To the Mom Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck

5

I know it’s hard. You look at your bank account every day to see if the daycare check has not gone through yet so you can buy groceries. Maybe you didn’t pay a credit card bill this month because you chose to pay the electricity bill instead.

I know you, because I am you.

We have no savings. My husband and I both have full-time jobs, own a home, and have cars, but we are barely making ends meet. There is no retirement fund, no “safety-net”. We are just living day-to-day.

I could blame it on a lot of things. Our lack of financial planning, having kids before we had the money, student loan payments.

But the truth is, it’s hard and life is expensive.

We don’t live outside our means or go on extravagant vacations. Sometimes we want to donate to a worthy cause or go out with friends, but our budget just doesn’t allow for it. We have even asked family members for money when times were tough.

We try to cut corners where we can. We don’t have cable TV, we use coupons and budget billing, and we discount grocery shop every chance we get. We never turn down hand-me-down clothes for the kids or for ourselves.

Even though I know this is only temporary and we are hopeful to get back on track financially, it is hard. Hard on us emotionally, too. But what I know for sure is that our children are our top priority. They will have what they need, even if it means I don’t get that new dress I desperately want.

So, mom, living paycheck-to-paycheck, I see you. I know times can be tough, but you are not alone. Keep at it and keep doing all that you can do. We will all be okay.

5 COMMENTS

  1. I know that feeling-Have you heard about Dave Ramsey and the Total money makeover or Financial Planning University. You can get the book at the library.

  2. I hear you. Living pay check to pay check can be very frustrating. Being in the same situation, I can easily relate to your post. Looking forward to subsequent comments as I can possibly benefits from participants.

    Thank you for your great post.

  3. Except, you have 2 incomes coming in….you have credit to get a car and make payments, or credit cards to cushion. You may have a similar struggle, but you can’t fully know the TRUE struggle as a single mom living paycheck to paycheck, getting a 2nd job, and not eating so that your kids can. Live that way a few months and see how your perspective changes……

      • Thanks but I wasnt looking for props 🙂 …. believe me, if I could change things I would……but it’s the hand I’ve been dealt and I make the most that I can. But things like this make me, as it should everyone, really examine and take a long look at their lives…..everyone and be thankful…..we all could use a dose of gratitude…..everyone 🙂

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