Finding Money When You're a New Single Parent

There's only so many things you can do when you find yourself in the new situation of single parenting. Maybe your marriage dissolved, you were widowed or you've recently found out that you're pregnant. Without a partner to emotionally and financially support you, sometimes the situation can seem bleak and images of cardboard boxes, food-bank lineups and moth-eaten clothing can flood your brain faster than solutions.

But with the resolve to make things work and the willingness to sacrifice for what you see as the greater good, practically anyone can make it on their own. Here's a few ideas for places you can come up with some moolah that you might not have thought of.

Sell everything that you don't need.

Whether you use a website such as eBay or craigslist, have a garage sale or rent a table at a local flea market, you're sure to bring in some cash from items around your house that you don't need or want.

Have boxes upon boxes of baby items from when your children were small? There's always other parents out there looking for inexpensive children's items. Other stuff you might want to clear out include books, movies, unneeded furniture, clothes, dishes and appliances and other household electronics. Don't think that anything you own may be unwanted unless it's past it's point; Remember that one person's trash is another's treasure.

Return items that you paid a deposit on.

This one is a little-practiced habit. Think of how ofter you buy things like soda, juice, water, alcohol, etc. Every one of those items comes with a bottle deposit charge of at least five cents. And most people throw out (or recycle) that money because it seems so insignificant. But think of this:

Say you buy a flat of soda a week, an 8-pack of juice and a 6-pack (or more) of beer. You've just paid $1.30 a week in deposits. Still doesn't seem like much, but think of how much that means a year that you're throwing in the garbage - almost $70.00. There's a reason that homeless people collect them, you know.

Provide services for payment.

Know of other parents who are struggling to fit parenting and work into a twenty-four hour period, while also maintaining their homes and relationships? Offer a hand. Maybe you're a talented chef, have a car useful for errand running and deliveries, can provide childcare or even just keep their home clean and tidy. You'd be amazed how many people will be interested in how you can make their lives easier for a small fee.

A few other possibilities include pet, senior or special needs' companioning; organizing and junk removal; and private catering. Brainstorm what you're good at and how it could fit into the lives of people and businesses around you and you may just come up with an ideal solution - and a stream income stream!

Go back to school.

Maybe you want to upgrade your skills or get certified in a different area than you'd ventured into previously, maybe you're interested in spending time with adults in an adult-arena. The reasons for attending post-secondary school are awesome and here's one more: Single parents are often looked at as special cases, privy to a whole host of financial benefits that their childless peers aren't.

Payments to Government student loans in Canada are not expected until at least six months after you complete full-time studies. Another benefit is that if you're in a very low income bracket, you're likely eligible for a grant - up to 40% of your loan - that is not repayable. Yes, the Government is willing to pay 40% of your education costs (and some living expenses), for free.

Other scholarships and bursaries may be available through your school of choice or through other public endowment programs. These funds can be offered based on your lifestyle, grades and nationality, as well as any other affiliations that you or your family may have, so isn't it worth the research?

Apply for social assistance.

There's a stigma attached to being on welfare, but if you're really looking for help, they can be a life saver, it seems. Not only can welfare offer you an income stream, but other programs available only to welfare recipients exist such as low-income housing, education subsidies, clothing and food allowances, public travel discounts, health and dental services for your family and emergency funding.

It can be just a very short-term solution until you can find another source of income, and there's no shame taking help where its offered.

Downgrade your lifestyle.

• cut back on or quit habits such as smoking and drinking
• choosing to cook at home and brown bag it, instead of ordering in or visiting restaurants
• don't stop at the local cafe for a coffee, brew it at home and carry a travel mug instead
• avoid shopping except on a needs only basis, and looking around for good prices of the items you need to purchase
• choose to move from a 2-bedroom condo to a 2 bedroom basement suite, and you'll likely save a third in rent
• don't sign up for services that you don't really need, like bottle water delivery, satellite TV, long distance, cellular plans and the like. If it's not paramount to living, it can be scrapped.
• shop for groceries during down-times, when you're not hungry and when sales have just begun. For extra benefits, make a list of necessities for a weekly meal plan and peruse the local fliers for sale items that will add to your menus.
• buy in bulk, but only on items you'll use plenty of since there's really no benefit to buying 20 pounds of potatoes if you're the only one who will eat them and they'll spoil before you can!

Look for other Government programs that might put some money back in your pocket.

There are all types: childcare and housing subsidies, rental assistance, personal tax rebates and child tax credits exist in addition to low-income, Government owned housing. See what you qualify for and apply, apply, apply.

Keep in mind...

Nothing is as bleak as it seems when you're on the threshold of over-stressed, over-tired and under-funded. They can get worse, sure, but with the dedication that most single parents exhibit, they can get a whole lot better, too.