It’s no secret that prices have risen dramatically the past few years. From groceries to rent to transportation — the cost of living day-to-day life for single parents can feel frankly overwhelming.

So how can you combat the reality of rising prices, while still providing for your child’s needs? If you are feeling the pressures of living costs, here are three easy tips on how to save money in an inflated economy.

1. Discover budget-friendly food options

  • Eat at home. Restaurants can be expensive, so it’s helpful to know how to find budget-friendly grocery stores. Walmart and Aldi are known nationally for having affordable groceries, and Sam’s Club and Costco are great for buying bulk items for large families. 
  • Shop at farmers markets. Farmers markets are a great place to find produce that is not only affordable, but locally grown and organic. You can discover a farmers market near you through the National Farmers Market Directory.
  • Utilize restaurant deals. Many restaurants have cheaper menus for children, and some — like IHOP, Denny’s, and Ruby Tuesday — have times of day where kids can eat free! Click here to discover more restaurants in the Atlanta area with kid-friendly deals.

2. Save money on clothing

  • Know where to shop. Shopping at thrift stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army can save big bucks on clothing, as well as large discount stores like TJ Maxx or Nordstrom Rack. There are even shops like Uptown Cheapskate or Plato’s Closet that will buy your used clothes and give you store credit or cash back!
  • Shop out of season. Buying clothes — and other appliances — after prime seasons can provide significant discounts. For example, you can often find discounts on winter clothes at the end of January, versus before the winter season begins. Check out this guide for the best times of year to buy seasonal clothes.

3. Find affordable child care

  • Discover programs. Child Care Aware America and Head Start can help you find state-funded child care programs, as well as financial support for your children’s mental, physical, and social well-being. In Georgia, you can also check out the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program for access to child care for low-income families. 
  • Child care assistance programs. Make sure to research your school or workplace to see if they have any child care benefits — you might be surprised to find that they have programs like on-site day care services you can utilize. 
  • Lean on a support system. Community can be a huge asset for finding child care. Asking family and friends to help babysit or starting a carpooling network with your neighbors can help you balance your schedule and alleviate child care costs.

Whether it’s affording child care or groceries, we know that the struggle can be tough for single parents to provide in today’s economy. That’s why H.O.P.E. Inc. is passionate about financially supporting single parents who are pursuing their education, so that they don’t have to worry about rising rent or living costs while pursuing their goals. 

If you are interested or know of someone who would like to be a H.O.P.E. participant, you can find more information here!