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While many single parents do not have the luxury of having big budget alimony and child support payments to make ends meet, there are ways to take the sting out of keeping within a tight budget. My first bit of advice is to live within your means. Don't get sucked up into the easy money that credit cards seem to allow you to have. Easy credit is the financial downfall for many people, whether a single parent or not. It would be nice to have that beautiful dress or expensive coat that looks so nice on you, but do you need it? Can you wait until it is 50- 75% off? Or can you buy a nice substitute at a second hand shop or thrift store?

There are many ways to trim everyday costs and spend your money within a budget that you set up. The following are tips on how a single person can budget:

* First make a budget and stick to it. Save as much money as you can for a rainy day or something special. Write down all the expenses you need to pay for and compare it with money coming in. See the areas that you can cut back on and do it.

* Energy and utilities can be cut back by using less. Be energy efficient. There are many websites that can tell you how to use less energy and cut back on utility bills. If you have a cell phone, don't have a land phone too. Carry the basic features to save money.

* If you need financial assistance and are eligible, don't hesitate to get some help. Most states even have free health insurance for children whose parents are uninsured. Get it.

* Exchange babysitting times with other parents or join a baby-sitting co-op. One time you baby-sit for someone and then they will baby-sit for you. If you are in a co-op, you get points for babysitting a certain amount of time for a certain amount of kids. The points then can be used to have another parent baby-sit for your children when you need it. This way you don't have to pay, you use your time instead.

* Eat healthy meals that are low in meat and high in complex carbohydrates. Beans and rice are very healthy for you and are cheap to make. Feed your kids lots of vegetables and fruits that are in season. Buy minimally processed frozen and canned goods on sale and that have no additives or salt added. You don't want anything that can hurt your or your children's bodies in your food. Stay away from pre-made and processed foods, they are expensive and usually are full of additives, preservatives, salt, and fats. All are unhealthy for the family. Don't buy junk food either, as they are high priced and full

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