Nest Eggs For Single Moms

I'm not sure about most single parents but if you are like me, you are living month-to-month and barely have anything saved (if anything).  I do not really have a 'nest egg' for myself or children at all.  I keep thinking that THAT will happen when I am remarried (when ever that will happen, considering I am single and not even dating anyone right now) and I have most of the same bills (mainly mortgage and utilities) and a dual-income.


When I think of a nest egg, I can see meaning many different things.  Money to be set away for emergencies like unemployment, a disability, exceptionally large auto or hospital bill, etc.   I can also see a nest egg as money that I should have for when I am old and want to retire and can no longer work, or no longer want to work.  Part of that would be some type of retirement money, like a 504 plan or long-term investments.   Finally, I think of a nest egg as money that should be saved 'just in case.'  I have heard that it is a great plan for people to have three months of their average monthly income in savings.


For me, as a single parent, I have a two main assets my house and my car and a small amount of money saved in an ING account.  I also have some money saved (no not even close to enough) for my children for college.


All of this is something that I need to do soon, now, in the present.  Everyone says the future isn't certain, but it is certain that if someone is broke their whole like that they shouldn't be expecting a miracle when they are old and want to retire.


All of this I need to start on now.  It really comes down to saving more money, budgeting more and spending less.  Sounds easy, right?

My year-end goal is to have that three-month egg nest.  With my 2012 tax return I want to pay off my two (and only two) credit cards that I own.  After that....?  Savings for my retirement, childrens' college and maybe a small fund for a family vacation.


The definition of a nest egg might mean different things to each of us but it all is really about how much money we have set aside.  


It isn't easy being a single parent but ignoring the future isn't going to make it go away.




“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Allstate blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link tohttp://allstate.socialmoms.com/about)

Ventura County Fair Entries

Two weeks ago I turned in a few art items of the kids as entries for the Ventura County Fair.  I had also brought down some Lego sets Daeton had build (some from a set and some he made with his own imagination) and one Lego heart Kaela had made.  But, it was the wrong day for 'models and sets and collections' and I never went back the following weekend.

I also turned in an entry for myself of some strawberry jam I had made.  This was the first time I've ever entered anything of my own.

We are going to try to make it to the fair this week! I'm excited to see how we placed on everything.

Thanks to Dads

It isn't Father's Day, nor his birthday.  Nothing special just happened either. But, in a day of ordinary days, it popped into my head about how much my dad does for me and my family, daily.

After working a 9 hour day and then running 10 miles he just ran to see the last 15-20 minutes of Daeton's football practice.  I love the great example he sets for myself and my kids, showing that the sky is the limit.

At 62 years old he runs more in a week than I probably do in a whole year.  He is in great shape and someone to look up to for motivation and inspiration.

I am blessed to have such a great dad.