Being a single mother means taking on so much more responsibility, and often carrying the world on your shoulders. Statistics reveal that one in two moms are single, and of these, only 12% of the fathers are regular contributors to their children’s financial wellbeing. This is according to the 2016 Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor which involved over one thousand urban professionals.
John Manyike, Head of Financial Education at Old Mutual says unfortunately, single mothers are faced with double the work, stress, tears and financial difficulties. “Especially during the current tough and uncertain economy, the word difficult becomes an understatement. However, this is the time where planning is absolutely crucial. Making sure you are prepared - emotionally, physically and mentally - is key to your peace-of-mind,” Manyike says.
Although raising a child as a single parent has its challenges, Old Mutual financial education has a few tips to assist single mothers to cope with raising our future leaders:
For new mothers, the minute your pregnancy is confirmed, start putting money away into a savings account. Take into account your potential medical expenses as some medical aids don’t give 100% maternal benefits. You can start with as little as R200 per month - the important thing is to start, and to start today.
If you have a new family member on the way, Consider nappies and baby gear, a caretaker for when you return to work, nursery school for when your baby is older, and eventually school. Take a step back and consider the potential expenses that are likely, and be better prepared for what is to come.
Charge down your debts to limit your financial obligations when you are on maternity leave or speak to your creditors to arrange lesser monthly installments so that you can cope during this period Contact a financial adviser and start the conversation around saving for your children’s education. School fees, unfortunately, increase every year and saving long before the time comes will give you peace of mind.
Compile a comprehensive financial plan and live by this plan. We all know that things happen and circumstances change but notify your financial adviser of any financial changes. This will ensure that changes are implemented into your financial plan and allowances are made where necessary. More importantly, stay committed to it - no matter what happens!
We all want the best education for our children and often our first choice in schools are far from our homes. Prepare yourself for the rising transport costs and school fees. An alternative to this is to rather look for schools closer to you or move closer to the school to cut the transportation costs.
Keep saving. No matter what, don’t stop saving. Be committed to your long term goals such as a university degree for your child. Become emotionally attached to seeing your child getting a degree – and that vision for the future will fuel your commitment to saving your money, especially in those months when it is tough to do so. Many government schools offer school fee exemptions to parents who cannot afford to pay their full school fees monthly. Speak to your school principal and make use of this service to ease your burden a little.
Don’t put yourself under pressure by trying to “keep up with the Kardashians, the Khumalo’s, or the Karims.” Dress your children according to what you can afford and don’t open clothing store accounts if you cannot afford to pay the total monthly fee. It is good advice that if you cannot buy it cash, then you shouldn’t buy it at all.
Prioritise! Shop at cheaper stores, change to cheaper brands, compare prices, pull back on holidays, DSTV and other luxuries. This is the time to go with what you need not what you want.
Learn to say NO! Children can push you into buying things just to keep up with their friends or the latest fashion trends. It is much wiser to teach your children about budgeting, pocket money and financial restraints, than to give in to their demands for new things. If there is a pair of takkies they are desperate for, sit down with them and work out a financial plan to save the money. Once the money is saved, and the takkies are bought you can be sure your child will have a much higher appreciation for that item.
“Raising children is already a huge responsibility and challenge, and being a single mother brings another dimension to this. Planning, prioritising and managing your financial situation is the first step to financial well-being, and giving your children the best you can give them. This Mother’s Day we celebrate all the sacrifices that our mothers and lady guardians have made to give us the best life that they could afford,” concludes Manyike.
