There Can Be Risk in All Sorts of Choices

As single parents, many of us often find ourselves trying to do anything we can to minimize and reduce risk. After all, life can feel so precarious much of the time and any safety and security we can create really feels like a good thing. I do think it is important to remember, however, that we have to step outside that safety zone if we are going to stimulate growth and accept the inevitable changes. Most choices—even the best and safest ones—have an element of risk… Let us think this thing through—think of times when you have made a change … Continue reading

An Endless Financial Struggle?

For many single parents, it can feel as though there is just never enough money. No matter how hard you work or how many hours or how many jobs, the income just cannot cover the expenses. No matter how frugally you try to live or how hard you might fight to collect child support or get help with the expenses, it can feel like an endless struggle. Does it have to be this way? Do we have to feel like we are on a nonstop treadmill of financial stress? Yesterday, I asked the question “Does the recession have you worried?” … Continue reading

Gearing up for Financial Risk

The most financial stable single parents I know tend to be pretty frugal people. I know in my own case, my frugality and care with my finances as a single parent have kept a roof over my family’s head and food on the table during some financially precarious times. Because we get so used to keeping a tight hold on the purse strings, it can be tough to let go a little and take some financial risks–make large purchases, invest money, diversify our finances, etc. It can take some of us some time to get used to the idea and … Continue reading

Talking About Finances with Your Kids

My experience as a single parent has made me more determined than I think I would otherwise be to make sure my children have a good understanding of personal and household finances when they embark out on their own. I am a bit of a zealot when it comes to talking about the details of money management and I think since I grew up in one of those household where we could never talk about money—I want to make sure my children have more of an open, informed attitude about finances. The other day, one of my daughters and I … Continue reading