Page 10 - Book11E

It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watch- ing us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself.
—Joyce Maynard
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One way for single parents to begin dealing with the stress that accom- panies their financial burdens is to put some financial plans in place that help them to begin to make the most of what they do have so that they can stop spending what they don’t have.
If you are a single parent, you probably realize that saving money is important to secure your financial health in the future, but you also probably find it difficult to do so when it seems every penny you earn is already allocated. In this volume, Family Financial Education Foundation has compiled some tips, advice, and avenues for help that you may not be fully aware of so that you as a single par- ent can make the necessary changes, both philosophical and practical, that will help you to get your financial feet on steady ground.
Although it may seem difficult at times to be a single parent, there are some effective ways to deal with the struggles. Consider the following suggestions:
Determine which things you can control . Try to focus on the issues you can change and worry less about the things you can’t change.
Ask for and be willing to accept help . Delegate responsibilities when you can, and form a strong support network of people who can provide practical and emotional support. Other single parents may be espe- cially helpful resources.
Take care of yourself . Healthy eating along with rest and exercise can do wonders for your spirits. These positive behaviors also encourage your children permission to do the same.
Financial Tips for Single Parents