7 Budgeting Strategies Every ‘Single’ Mom Should Know
Let’s be real—being a single mom means stretching every dollar like it’s the last roll of toilet paper.
Between rent, groceries, and the mystery expenses that pop up (looking at you, last-minute school fees). Budgeting is definitely an extreme sport.
I’ve been there—staring at my bank account, wondering if I could survive on peanut butter sandwiches for a week just to make ends meet. But over time, I found tricks that actually work—without sacrificing my sanity or my kids’ childhood.
In this post, I’ll share practical, stress-free budgeting hacks that have saved me money, time, and meltdowns (mine and the kids’).
This post will cover:
Zero-Based Budgeting and why is works
Simple ways to cut expenses without feeling deprived
Side hustles that don’t drain the little energy you have left
Meal planning tricks that save money and keep picky eaters happy
Why self-care on a budget is non-negotiable
Childcare on a Budget
Embracing a No-Spend Challenge to shift your mindset around money.
Ready to stop stressing over money and start making every dollar count? Let’s dive in!
Zero-Based Budgeting
First, let’s talk about zero-based budgeting.
I only recently learned that the way I’ve been managing my money actually has a name!
The idea is simple, every dollar you earn gets assigned a job. So by the end of payday, there’s no ‘leftover’ money just floating around—but in a good way!
How Does it Work?
Let’s say you make $3,000 a month. You could use the 50-30-20 rule. (50% of your earnings go to essentials, 30% toward fun and other, and 20% toward savings) That would look something like this:
Income: $3,000
Rent: $1,200
Groceries: $400
Utilities: $150
Gas: $200
Debt Payments: $300
Savings: $250
Miscellaneous: $100
Fun Money: $100
TOTAL: $3,000 (Zero!)
You know where your money is going as soon as it hits your bank account.
PSA: The above is just an example. Where I live rent is nowhere near that low, so it’s important to work your budget around you and your family.
Why This Works
No "lost" money—you know exactly where every dollar goes.
Forces intentional spending—less waste, more control.
Helps with saving—since savings is built into the budget, it doesn’t get ignored.
It doesn’t mean you spend everything—it just means you tell your money where to go instead of wondering where it went!
This helps ease my mind so much. And it’s a budgeting system that can work for anyone! Just take some time in a weekend to go over your expenses and what is most important to you.
FYI, saving is just as important as putting gas in your tank every week. So make sure you’re putting something away each month. Even if it’s a small amount, it will add up over time if you know how to invest it well.
“Do not save what you have left after spending. Spend what you have left after saving.”
Cut Expenses Without Feeling Deprived
Cutting things out of your life doesn’t have to feel like deprivation—especially when the end goal is more financial freedom and less stress over your savings account.
Figure out what truly makes you and your family happy. You don’t have to embrace a full minimalist lifestyle, but take a moment to think about what’s actually draining your bank account. Is it worth it? Does it bring you joy?
If it’s a Netflix or Disney+ subscription that you and your kids genuinely use and love, then keep it! Money well spent, I say.
But I’m sure there are other things—little habits or mindless expenses—that are keeping you stuck. That’s what’s actually depriving you.
Cutting expenses isn’t about going without—it’s about reclaiming your money for what truly matters. The real deprivation happens when you spend on things that don’t bring joy. Leaving you stressed over bills and wondering where your paycheck disappeared to.
As a single mom, every dollar should work for you, not against you. When you cut out the excess—those impulse buys, unused subscriptions, and “must-have” trends—you’re not losing anything. You’re gaining freedom, peace of mind, and the ability to spend on what actually makes your life richer.
So how can you cut expenses without feeling deprived? Rewire your mindset about what you’re bringing to you and your children's lives when you earn freedom instead of stuff.
Side Hustles that Don’t Drain the Little Energy You Have Left
We’re all looking for a little extra income—especially when you're the sole provider with no one to turn to for help. A side hustle that brings in a little extra cash each month can make a huge difference. Even a few hundred dollars could help with car insurance, groceries, or unexpected expenses.
Here’s a list of hustles that actually work, even if it’s just an extra hundred bucks in your wallet:
Freelance Writing or Editing
If you enjoy writing, start by researching available online jobs. The best part about freelancing is that you’re your own boss. You get to decide when and how much you work!
Virtual Assistant
The demand for virtual assistants is growing fast as online businesses pop up everywhere. As a virtual assistant, you can choose how much work you want and when to do it. Don’t worry if you think you don’t have the skills—trust me, you already have more than enough! There are tons of resources out there The Work at Home Woman has a great article to help you get started, especially as a mom.
Surveys or Focus Groups
Online surveys like Survey Junkie pay per survey completed. While the payouts aren’t huge, they can add up. If you have 20 minutes here and there, you could earn enough to cover your phone bill or a small expense!
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is simply promoting products or services you truly believe in and earning a commission when someone makes a purchase through your recommendation. It's an easy way to share products that align with your values—and you get paid for it!
Selling Digital Products
I’ll be honest—I tried and didn’t succeed with this one. BUT, if you’re good at creating digital items, it could be a perfect fit for you! Selling printabls on Etsy is especially popular. If you think you’ve got what it takes, head over to The Fast Track Girl to learn how to get started!
Meal Planning Tricks that Save Money and Keep Picky Eaters Happy
Meal planning doesn’t have to be a headache, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget and keep everyone’s taste buds satisfied. Here are a few tricks that can save you money, reduce food waste, and keep even the pickiest eaters content:
Plan Around Sales and Seasonal Produce
Take advantage of grocery store sales and buy in-season produce. Seasonal fruits and veggies are often cheaper, and they taste better, too. Planning your meals around what’s on sale can also save you a significant amount each week.
Stick to Simple, Versatile Ingredients
Choose ingredients that can be used in multiple dishes throughout the week. Things like rice, pasta, beans, and ground meat can be dressed up in different ways to keep meals interesting.
For example, chicken breast can be served with pasta one night, turned into a stir-fry the next, and used for wraps the day after.
Involve the Kids in Meal Planning
Sometimes picky eaters are more willing to try new foods when they’ve had a say in the process. Let your kids help you pick a few meal ideas for the week. You’d be surprised how much more likely they are to try something new if they’re part of the planning!
Make "One-Pot" Meals
Not only are one-pot meals easy to make, but they also save on dishes (a win-win!). Dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles are great for feeding picky eaters because you can sneak in extra veggies, beans, or protein without much complaint.
Leftovers Are Your Friend
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Repurpose last night's dinner into a completely new meal, like turning leftover chicken into chicken tacos or adding leftover veggies to a stir-fry. This minimizes food waste and stretches your meals further without the “what's for dinner?” drama.
Create a Meal Plan Template
Once you’ve got a rhythm going, create a meal plan template with meals you know your family will love. This takes the guesswork out of meal planning and ensures you aren’t scrambling for ideas every week.
Want to make meal planning and budgeting even easier? Check out the Food Budget Masterclass to learn expert strategies for saving on groceries without compromising on quality. It’s packed with tips that’ll help you feed your family without the stress or overspending—and you can start implementing them right away!
(Psssst. that’s affiliate marketing btw!)
Why Self-Care on a Budget is Non Negotiable
I’m not a huge fan of the self-care movement.
Hang on! Let me explain.
I don’t think you need the latest and most expensive face masks or lavish spa days to relax and take care of yourself.
Instead, think of self-care as those little moments that make you feel refreshed without breaking the bank. Maybe it’s reading a good book at night when the kids go to bed. Or treating yourself to a new flavor of tea or coffee creamer in the morning. Find simple DIY skincare routines that leave you glowing without sacrificing your hard-earned cash.
Why is self-care on a budget non-negotiable? Because as a single mom, you’re already managing so much. Prioritizing small, cost-effective moments of peace and joy doesn’t just feel good—it’s necessary for your mental and emotional well-being.
The idea is to nurture yourself in ways that align with your life and your budget, without adding any more financial strain. Self-care isn’t about indulgence; it’s about consistency. And when you can care for yourself without guilt or overspending, you set a powerful example for your kids and take back control of your own happiness
Here are some simple and cost effective ways to nurture yourself:
Take advantage of naptime or quiet time
Find some fun and free online workouts (Dancing for weight loss is big right now!)
Create a relaxing night routine after the kids are down for the night. Something that only you participate in
Start journaling
Spend more time out in nature
Declutter for a stress-free space
Call a friend or family member is you’re feeling lonely and need someone to talk to
When you take care of yourself, you’re not just benefiting yourself—you’re benefiting your entire family. As a mother, especially a single mom, your well-being is the foundation for everything else. When you're rested, nourished, and at peace, you're better able to show up for your kids, handle the challenges of the day, and create a nurturing environment for them. And you can do it all on a budget!
Child Care on a Budget
Single moms need to provide. And to do that we need to work. And as much as we want to bring our children to work with us (or probably not) it just can’t happen in most places.
So what do you do?
Well in a perfect world we would only work when our children are in school. But unfortunately this isn’t a perfect world so how can we afford childcare when dad isn’t able to take up the task?
Outside of a traditional day care’s there are Boys and Girls clubs all throughout America. They offer low cost after school childcare for families. You could also check out local resources like YMCA programs, church nurseries, or state-funded child care assistance programs.
Many communities have drop-in childcare at community centers or affordable co-op childcare swaps—where you watch someone’s kid one day, and they return the favor another (basically, modern-day bartering, but with Goldfish crackers and tantrums).
If you’ve got family nearby, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Family may not always reach out to you first, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to help. Even if your mom never misses an opportunity to remind you how she raised kids without an iPad.
Sometimes, grandparents, aunts, or even trusted friends would be happy to help if you ask directly and make it easy for them (offering a meal in exchange never hurts).
Personally, I am so grateful to have my mom as my free in-home childcare.
Sometimes, the best childcare options don’t cost a dime—they just require a little creativity, a bit of community, and a willingness to owe another mom a favor.
Embrace a No-Spend Challenge to Rewire Your Mindset Around Money
If you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly serious about stretching every dollar like it’s the last roll of toilet paper in your house. So why not take it a step further and join a No-Spend Challenge?
Think of it as a financial detox—except instead of giving up caffeine (because let’s be real, that’s never happening), you’re giving up impulse buys and unnecessary expenses.
For a set period—maybe a week, two weeks, or even a whole month—you commit to spending only on essentials while getting creative with what you already have. That means cooking from the pantry, planning free activities for the kids, and finally using that random bottle of dry shampoo hiding under the sink.
The best part? This challenge isn’t just about saving money—it’s about rewiring your mindset around spending. You’ll start questioning those little purchases that add up (like the “just one” Target dollar spot finds that somehow turn into $40), and you’ll gain confidence in your ability to live well without spending more.
Not sure where to start? I’ve got you covered! Sign up for my free 5-day No-Spend Challenge, where I’ll send you daily tips, motivation, and practical strategies to help you make the most of what you have—without feeling deprived. Because financial freedom isn’t about having more, it’s about needing less.
You’ve Got This!
Being a single mom isn’t for the faint of heart—it's a full-time job, a side hustle, and an extreme sport all rolled into one.
But with the right strategies, a little creativity, and a whole lot of determination, you can make your budget work for you instead of against you.
Remember, financial freedom doesn’t come from having more—it comes from making the most of what you already have. Whether it’s finding free childcare, meal planning like a pro, or mastering the art of saying no to guilt-induced spending, every small step adds up.
And don’t forget about The Food Budget Master Class if grocery shopping feels like a never ending battle. This course is packed with practical tips to help you cut your grocery bill without sacrificing quality or convenience. Because let’s be real—feeding your family well shouldn’t mean eating the same three meals on repeat.
Take a deep breath, remind yourself that you’re doing an amazing job, and know that every little step you take toward financial peace is one that benefits you and your kids.
Because at the end of the day, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving.
Talk soon,
Nicole
