by Pamela Kay

Created on: September 29, 2008   Last Updated: August 03, 2009

Raising children with two parents can be a financial challenge but if you're a single parent you'll need to be both careful and resourceful with your spending. Try these budget tips for single parents that cover shopping, entertainment, meals, parties and holidays.

*Shopping On a Budget

One stop shopping is a great time saver, but you pay dearly for this convenience. Shopping for non-food items in the grocery store cost you money that could be better used elsewhere, so, make it a rule to only buy food items at the grocery store.

Products such as toiletries, paper goods, school supplies, cleaning supplies and decorations are found at discount and Dollar stores at greatly reduced prices. The same applies to pet foods and supplies. They usually accept coupons too.

When shopping for clothing, appliances, furniture and band and sports equipment check on-line for second-hand items, sales and coupons. Shop at Church Bazaars, thrift shops and yard sales too. If you have a friend with children, perhaps you can work out a swap for gently used clothing.

*Family Entertainment On A Budget

Even the tightest budget has room for fun and entertainment if you use your imagination and do a little planning. Picnics, festivals, parades, fireworks and trips to the library or a museum are all free entertainment. Check with the Chamber of Commerce for any upcoming events in your town and take advantage of them.

Another entertainment that is low in cost is a rented movie with homemade popcorn. Whip up an inexpensive batch of cookies or fudge and make some frozen juice pops to serve. Craft nights are fun too when you use recycled items and turn your imaginations loose.

*Parties And Holidays On A Budget

You can throw a party on a shoestring budget with some careful planning. Do simple things such as making the invitations and frosting a homemade cake with ice cream. Serve hot dogs or a big pot of homemade chili or spaghetti. Make punch from a powdered drink mix and float a few fresh strawberries in it or ice cubes with flowers in them.

For games play musical chairs, charades or pin the tail on the donkey, using a donkey and tail you make yourself. Get the kids outside and play tug of war, have relay races, build a snowman or have a snowball fight. Inexpensive prizes cost pennies at the Dollar Store.

Have fun with your children and create Christmas, Halloween, Easter and 4th of July decorations with inexpensive craft supplies. They can also make low-cost Christmas gifts such

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