Earn Extra Money With a Part-time Seasonal Retail Job
If you're in need of some extra cash this year, why not consider applying for a temporary part-time job during the holidays? According to the National Retail Federation, retailers hired an additional 618,000 seasonal workers during last year's holiday season.
In fact, I have a friend who was one on them. She worked at Bath & Body Works during the holiday season, re-stocking their shelves one night a week, from 9 pm until about 1 am. The best part was that she worked with her sister, and they ended up having a lot of fun during their working hours!
This kind of gig could be ideal for you if you have a friend or relative who would be willing to have the kids over for a sleepover one night a week, or if you could pair up with a friend and take turns working and babysitting for each other's kids.
If you're willing to consider it, now is the time to begin looking:
- Find local job opportunities at Indeed.com
- Search for seasonal retail jobs specifically
- Search for part-time seasonal jobs
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How Will the Mortgage Crisis Affect Your Kids?
According to "The Impact of the Mortgage Crisis on Children," a report released in May, 2008, by the Washington, D.C.-based policy group First Focus, experts anticipate as many as 2.26 million foreclosures in the next 18 months. Furthermore, it is estimated that these foreclosures will impact 1 in 33 current homeowners. And while there are no statistics available at this time on how the mortgage crisis will impact single parent households, specifically, it's reasonable to anticipate that of the approximately 2 million children who will be directly affected by foreclosures, many will be from single parent households. So what can you do to protect yourself, your children, and your future?
Below, I've outlined four basic steps you can take -- starting today -- to protect yourself. I've also included links to additional resources that provide more detailed information and guidance, so that you can feel confident in accomplishing each step.
- If you have a mortgage, or even if you rent, do everything that you can to remain current on your payments.
- Take a close look at your finances and make sure that you are not living beyond your means.
- Look for ways to earn more money, if needed.
- Earn Extra Income as a Single Parent
- 12 More Ways to Earn Extra Income
- 8 Things to Consider Before You Go Back to School
- Ask for help when you need to, in order to get by.
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Halloween Costumes Your Kids Will Wear Again
Since I'm pretty big on getting as much use as you can out of anything you spend money on, it bothers me to purchase Halloween costumes that my kids end up using only once. Fortunately, I've been able to get around that nagging feeling by trading old costumes at a costume swap, and buying costumes that I know my kids will use more than once, by incorporating things such as sports equipment or dress-up clothes that I know will be used again and again. One year I even bought my son a fireman raincoat, which made a great Halloween costume, and was also fun for him to wear every time it rained!
How about you? How have you saved a few dollars here and there on Halloween costumes, or made a point of helping your kids choose something they'd wear more than once? Let us know by leaving a comment here on the blog.
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Have You Tried Mint.com?
I've always considered myself to be fairly ill-equipped when it comes to managing finances. Believe me, I have good intentions, and have tried many budgeting programs to help me get a better handle on where the money goes each month. But I always seem to start with the idea of allocating money to various categories, rather than really looking at where the money is actually being spent. Sadly, this has negatively impacted my overall financial management for all of my adult life! But I recently came across a free online software program called Mint.com, that has taken the work and drudgery out of the budgeting process for me.
In short, Mint.com automatically downloads all of your financial data for you, and divides your spending into different categories like housing, food, entertainment, and automobile expenses. You can also personalize the categories. For example, I buy gas at Costco so that I can save an extra ten cents per gallon. At first, Mint.com assumed I was buying groceries when it saw the transaction; and I edited it to interpret purchases at Costco to be allocated toward gasoline.
If one of the goals you're working on right now is to get a better handle on your finances, I would strongly recommend that you give Mint.com a try. And if you're already using it, leave a comment here on the blog and tell us whether it has been helpful for you.
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Personalized Overnight Bags for Visits to Mom's House or Dad's House
Does your child have a specific bag for overnight visits to Moms' house or Dad's house? I recently came across this cute tote bag, which would be useful for transporting things like toys and books.
What I like about it is that you can personalize it, not only with your child's name, but also with the name of the place they're going. For example, you could change it to say "Going to Dad's House." What a neat way to show your support of your child's overnight visitation time!
Or, you could purchase two tote bags, one that says "Going to Mom's House" and one that says "Going to Dad's House," and get into the habit of using them to transport important items between your homes on a regular basis (such as school papers, books, or your child's favorite can't-sleep-without-it stuffed animal).
In addition, designating a specific piece of luggage just for overnights will help your child keep track of all the toiletries, clothes, and gear that regularly get transported between your two homes. It also makes it easier for your kids to begin packing and unpacking on their own, which means less work for you.
Compare Prices | See More Overnight Bags
Photo courtesy of Pricegrabber.
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How is the Nation's Financial Crisis Changing Your Behavior?
So I've been itching to replace my twelve-year-old couch. It's really not in very good shape anymore, and it's probably been five years since I attempted a not-very-effective DIY upholstery repair using fabric from one of the pillows. In my most optimistic financial fantasies, I'd be looking at replacing it next year. But I have to tell you, it's starting to look a little better to me now. It's not that the appearance of this dreary old couch has changed; it's that spending money on something that's not absolutely essential is starting to look foolish, given the scarcity of my savings account.
I'm also making other changes, like ordering a regular coffee instead of a fancy latte when I meet with a client; and our regular "pizza night" has become a less-expensive make-your-own sandwich night. These changes may seem small and insignificant, but I'm confident that they'll add up. I also know that they're a necessary part of getting through this crisis unscathed -- or at least with minimal damage.
How about you? How is the nation's financial crisis changing your behavior? Are you bringing a bag lunch to work more often? Giving up something you enjoy? Putting off some improvement or big purchase?
As frustrating as it is, our behaviors are going to have to change. You already know this, but as a single parent living on one income, increases in oil prices, groceries, and the general cost of living are going to hit you hard. So don't wait to start making the changes you need in order to get by. Go ahead an identify the couch you're going to live with, or the luxury you're going to eliminate. In fact, write them down! Tell us here on the blog what you're going to be doing differently, or post a list on your refrigerator and encourage yourself to stick with it. The next time something breaks down and really needs to be replaced, you'll be glad you did.
More:
- Everyday Money Saving Tips for Single Parents
- Find the Cheapest Gas in Your Area
- Sell Your Kids' Old Clothes on Consignment
- Get Something Free Through Freecycle
- Forum Post: Single Parenting & Credit Issues
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Help for Victims of Parental Alienation Syndrome
I've noticed a trend in the comments various readers posted in response to my recent blog post about Alec Baldwin's new book. It's as if there is an imaginary dividing line between those who acknowledge the validity of Parental Alienation Syndrome tending to support Baldwin, and those who dismiss PAS tending to disregard him.
I find it interesting because I very much affirm that PAS exists and destroys family relationships; but I still believe Baldwin -- even in the face of such devastating circumstances -- had a responsibility not to take his frustration out on his daughter. I know that's a huge responsibility to place on one human being, but I think it's a responsibility that all advocates of alienated parents should be talking about.
Unfortunately, as hard as you try, you can't always change another person's destructive behaviors. But you can change how you respond. And furthermore, when your response is all you have, it's all the more critical that your words and actions come form your integrity, not your frustration.
So what can victims of PAS do to improve the situation? In addition to reaching out to father's rights organizations (which can help you, even if you're a mom who's on the receiving end of PAS), I'd suggest formally asking a close friend to agree to be your support person. Much like a recovering alcoholic needs a sponsor to help them through the most difficult times of temptation, you're going to need someone you can vent to, who will remind of you of your goals and help you cope with PAS in a way that's productive and doesn't make the situation worse. Ideally, this "buddy" would listen to your pain and wholeheartedly agree with you when you have every reason to be angry, but also remind you to act with integrity and point you toward the day when your child will begin to think for herself or himself.
At the same time, I would also recommend journaling about your experiences, which can be a very productive way to cope with your anger. In addition, if contact with your child has been completely cut off, I would recommend writing letters to your child that you can share years from now, when he or she begins to question all the rhetoric that's been passed on about you and your intentions.
In fact, you can even submit your personal letters here to About.com. For the sake of the privacy of others involved -- including your children -- I'll edit out their names, but I believe sharing such stories would be helpful in assisting individual victims of PAS to cope, as well as articulating the true devastation PAS inflicts.
More:
- What is Parental Alienation Syndrome?
- Father's Rights Organizations
- What is a Typical Visitation Schedule?
- Build Trust With Your Ex
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Connect With Your Kids and Your Community Through Volunteering
Do you need a way to take your mind off your troubles and reconnect with your kids? When they're really young, it's easy to do that over a trip to the movies or a game of miniature golf. But as they grow older, it becomes more challenging to find things that you all love to do, that give you an opportunity to spend time together.
Have you considered volunteering? It's true that the volunteer work you do as a family will have a positive impact on the community around you, but it will also have a positive impact on you and your kids, as individuals. Here are a few of the benefits:
- Volunteering with your kids will get your mind off of your own problems for a short time. And frankly, that alone can be a huge relief that spills over into the family time you share after your volunteer hours are over.
- Volunteering will help your children recognize all the blessings they already enjoy in life. Sure, they can't say they have everything they want, but you've made sure they have everything they need. And spending some time giving back to the community will help them realize that.
- Volunteering will help you see more of your kids' unique gifts. What are your kids' natural gifts and talents? Volunteering together will give you a chance to see those skills in action, which can be a real self-esteem booster for your children.
- Volunteering together will help each of you focus on the positive. When you volunteer together, you take on the role of being encouragers. Thing about how that could impact your everyday family interactions, if each of you began to think more positively and constructively about one another, about the challenges you face, and about the days ahead.
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How Are You Feeling About Your Single Status?
Did you know that this week, the third week in September, is designated Unmarried and Single Americans' Week?
In honor of the occasion, Lancaster Online.com posted an article titled "Single File," in which they asked single individuals -- both men and women -- to share their thoughts on the single life.
I found the results to be interesting, and I think you will, too. Of course, the responses aren't limited to single parents, but I think you'll "see" yourself in a few of the thoughts expressed.
How about you? Let us know your thoughts on being single by participating in this week's poll or leaving a comment on the blog.
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Tough Decisions and Life Lessons on the Season Finale of Must Love Kids
Here's a little secret: Ever since Must Love Kids switched to Saturdays at noon, I've spent my Saturday nights watching a recording of the newest episode. I'm not sure what I'll do next week, because the series ended tonight. (And if you're planning to watch a recording of the show yourself, and you don't want me to spoil the ending, read no further!)
Okay, if you're still with me, I have to tell you -- I'm blown away! I am so happy for, and proud of, these three moms! Each one followed her heart and, even more importantly (if you ask me), learned something about herself in the process.
- Kristin, who chose Chris, learned that there's room in her life for dating. She explained, "Throughout this process, what's remained true is that the kids are still my top priority, but I think this has been just a wake up call that there's room for dating. I can make room for that; I don't have to run from that." Yea!
- Vanessa, who chose Michael, learned that taking care of her own needs makes her an even better mom for her kids. She said, "I thought a lot about my decision, and going through this journey I really learned that I need to be happy in order to make my kids happy, and I'm happy that I did find somebody that I connect with, and we do have a future together."
- Tracy decided not to choose either of the last two suitors. She said "I need to focus on me and my daughter, and just say 'Well, you know, relationship's just going to have to wait.'" Go, Tracy! What an example for other single moms and dads who struggle to find the balance between a thriving home life and a thriving social life. Part of "having it all" is paying attention to the timing and knowing what's right for you and your child; I believe your decision shows great strength.
As you may recall, I had some reservations about the show before the series began, but as I sit here tonight, having just watched the final episode, I can tell you that I truly appreciate the courage and willingness of these moms to share their lives and their hearts with us.
May each of you, along with your children, enjoy every happiness in the days ahead!
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