Financial Tips for Single Moms
Single moms are some of the bravest, strongest, most amazing people I know. They face hard things every day in so many aspects of life, and somehow, they keep going. Although I’m not a single mom myself, I’ve worked with many who are—and I hear their struggles, frustrations, stress, and loneliness. When one of my readers asked me to write financial tips for single moms, I knew I needed to create this resource.
Because managing money as a single mom isn’t just about numbers, it’s about trying to survive (and maybe even thrive) while carrying a million responsibilities with limited time, money, and energy.
So, if you’re a single mom struggling with money, you’re not alone. I see you, and I’m here to help.
*If you’re in a tough season of life, there’s no shame in getting help. At the bottom of this post, I’ve included links to a few resources for direct financial assistance and support.
The Unique Challenges Single Moms Face
Single moms aren’t all in the same situation. Some are divorced, some have never married, some have chosen single motherhood, and others have had the choice made for them. You come from a wide range of backgrounds, incomes, and circumstances—and no single article could ever cover it all.
But there are some struggles that many single moms share:
Feeling like you have to do everything, all the time.
Facing higher poverty and food insecurity rates than other families.
Having less time, energy, and flexibility to increase income.
It’s a lot. And it’s not just “in your head.” The numbers back it up.
According to data collected from the U.S. Census by Single Mother Guide:
The poverty rate for single-mother families was 32.2% in 2023, significantly higher than that of married-couple families (5.6%).
Nearly half of single-mother families experience food insecurity.
Single-mother families headed by women of color experience disproportionately high levels of poverty and food insecurity.
Why does this happen?
Women earn approximately $.83 for every dollar earned by men, and it’s far worse for women of color.
Women face barriers to employment because they are mothers. (I once had a job interview where I was asked if my husband was able to take care of the kids if I needed to work long hours.) I did not take that job, but I probably wouldn’t have received a job offer if I were a single mom.)
The cost of childcare often puts moms in an impossible situation, deciding if they can afford to go to work, even though it would be in their long-term best interest in terms of earning potential and career advancement.
There are many more ways in which “the system” makes it harder for women, particularly mothers, to get ahead.
On top of that, being a single mom is just plain more expensive:
You can’t share household expenses.
You may shoulder all the costs of raising a child.
You might not get all the same tax benefits.
You may need to pay for childcare more often.
You often have less time to work or grow your income.
You might have expenses related to fertility or adoption.
It’s a double whammy—higher expenses and fewer options. And it’s made even harder by a lack of systemic support (that’s getting more limited every day).
Why Money Management Feels Impossible
Even beyond the numbers, money management is harder because you’re carrying everything on your shoulders. Paying bills, cooking meals, juggling schedules, remembering appointments, keeping the house running, caring for kids—the mental and physical load is enormous.
Of course, money slips to the bottom of the list. Of course, it feels overwhelming. You’re exhausted. And staring at bills after an already-long day doesn’t exactly lead to a good night’s sleep.
You’re not failing—you’re human.
Why Avoiding Finances Makes Things Harder
The tricky thing is that ignoring money problems often makes the stress worse. When you don’t know what’s coming in or going out, it’s harder to plan for next week’s bills, let alone save for the future.
If that’s where you are right now, please hear me: you’re not alone, and you’re not broken. Avoidance is often a coping mechanism when things feel too heavy. But you deserve to feel more in control.
Even small steps toward clarity can help you feel calmer and more capable.
First Steps to Get Started
If you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin, start small. Here are a few gentle first steps:
Open your bills and log into your accounts. This is often the scariest step, but knowledge really is power. Take a deep breath. Ask a friend to sit with you if that helps. You are stronger than you think.
Figure out where your money is going. Track a month’s worth of spending or review recent statements. You can’t make a plan if you don’t know what’s happening.
Create a spending plan. Base it on reality, not wishful thinking. Make sure you cover savings (if possible), bills, and then decide how to use the rest.
If money doesn’t stretch far enough, adjust. Look for ways to reduce spending, seek assistance programs, or add income where possible. Prioritize essentials like housing and food first.
Set aside a little for surprises. Life always throws curveballs. Even $20 a month into a small “life happens” fund can help.
Choose a system for managing your money that you’ll actually use. It doesn’t matter if it’s an app, spreadsheet, or notebook—what matters is that it works for you.
Final Encouragement
If you’re a single mom reading this, I want you to know: you’re doing an incredible job. Even if your finances aren’t where you want them to be, you are not failing.
Money doesn’t have to feel like a constant weight. With time, support, and a few tools, you can start to feel calmer and more confident about your future.
💌 If you’d like more gentle, practical tips, sign up for my newsletter—I share resources, encouragement, and steps you can take to make money feel a little less overwhelming.
And if you want extra guidance, I’d love to support you through financial coaching. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Talking with someone who knows what they’re doing and won’t judge or shame you can make a huge difference in how you feel about your finances.
You can schedule a no-pressure, no-obligation chat with me here if you'd like to learn more.
Financial Help for Single Moms
If you’re in a tough season right now, please know there’s no shame in seeking support. These resources may help lighten the load:
211 (United Way Help Line): Call 211 or visit 211.org to find local resources for food, housing, childcare, and financial assistance.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Provides help with groceries. Learn more or apply through your state’s SNAP office.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Offers healthy food, nutrition support, and resources for moms with children under age 5. Find your local office at fns.usda.gov/wic
Child Care Subsidies: Many states offer programs to reduce childcare costs. Search “[your state] child care assistance” to apply.
Local Government Resources: Many cities and counties offer services to help those in need. Visit your county’s website to learn more.
.Local Nonprofits & Faith Communities: Don’t underestimate local organizations—they often provide emergency help with rent, utilities, and food.
You don’t have to do this alone. Reaching out for help is not a weakness—it’s a smart, strong step toward stability for you and your family.
