Last updated on January 31, 2024 by Lori Pace
As inflation accelerates as we enter the final months of 2023, single parents are continuing to look for easy ways to save money. In addition to cutting back on grocery bills (which is a top priority for just about everyone), people are using clever ways to pay for a college degree, save money on gas, minimize discretionary spending, store food at home, and put away unwanted clothing into ready cash. Here’s how they get the job done and save money over the course of a year since this is one of the toughest challenges.
Three simple tips to cut your grocery bill
When prices rise, it can be difficult to reduce grocery expenses to realistic levels. But the tech age has provided at least one tool to beat inflation: coupon apps. Check out several of the top-rated apps online and choose one that works for the store you shop at and offers deals from the brands you frequently buy from. Some coupon applications focus more on staples, while others offer price breaks on convenience items like frozen pizza and desserts.
When shopping for food, two other simple ways to be smarter than the cash register are wholesale clubs and itemized lists. For an annual membership fee of about $100, consumers can join one of the major clubs and save by buying common items in bulk and at low prices. If you take the time to make a list every time you shop, you can avoid impulse purchases and save more. One of the great things about a wholesale club membership is that most companies now have their own gas stations, and you can save up to 5% when you fill up at the pump.
The easiest way to fund a college degree
Single parents who want to return to college or earn a degree from scratch can pay for their tuition through scholarships. While there is no guarantee that these awards will cover the cost of attendance, many applicants are surprised to find that scholarships are easy to obtain and are a good way to fund at least part of their degree. The most efficient way to accomplish this task is to use popular online platforms that allow users to apply for multiple scholarships at the same time.
Millions of dollars in bonuses go unclaimed every year simply because no one applies. Don’t let your potential opportunities disappear due to lack of interest. Instead, head to online platforms and apply to as many scholarships as possible, remembering to use the filter tools to find scholarships for which you already meet the minimum requirements.
Strategies to Cut Gas Bills
If you’re tired of high gas and diesel prices, commit to taking public transportation more often, plan every driving trip, and remember to inflate your tires to the recommended pressure levels for maximum MPG.
Convert old clothes into cash
For decades, the best-selling items at thrift stores and garage sales have been shirts, baby clothes, slacks and a long list of apparel. The same goes for today’s online auction and direct sales sites. Most people have no idea how much their old clothes are worth. Take high-quality photos of your unwanted pieces and put them up for sale on one of the top platforms. Price them and have them ready to ship to buyers immediately.
Learn how to store food
Even in the modern digital age of advanced computers and artificial intelligence, knowing how to store food in your home is a valuable skill. Over centuries, humans have developed technology that keeps meat, vegetables, and other foods fresh for months at a time. In the 2020s, high-efficiency home freezers became the appliance of choice for single moms and dads looking to save money. A good refrigerator can reduce your grocery bill by 10% across the board.
When purchasing a standalone unit, consider the amount of space available, the cubic feet of the refrigerator, and the price. You don’t need to be a scientist to take advantage of standard units. Try to buy high-quality meats, frozen vegetables and other items that will last up to six months. Read product labels carefully to find the best products for freezing.
