What's your current career which is helping you comfortably provide everything for your LO(s)?

I definitely don’t have it all figured out. But biggest piece of advice is learn to budget and stick to it.

@Samantha Mull do you mind sharing your budget in detail. I really need a template

I’m managing ok financially and don’t hate my job. My suggestion would be to keep in mind the other “perks” of some jobs and the tough parts of others as a SM. Things like work hours (ie shift work isn’t going to be easy), flexibility, ability to work remotely… and don’t forget things like benefits and what will cover you and your kids. I got into administration at the university and they paid for me to go to school, saving me tens of thousands of dollars and allowing me to move up in my career.

@Kerry omg pls share more. Tuition paid?! How can I do that unless you're talking about OSAP grants

Tuition benefits are often available with jobs at colleges and universities. I’d look into the schools near you to see what they offer. They didn’t pay my full tuition but a large chunk, and they’ll pay for a large chunk for my kiddo, too. It’s those types of things that may help you decide which career to go into as a single mom

For sure. So shelter and food are always gonna be priority. If you can get government assistance all the better. Food stamps, Medicaid, WIC, child care vouchers etc. Definitely try to apply regardless of whether you think you’ll qualify bc you never know for sure. If you’re located in Indiana I can send some resources. So with my estimates per month (change as needed): rent/mortgage: 1000 Utilities(electric, water, etc): 250 Groceries: 400 Gas: 180 Car insurance: 40 Phone plan: 45 Childcare: 400 Child expenses(diapers wipes etc): 120 Credit card: 25 I set up my bills in a way that corresponds to my biweekly paychecks so they’re still paid on time (yours might be different depending on when your bills are due.) Paycheck 1: mortgage, car insurance, 90 gas, 60 child expenses, 200 childcare Paycheck 2: utilities, phone, credit card, 90 gas, 60 childcare expenses,?200 childcare. Any money I make that does not go directly towards expenses is split : 70% savings, 30% spending.

@Kerry ah so the main thing is working AT an educational institution is what would offset those tuition costs right? How should I go about finding out what's available?

@Kerry honestly if anything is flexible and remote I'd probably go ahead with it

@Samantha Mull I'm in Canada! Tysm for taking my post seriously and taking time to write all this out. I'm reviewing and will have to review again because I'm piecing together a blueprint .. systems.. set up.. etc...to stay SANE AND ORGANIZED

Absolutely I really struggled at the start to. If you want more detailed info feel free to private message me:)

@Samantha Mull I think a zoom call would be great if you like talking about this sort of thing further.. spreadsheets, organization.. check-in about finances.. I personally want to gain more control over things.. but I need more intimate chats about it.. like one on one.. what's your availability like? Yes DM!

Yes, lots of educational institutions offer partial tuition coverage as part of their benefits. But the main takeaway is see what else is offered besides salary - vacation days, sick days, health and dental benefits - they all add value to a job offer

I personally hate using technology and like to write everything by hand, it’s just easier for my brain to organize it exactly how I like it. I’d totally be open to a phone call or FaceTime though! Direct message me and I can send my number:)