In the unpredictable economy of the 2020s, it’s more complicated than ever for single parents to stay on solid financial ground. Moms who are raising kids need to build long-term security from the very beginning. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to bridge the gap between survival and success. Working parents who invest in the stock market can assemble a portfolio of securities that deliver excellent results.

Another wise move is to refinance student loans to reduce payments and have more money available each month. Moms who get rid of high-interest credit card debt do themselves a favor by minimizing the financial impact of short-term borrowing. Women who start small businesses on the side can bolster their income and save even more. Here are pertinent details about the most effective money strategies for today’s busy mothers.  [Read more…]

Nothing can really prepare you for a family funeral. It’s an incredibly emotional experience, and it’s a real burden to bear if you are the one who’s having to take charge of everything. You’ll want to make sure that everything goes as the deceased would have wished. Parents will also want to ensure that their children are doing OK. It’s a lot for everyone to deal with.

Don’t Try And Do Everything By Yourself

The first rule of dealing with a family funeral is to know when you need help. You’ve also got to ask for it and accept it. Some people find it harder than others, especially if you are that one family member who people turn to when they need emotional support. You’re not going to be able to look after anyone else if you’re not looking after yourself. Why not make a to-do list? You’ll soon be able to see whether it’s too much to handle alone. Talking to a therapist can also be a big help. Grief is a huge burden to shoulder. It can often help to go and talk to someone who is not currently involved in the whole business.  [Read more…]

Your last or only child is heading off to college. This can feel both triumphant and crushing as you’ve launched them into the first stage of what will eventually be an independent adult life, but your own life is also going to change immensely. So much of it has centered around your child and their needs that you can feel lost for a while when you think about the future without them around every single day. There are a few things you can do to help you adjust and make this time less difficult.

Think About Costs

Your child may be out of the house, but the rising expense of college tuition and the general cost of living increase means that you might be spending more than ever. It’s a good idea to strategize about how you’re going to afford this, including looking at loans and scholarships. Your child might be struggling to qualify for some loans without a cosigner. However, if you do cosign, you’re responsible for the entire debt if your child doesn’t pay it. While it can be frustrating for your child if you won’t cosign, you may be wondering what your obligations really are. Do some research and think about whether this is something you’re prepared to do or if you can help your child seek funding in some other way. [Read more…]