Single mothers have to balance it all and that includes finances. Asking for help is not always easy; unfortunately sometimes there is no other option.
When a person thinks of bills, buying food, and trying to make enough money for all of it, it can invariably turn into one big ball of stress.
When a single mother needs just a little help, these tips may come in handy.
Public Assistance
Not being able to financially take care of a child can make any person feel low. It’s not a matter of how a person feels, but how they can help make the situation better. If the funds are lacking, then it’s time to apply for assistance. The big question here is how a single mother can apply for public assistance, without feeling somewhat helpless.
- Understand that caseworkers are only doing their job. These caseworkers undergo a lot of stress on a daily basis and deal with a lot of people along the way. Just because a single mother is applying for public assistance, it does not mean she has to be treated “like another case.”
- Applying for aid is not a matter of what to bring to the appointment, just bring everything. If there is a bundle of financial papers, then the applicant should bring it to the appointment. It’s better to bring everything now, rather than waiting longer to get the assistance needed.
- It’s vital that a single mother does not let the overwhelming feeling of applying for assistance hinder her decision making skills. Avoiding applying just because one is embarrassed does not help the situation. Once a mother gets past the feelings of inadequacy, it gets easier overtime. Use these feelings as motivation to get off of public assistance at a later time.
Housing Assistance
One of the most expensive parts of raising a family is paying a mortgage or rent. There are different financial choices for single mothers who wish to purchase a home. Depending on a person’s credit, they may be able to get a low interest rate for a home. However, finding the right home and being able to afford it can truly be mind boggling. If a single mother cannot afford housing where she lives, then there are some alternatives.
- FHA loans are typical for anyone looking to purchase a home. These loans vary and it’s best to speak with an FHA loan specialist. To find out more information on these loans, visit the government website for FHA loans.
- Subsidized housing is another alternative to those who need financial assistance for housing. Each county has various forms of subsidized housing and the monthly rent is based on the income. In most instances there is a waiting list for subsidized homes and single mothers may need to get on the wait list.
Higher Education Assistance
Single mothers are often faced with challenges that other people do not have to routinely encounter. Going back to school could no doubt mean a better life for a single mother. Once a mom decides to go back to school, she is then faced with the cost of it. School is not getting any cheaper and money does not just fall off the sky. There are some tough decisions to be made whenever a single mother decides to go back to school. If she does go back to school, there is some assistance available, but not always enough to cover the entire tuition.
- The first stop in going back to school is filling out the FAFSA. This is the fastest way to go back to school because a single mom can receive financial aid based on her income. To find out more information on getting financial aid from the government, please visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
- Scholarships are a great way to get financial assistance in order to attend school. Grants and scholarships must be applied for privately. Check with local companies, websites and colleges to see which scholarships and grants are being offered each year.
Conclusion
Financial help is available, but single moms might have to do a little bit of research. Providing the basic necessities for children is most important and that’s where these financial resources can help you out.