After my divorce, I was really nervous about how I was going to be able to support myself and my daughter.
Child support wasn't a dependable option as my ex would work odd jobs for cash so he wouldn't have to report it.
So, my 18-month-old daughter and I set off on our lone journey to find a happy home.
First time on our own
I didn't have much of a learning curve when it came to renting a house, buying a car, paying bills, or budgeting money.
But, I had always worked so I knew I would have to save money if I wanted to buy a decent home.
And, I was determined to do whatever it took to provide a safe, healthy, and comfortable life for my daughter, Jes.
Nightmare on Oak Street
Our first rental experience was a complete nightmare.
And, I won't bore you with all the horrific details.
The point is, I realized that I did not want to be renting again.
So, I got down to business and started working on my long-term budgeting plan.
Cut the Non-essentials
Here are a few things I did to save money:
- Used the antennae, no cable
- Exercised at home instead of going to the gym
- Took a sack lunch to work every day
- Checked-out books and movies from the library
- Bought generic grocery items
- Made less frequent visits to the hair salon
- Read the newspaper and magazines from my parent's house
- Worked as much overtime as was allowed
All of these little changes added up and I was eventually able to buy my first house on a half-acre of land near my parents.
To say we were ecstatic is an understatement.
I worked every spare moment to turn our little house into a comfortable, happy home.
Other Ways to Save Money
Below are a few other money-saving tips to start adding to your daily routine:
- Track all of your spending habits for at least one month
- Create a reasonable, detailed monthly budget
- Get rid of cable or any streaming packages. This will force you to find something more productive to do and save you money.
- Cancel all those magazine subscriptions. They can really add up over time and, if you forget to cancel them, you will get auto billed every year.
- Stop smoking and drinking. I'm a nurse so you can't justify either of those to me. : ) They are both bad for your health. Just think how much money you would save if you put that allotted money into a savings account. And, you would be adding years to your life.
- Make meals at home and take your lunch to work every day.
- Drink water when you are out and about. Better yet, take a large, insulated thermos of cold water with you everywhere.
- Go through all of your stuff and sell what you don't need. Consignment sales are great for selling your used clothing that you don't wear anymore or your kids have outgrown.
Back to School
A few months after moving into the house I realized that I needed to go back to school.
I wanted to get a degree in something that interested me and that would pay the bills.
So, I finally decided on nursing school.
Eventually, I earned my nursing degree, passed the state boards, and got a full-time job as a Registered Nurse.
Finding Mr. Right
It was around this time that I met a very sweet and kind soul.
He welcomed my daughter with open arms, and we are now a family of five (we added two boys).
Our Happy Home
We now live in a home that is reasonably close to all sets of grandparents (and one great-grandmother).
My wonderful daughter is a junior in college, making good grades, working part-time, and comes home on the weekends when she can.
Our boys are kind, intelligent, respectful of others, and full of energy.
But, most important, we are all healthy, happy, and together because of God's grace and blessings.
