceptance and approval from other people but we don’t give it to ourselves. That is backwards and counter-productive.
Make Self-Care Priority
This is where radical self-care, willingness to be a little more selfish, and breaking the cycle of codependent relationships comes in. This is where you decide that your mental and emotional health are priority and that you are worth the effort.
It’s easy to get trapped in the cycle of frustration, despair, confusion, and depression. It feels like nothing will ever work out and you will always struggle with money, relationships, and your mental health.
Commit to Becoming the Best Version of Yourself
Fortunately, all this can change. Again it takes commitment to your self-development to get from struggling to thriving. You just have to decide you want it even if you don’t feel like you can do it. Even if you don’t feel like you are worth it. Even if you feel like changing your circumstances is too hard. Just make the decision that you will commit to becoming the best version of yourself. That’s all.
The next step will be waiting on the other side of your decision. You’ve got this!
To help you start this process download the Radical Self-Care Planner here. Use the code NEWYOU2022 for 50% off until January 31.
Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.
Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.
She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.
Road trips are a blast, but they can also be complicated, especially with kids in tow. Unless you’re flying by the seat of your pants (so to speak), you’ll have to set an itinerary, work out the details of how long it’ll take to get from one place to the next, and, of course, budget and save for the whole thing.
Budgeting can be the most difficult part of planning — a fact that became even more true in 2020, with fluctuating prices, limited options, and safety factors all put into play by the pandemic.
There’s a lot to juggle when you’re budgeting for a vacation, but it’s far from impossible, and you don’t need to let money concerns spoil your fun. When planning for your road trip, take the following steps to make sure it’s a success — and not a source of financial stress.
1. Save up ahead of time
If you’ve got a tight household budget, you may not have much wiggle room — unless you’ve got a vacation savings plan built in. Which you should.
Set aside a little each month to save up for your road trip. It’s impossible to know exactly how much it’ll cost far in advance (especially with gas prices fluctuating and the cost of accommodations in flux). But you can map out a general budget, then set aside a little extra in case of emergencies.
When you leave will likely depend on how much you save, so if you’ve set a specific target date (or scheduled your vacation with the boss), you’ll have to be diligent about sticking to your pre-trip budget. Otherwise, you might have to shorten your trip, pick a different route, or, worse, wait ‘til next year.
2. Map out your route
How much you budget (and spend) will depend at least in part on where you plan to go. Road trips are great because they can cost less than buying an airline ticket, and you can see a lot of things you’d just be flying over otherwise.
Many of the most eye-catching and beautiful sights are visible from the side of the road, or with a short detour. There are many scenic highways from which to choose, all across the country, with plenty of opportunities for “oohs” and “ahs” and making photographic memories.
Take your camera (or camera phone) and be on the lookout for breathtaking overlooks from mountain roads, historic bridges with majestic arches — even in this U.S., some are nearly a century old — timeless forests, or gigantic rock formations.
3. Give your vehicle a checkup
The last thing you and your budget need on a road trip is to have your car break down, so make sure its service record is up to date before you go.
Check the tread on your tires (you can use a coin to see where you stand) and replace them if any are too bare. Also, get an oil change and/or a tuneup — even if you aren’t quite due yet. You don’t want to have the oil light go on halfway through an extended trip and make you interrupt your fun with a few hours at a service station.
Take along an automotive tool kit, just in case you run into trouble despite your preparations. While you’re at it, make sure your car insurance is up to date and covers everything you need it to cover. Also, having a roadside assistance plan isn’t a bad idea for long trips.
4. Have a credit cushion
No matter how carefully you plan, something can always go wrong. Be prepared to roll with Murphy’s Law by making sure you’ve got enough credit to handle the unexpected. You may even have credit problems, but don’t let that stop you from taking your trip.
You can secure a fixed amount of credit on a card by depositing a few hundred dollars in an account to cover emergency expenses, if need be. With this kind of card, your deposit amount will be your credit limit, so you can’t go over. It’s another form of budgeting that helps you build your credit as you go.
5. Stock up before you drive off
Taking your own supplies on the road became a common practice during the pandemic. Disinfectant wipes, masks, and hand sanitizer became must-have supplies. It’s also become routine to stock up on food, water, and other essentials before departing — since the fewer stops you make, the less likely you are to come into contact with someone who has the virus.
Even as conditions improve and restrictions are lifting, these are good habits to maintain. Grabbing granola bars, water, soft drinks, snacks, and essential items before you leave will save you time and money: It’s a lot cheaper at your home grocery store than at a convenience store along the way.
6. Look for deals on gas, lodging
Discounts are always worth pursuing, regardless of your budget. Why pay more than you have to? There are plenty of tools to help with that. Download an app to find the cheapest gas and qualify for deals, or grab a loyalty discount card from a chain you trust.
Hotels offer preferred-customer deals, too. Some travel apps give you a free night after you’ve reserved 10 nights through their service, and hotel chains offer similar deals for repeat customers.
Budgeting for a road trip doesn’t have to be a headache. Just the opposite: It can save you headaches down the road. If you know how to find deals, prevent trouble, and put yourself in good financial shape ahead of time, there’s no reason your road trip can’t be full of awesomeness.
Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.
Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.
She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.
That is the mantra I’ve been repeating to myself for the last few days. The results?
Today I got a $20 bill and a check for $1.62 in the mail. Small? Sure. But it’s just the tip of the iceberg for the money that will flow into my life in the next few days.
Yesterday I got $99 to do a job.
Two days ago I got $13 for a product order. I also got another large order for my Blyss Body Butter product totaling $249 plus shipping.
Your life will go in the direction of your words so make your words work for you. Use Mantras!
Why have I been attracting or manifesting this money? Because I set my intention by repeating my mantra . It’s not rocket science (though I did work for NASA for five years) but it is about belief.
Will I manifest more money? I’m certain of it because I believe and I’m adding action to my belief.
The amounts I’ve attracted are just the tip of the iceberg. They are just the beginning of bigger money manifestations.
Can Mantras Manifest Other Things?
Can this work with other things? What about jobs? relationships? health? I believe it can work with all these things.
Our mind, body, and spirit are connected. What we feel in one of them is felt in all of them. They are one, just as the Trinity or Godhead are one. What one believes the others agree with so we must be mindful of what we speak and how we feel.
Our mind, body, and spirit are connected. What we feel in one of them is felt in all of them. They are one, just as the Trinity or Godhead are one.
I speak my mantras out loud. They are little prayers. Not for God to be convinced but for me; my mind, body, and spirit to be convinced and fall in line with God’s plan, favor, and blessings.
My Mantras Manifested a Man!
I believe I manifested my sweetheart. He did not show up until I believed there was someone out there especially for me. When I repeated my mantra prayers I set the intention and opened my heart. I put it “out there” that I was ready to receive all the love my heart could hold.
I put it “out there” that I was ready to receive all the love my heart could hold.
He walked into my life shortly afterwards. Interestingly enough, we didn’t start dating until two years later so that goes to show the power of your prayers, your intention, or your mantras.
When you believe your words become life. Whether you are completely ready for it or not.
The truth is we manifest things everyday. They can be positive like, “Money flows into my life effortlessly” or they can be negative like, “I never get a good parking spot”.
We get what we say we want and what we feel we deserve. It doesn’t matter how often you think about using mantras. You are using them every single day. Your words are little prayers and God, the universe, and your body hears them. They respond and conspire to make your mantras manifest or your prayers answered.
This post is getting long but I wanted to share the power of your words to bring your desires to reality. There is nothing woo woo about it. It’s all about perception and framing your experiences and beliefs.
I hope you will think more about what you are manifesting by your words. I hope you will re-frame your words and shape them into more positive experiences in the coming year.
How to Manifest Money with Mantras and Affirmations
Want to start using mantras and affirmations like I do to manifest money? Don’t know what words to use? Fortunately, I created a list of mantras and affirmations you can use to get started on this money manifesting journey. Download it here for free now.
Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.
Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.
She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.
Are you looking for part-time weekend jobs in your area? Indeed, millions of Americans are looking to make a little extra money by working on the weekends. They might need to supplement their income, keep themselves busy on weekends, among other reasons. Or, perhaps it’s a student who needs to earn a little extra money to help pay student loans. Fortunately, whatever the reason, there are many jobs you can do during the weekend.
What to Know about Seeking Part-Time Weekend Jobs
Weekend jobs are available for people that need to make a little part-time money on the side. Additionally, the rise of “work from home” options, remote work, and freelance gigs have created a broad range of opportunities for people who want to concentrate on their work during the weekend.
Nevertheless, these opportunities require a variety of education and skill levels. For example, many of these weekend jobs come with “no degree” requirements. And others require specific education. Regardless, if you’re looking for weekend job opportunities, there will undoubtedly be something for you on this list.
Let’s get started!
14. Freelance Writer/Editor
If you’re a freelance writer or editor, you can work part-time and make money. As a freelance writer, you can create content for websites, compose written material like business reports, direct marketing pieces, and featured articles.
A freelance editor also proofreads writing, corrects grammar, and modifies the copy, enhancing readability. The best thing about taking these jobs is that, in many instances, the work can get done during the weekends.
Freelance writers can earn upwards of $1 a word and more if they have specialized education (I.e., RN’s, MDs, Lawyers, etc.). Moreover, editors can earn upwards of $45/hr. However, one’s earning potential depends on the skills, deadline, and the type of work you do.
Most businesses want to represent their products and services they offer to the public via the internet. Web designers create web pages by creating and publishing content. And, they incorporate video and graphics into websites.
Getting hired as a web designer requires a knowledge of web authoring tools, writing, and other technical skills. Some freelance designers will partner with graphic designers and writers to complete their projects.
As a part-time web designer, most of the jobs can get completed over the weekend. Lastly, web designers can regularly expect to make upwards of $35 per hour.
Graphic designers play crucial roles in creating visual aspects of brochures, web pages, logos, advertisements, packaging, presentations, and reports. Also, Graphic designers translate client ideas into visual design. Designers need to possess aesthetic sensibility, creative abilities, and expertise to work with desktop design programs.
Graphic designers earn, on average, $29.55 per hour. However, rates will vary on factors such as the complexity of the job, and to a lesser degree, education. Regardless, working as a part-time freelance graphic designer on the weekend could be a huge opportunity to make money.
11. Tax Preparer
Many organizations will hire trained seasonal workers to help their clients in preparing tax returns. Often, the best time for customers who need tax assistance is on the weekend.
Folks looking to work as tax preparers, part-time and on the weekends, need only to get certified. And many online tax prep schools exist to fill the gap.
Tax preparers interview clients and obtain information about their income and expenses. And, for complex tax issues, you can always consult senior staff. If you work as a tax preparer on the weekend, you can earn an average hourly wage of $21 during the tax season.
10. Rideshare Driving
Those who have a late model car and personality can drive for rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber. These services enable drivers to work as much or as little as they want, especially during the weekends.
An advantage of working on the weekends is that customers need rides following outings for entertainment, shopping, theatres, restaurants, and bars.
So, many drivers have taken this opportunity to work for multiple services, which has helped them expand their making money opportunities.
However, if you want to take this opportunity during the weekend, you must be an excellent driver. You may use your car, which should be in good working condition, or ask for your friends’ car. Rideshare drivers can make over $10 an hour, depending on the day.
9. eBay/Amazon Seller
Online e-commerce platforms have created opportunities for many people. Amazon and eBay offer a venue for sellers to promote their products. While products get sold 24×7 on these platforms, these part-time weekend jobs are an opportunity for sellers to conduct their business. However, e-commerce sellers should always be ready to reply to customers within 24 hours.
Additionally, packaging, uploading listings, and mailing orders can get done on the weekend. Amazon and eBay will keep 10% to 15% for the procedure from sales.
Amazon and eBay sellers can make thousands a year, while some even over ten million dollars in a year. However, as is the norm, the more you work, the more you make. And don’t forget there are season peaks for online sales that correspond to the holiday shopping season.
8. Wedding Photographer/Videographer
Those with good camera skills and a flair for editing photographs (and videos) have an excellent opportunity to expand their reach. As weddings tend to take place during the weekend, wedding photographers/videographers can work part-time, while honing their skills.
Wedding photographers also have the opportunity to earn big money on the weekends. For example, some charge $2,000+ depending on the client or wedding needs.
7. Wedding Musician or DJ
If photography isn’t for you, consider becoming a wedding musician or DJ. As most weddings (and other parties) get held on weekends, it offers those looking for a part-time job an opportunity to make some good money.
Those who have the skills to play the role of a DJ or a musician can undoubtedly take advantage of the opportunity. However, DJs’/musicians need to remember to play the music that will satisfy the guests–otherwise, they risk not getting referrals. A wedding DJ’s can expect to make upwards of $1,495 for playing music, not bad!
Golf courses tend to be busiest on weekends, and therein lies an opportunity for those looking for a part-time job as a golf caddy, especially during the summer season.
Before anyone can work as a golf caddy, they need to know the equipment and approach different holes. Also, physical stamina is required as caddies usually walk the courses with the golf clubs.
Golf caddies earn anywhere between $20 – $50/hr depending on the course level, golfer, and tips received.
5. Healthcare Workers
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus, health care workers are in big demand. For example, there is a tremendous demand for nurses, especially per diem nurses. These nurses are needed to work on the weekend to supplement regular staff.
Registered nurses follow treatment plans, treat wounds, administer medications and monitor patients’ health status.
For the DIY crowd with ninja-like repair skills, handy people (man/woman) can earn some good money. Since many people lack time to learn simple repair skills, handy people can fill this need, part-time and on the weekends. A handy person might get tasked with installing a light fixture, minor carpentry, repairing drywall, light plumbing work, or painting.
The best handy people can charge upwards of $50/hr. However, they’d get best advised always to try and please the customer as best as possible. This way, they’ll stay busy with referrals.
3. Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives (CSRs) communicate with customers online or by phone to answer their questions and solve problems. CSRs also educate consumers regarding the effective use of their clients’ products or services. For instance, technical support workers solve software, computer, or hardware-related problems.
Before taking this weekend job, CSRs should be patient and possess strong listening abilities, problem-solving skills, and verbal communication.
Considering CSR’s can usually work from home, they can often perform these jobs on a part-time basis and on the weekends.
2. Retail Sales Rep.
The weekend is the time that people shop when they are off work. As a result, stores in various sectors will hire part-time people, on the weekend. Retail sales reps require strong customer service skills, and attention to detail will go a long way.
Additionally, as more shoppers enter the store, the more the products get sold. As a result, there’s also a demand for people to restock the shelves.
Retail sales reps earn about $12+ an hour. Statistics also show that in a typical (non-pandemic) year, there are nearly 10 million retail jobs, which means it’s an excellent opportunity to earn an income.
1. Bartenders
Bars are often busiest on the weekends.
Weekend events such as weddings, birthday parties, etc., provide weekend based opportunities. In 2018, there were 644,000 bartender jobs in America. And once the pandemic is over, there’s no doubt the situation will improve.
Bartenders require the skills and knowledge to mix drinks while having good listening abilities, a lively personality, and quality customer service skills.
Bartenders also earn most of their income from tips. So, in terms of compensation, some can earn up to $500 a night.
The Bottom Line on Part-Time Weekend Jobs
As you have seen, these are among the best part-time weekend jobs you can start right away. If supplementing your weekly income is important, consider a position where you can use your skills and knowledge to make some extra money.
Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.
Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.
She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.
Hi! Welcome to RichSingleMomma.com. I started this website almost a decade ago because I couldn't find any blogs back then that helped single moms with money. I was having some success in that area so I decided to share what I knew about side hustles, making extra money, and managing money. Read more...
