Early in our marriage, my wife, Ann, worked with a remarkable single mom. She immigrated to the United States with her former husband who was a soldier at the time. Shortly after they arrived in this nation, which was very foreign to her, she delivered their child, and he exited their lives. She found herself alone, without sufficient resources, without support systems, and facing a daunting challenge to make it all work.

We got to know her through work, but she became a close personal friend. Immediately, her habits stood out to us: She carried her simple lunch every day, including a dessert of 10 chocolate chips in a freezer bag (without the cookies). Rather than join a fitness club, she walked ten flights of stairs each day after lunch in our bank building where she worked for slightly above entry-level pay. Her frugality kept her fit in mind, body, and finances. She earned a college degree and paid for a house and her daughter’s education. She eventually married. 


Interestingly, this was also during a time of high inflation in the 80’s. Mortgage rates soared to 17%! Although a painful time in many ways, she found joy spending far less than she earned; she kept a budget, set goals, and made steady progress with her humble, disciplined lifestyle. She never complained. We actually were the ones most impacted after she spent time in our home over meals and holidays. That is where we came to know her as a grateful and happy mother. Ann also has learned to find joy in being frugal, some of which she learned from our friend at the bank! So I asked her to supply some tips to help you do the same. Here she goes:
  • Know Where Every Dollar Is Going.
    Today, our economy is on shaky ground. I recommend using a budget then applying these tips to survive inflation, prepare for a recession, and live on less, as you too find joy in your journey.
  • Increase your savings.
    Build your emergency fund to avoid having to borrow or use a credit card. Stop all impulse spending, and reduce debt so you can pay off all bills each month. By eliminating interest charges and penalties, you take a step back from the financial cliff.
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  • Time with friends & entertainment.
    Are your friendships beneficial to you and your budget? If not, make new ones. Enjoy a budget-friendly community by packing a picnic and meeting at a park. Plan a potluck. Have a no-spend month by inviting others to work puzzles, play board games, hike, bicycle, or participate in free events in your area.
  • Limit/Drop Social media with a few other things.
    Scan credit card and bank statements for items to drop, like subscriptions and memberships. Instead, use the library or YouTube for free. Read for personal development and financial prowess. This sets a great example for your children.
  • Food.
    Eat at home when possible. Cook extra, and eat/freeze leftovers. Carry lunch, snacks, and drinks. Include your children in the process so they learn. Study prices, buy store brands, shop sales, visit scratch and dent stores, and buy staples in bulk. Grow your own herbs and vegetables. No yard? Try a windowsill or container garden. Repurpose cans, buckets, etc. for growing things.  
  • Gasoline.
    Reduce driving, compare prices (GasBuddy.com), carpool, bike, walk, and work remotely when possible.
  • Utilities.
    Research utility company discounts, budget billing, or other options.  Set the thermostat to warmer temps in summer and cooler temps in winter and also whenever your home is vacant.Cover windows when it is hot, use fans, and change filters monthly. In summer, use a crockpot, toaster oven, or outdoor grill to avoid the heat of an oven.  Wash on cold settings, and use a clothesline instead of a dryer. Adjust your hot water heater, and take shorter showers.Weather-strip drafty doors, and caulk windows.
  • Clothing.
    Shop thrift stores and yard sales, accept hand-me-downs, and borrow for special occasions. Aim for quality not quantity. Get creative, and remake clothes. Cut off a dress for a new blouse. Convert pants to a new pair of shorts. When shopping online, put items in your shopping cart, then compare prices over the next few days. You may decide you can live without them.
  • Insurance.
    Check your rates at Squeeze, or call around to find a lower quote. Strengthening your credit score can help you get better rates. Companies assume that if you are responsible with your bills then you will be responsible in other areas of life as well.

Obviously, Ann knows what she is talking about! I hope you too will be inspired to see the beauty in learning to be frugal and grateful for all that God has provided. Don’t be discouraged; He knows you, your needs, and your pain, and He is faithful. (1 Corinthians 1:9)

Looking for more financial tips?

Check out "Money Matters for Single Moms" by ministry friends Nicole Smith and Elizabeth Demarest. Watch the video below!

Meet the Author

TLSM Featured Expert Chuck Bentley

Chuck Bentley is CEO of Crown Financial Ministries, the largest Christian financial ministry in the world, founded by the late Larry Burkett. He is the host of a daily radio broadcast, My MoneyLife, featured on more than 1,000 Christian Music and Talk stations in the U.S., and author of his most recent book, "Economic Evidence for God?" Be sure to follow Crown on Facebook at Crown Financial Ministries and check out the website at www.crown.org.

  

The Life of a Single Mom is a national, faith-based, nonprofit that exists to see that no single mom walks alone. To date, the organization has worked with hundreds of churches to start a single mom’s support group in cities throughout the U.S. and beyond, as well as having served hundreds of thousands of single mothers with a variety of programs.  Offering a large array of books, curriculum, training materials, online instructional videos, podcasts, newsletters, life skills education, and more, TLSM is one of the largest single mom organizations in the U.S.  The robust selection of single mom programs focus on empowering single moms to grow spiritually, emotionally, financially, and parentally through Single Mom University, Single Moms Across America, the National TLSM Single Moms Conference, boot camps, and a variety of other programs. For more information,  visit  www.thelifeofasinglemom.com.