by Michy Lynn

Created on: March 28, 2009   Last Updated: March 30, 2009

Living on a budget doesn't mean doing without! Single parents often give up a lot of luxuries so their kids can have necessities, so here are some tips to help single parents budget so they don't have to do without.

The economy is unpredictable, and no matter how financially affluent someone is today, there is never a guarantee that financial security will be there tomorrow. Knowing how to live on a budget, especially as a single parent, save money and be thrifty is a skill that everyone should know, because you never know when you might need it. Even if you aren't hurting for money, thrifty tips to save money and setting a successful budget can actually put more money in your pocket for things you want instead of just the things you need.

Let's look at some single parent money-saving, thrifty tips to help you save money, spend money wisely, and stretch the most you can out of every dollar you do have.

Grocery Shopping, Thrifty, Money-Saving Tips

1. Make a grocery list and stick to it. Use store flyers and coupons to plan your list, and create menus to make the list from. When you make the list, stick to it when shopping.

2. Take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free deals on items you would normally purchase.

3. Shop at stores and on days that have double coupon specials for items you would normally purchase.

4. Compare store brand prices to those of name-brand prices with coupons. Sometimes store brands are cheaper and sometimes name-brand with coupons or on sale are cheaper.

5. Common items, like toilet paper, paper towels, foil or sandwich baggies that you use regularly and that aren't perishable can be purchased in bulk when they are at their lowest price and stored.

Money-Saving, Entertainment Thrifty Tips

6. Instead of going out to a movie, get some friends together and rent a video or two and have everyone chip in by bringing drinks, chips, or buying pizza on special. Just as much fun, much cheaper to get a meal and a movie, and you and your friends can laugh and talk during the movie without getting shooshed.

7. Instead of going out for the night, stay in and play board games. If everyone pitches in on snacks and drinks, you get out a lot cheaper and will probably have a lot more fun. Living room games like charades and role-playing games can be fun too and are free.

8. If you are just dying for a night out on the town, you can save money by looking for special tickets sales, two for one specials, discounts on dinners, etc. Many websites are now offering to let you

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