35 Money-Saving Hacks to Transform Single Parent’s Finances

Are you barely keeping your head above water, balancing bills and responsibilities with little to no breathing room?

You’re not alone.

Financial struggles are all too common for many single parents.

But amidst the bills piling up and the fridge feeling emptier than your bank account, it’s important to remember that there is hope and possibility to turn your finances around.

From what I have learned is that the path to financial stability and peace of mind starts with small, intentional steps. When taken, intentional steps can bring a sense of relief and empowerment, knowing that you are taking control of your financial situation.

In this blog, I’ll share 35 money-saving hacks for single parents—tried and true strategies to help you stretch your income, manage expenses, and find financial peace of mind.

It’s time to take charge and turn things around, one step at a time.

Where I’m Coming From

As I am listening to Marc Hanania’s uplifting instrumental “Awakening” on repeat as a source of inspiration for this post, I have one question: Have you ever wondered how much more you can stretch before something gives?

Listen to “Awakening” here (link to the official source).

If you are a single parent reading this, I need to be honest.

Never in a million years did I think I’d struggle financially, but here I am—and here’s how I’m turning things around.

Here is why. I grew up as the daughter of a successful financial director who always emphasized the importance of stability. I chose economics to secure my life. I excelled, earned my master’s degree, and built my career confidently.  

Then life happened—unexpectedly and all at once! Without diving into the full story here, I found myself as a single mom. The harsh truth is that life is expensive, and raising kids multiplies that cost.

But I’ve learned that while we can’t change the high life costs or the challenges of single parenthood, we can change how we navigate them. We can take steps to improve our finances and create breathing room.

Don’t let another day go by feeling overwhelmed. Get my FREE Shine Bright Guide for Single Parents and start making small, powerful changes today.

The trick is to start by building better habits and improving fundamental skills. Over time, these changes become second nature, and as they do, you’ll find yourself with more time and energy to focus on bigger goals. It is a journey, and it starts with the first step.  

How I Started Small and Built Financial Confidence

Taking control of my finances started with understanding where my money went and finding ways to stretch it.

Here’s how small, intentional steps helped me gain confidence:

1. Tracking Expenses

I began by tracking every expense to identify where adjustments were needed.

Check out my post here to learn more about tracking expenses and achieving financial balance as a parent.

Plus, I needed to understand the impact of inflation on household budget.

2. Embracing Sustainability

I adopted a more eco-friendly lifestyle, saving money and making our home more sustainable.

Eco-Friendly Family Living was vital on my journey.

3. Smart Grocery Shopping

I started planning meals around weekly sales, using seasonal ingredients to prepare budget-friendly meals. Having go-to recipes like school lunch ideas and quick breakfast ideas made meal planning easier and more affordable.

4. Affordable Reading

Reading became a family habit. We leveraged free resources like libraries and book swaps. For more ideas, read my blog about Mindful Reading: How Single Parents Can Enjoy a Book a Month.

5. Creating Spaces for Learning and Play

Setting up a homework space boosted my kids’ productivity, and free activities like park visits brought us joy. Get more insights on creating homework stations for work-life balance and 30-weekend activities with kids.

6. Celebrating Small Wins

With small savings, like setting aside $5-$10 a week, I was able to build a safety net for unexpected expenses. Free activities became our favorite family moments, proving that joy doesn’t have to cost a thing.

I’ve tested and tied every hack from my 35 Money-Saving Hacks for Single Parents table.

Let me tell you—they work!

Money-Saving Hack	Action
1. Skipping a coffee run	Make coffee at home instead of buying outside.
2. Using cashback apps	Use apps for cashback on groceries.
3. Adjusting grocery habits	Buy store-brand items and plan meals around sales.
4. Canceling unused subscriptions	Cancel or pause a streaming service or unused subscriptions.
5. Carpooling or combining errands	Combine errands into one trip or carpool to reduce gas expenses and car wear.
6. Optimize cell phone plans	Switch to prepaid or family plans with lower costs.
7. Using libraries extensively	Borrow books, movies, and attend free workshops at libraries.
8. Taking advantage of free entertainment	Attend free local events like concerts and festivals.
9. Refinancing or consolidating debt	Lower interest rates on existing debt through refinancing or consolidation.
10. Embracing the 30-day rule for purchases	Wait 30 days before making non-essential purchases.
11. Taking advantage of energy assistance programs	Apply for programs that reduce utility costs for low-income families.
12. Packing lunches instead of eating out	Prepare lunches at home instead of buying daily.
13. Buying and sell secondhand	Shop for clothes and furniture secondhand, and sell unused items.
14. Using coupons and discount codes	Search for coupons or promo codes before making purchases.
15. Participating in a buy-nothing group	Join local groups offering free items for community members.
16. Bulk meal prepping	Cook large batches and freeze meals for later.
17. Lowering water heating costs	Lower the water heater temperature or take shorter showers.
18. Switching to LED bulbs	Replace traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LED ones.
19. Negotiating bills or subscriptions via contacting customer support	Call service providers to negotiate lower rate or better deals.
20. Lowering the water heater temperature	Set the water heater thermostat to 120°F (49°C) to save on energy costs.
21. Using the dishwasher and washing machine efficiently	Run the dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads using the energy-saving mode.
22. Asking for discounts or promotions	Inquire about unadvertised deals or loyalty discounts.
23. Bundle services	Combine multiple services for a discounted rate.
24. Negotiate credit card interest rates	Call your credit card provider to request a lower interest rate. Highlight your strong payment history and mention competitive offers.
25. Automate savings	Set up automatic transfers to your savings account every payday.
26. Using price comparison tools	Use tools and visit websites to compare prices online.
27. Switching to generic brands	Switch to store-brand or generic items for groceries and household products.
28. Cancel gym membership	Switch to free at-home workouts using online videos or apps.
29. Unplugging devices	Only plug electronics when not in use to save on energy costs.
30. Limiting dining out/meal orders	Reduce takeout and restaurant visits (recreate dishes at home).
31. Buying seasonal produce	Stick to in-season fruits and vegetables to reduce grocery bills.
32. Review and negotiate annually	Make it a habit to renegotiate bills annually for new promotions.
33. Using community resources	Take advantage of free or low-cost community services and resources.
34. Research competitor prices	Compare competitors’ prices to use as leverage.
35. Scheduling appliance maintenance	Regularly schedule maintenance to remove sediment and optimize and improve the efficiency of appliances.

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In total, many single parents believe financial stability is out of reach.

However, small, intentional changes can lead to significant transformation.

Building financial confidence is a journey, not a destination.

Saving takes time.

Creating a safety net takes time.

But it’s possible with the right hacks!