Financial Goals For Single Parents
BOSTON (CBS) - So often we start as a couple, have one or two children and then the blush is off the rose and we divorce.
Twenty million kids are living in a home with a single parent. According to the U.S. Census Bureau there are 10 million single moms and 2 million single dads and as a single parent you need to rethink your goals.
It is very easy for me to take the high road here and start to talk about all of things you need to do but if you are living paycheck-to-paycheck or have credit card debt you can't commit to saving and investing. So let's start with the basics here.
The most common goals:
- Get out of debt
- Save for an emergency fund
- Comfortable retirement so you don't have to live with the kids
- Send the kids to college just in case you have to live with them
Getting out of debt: This is your number one goal. Put together a plan and if need be get some help from Consumer Credit Counseling. Debt won't allow you to achieve your other goals.
Save more: Not easy to change your lifestyle but you may have to do things differently to have the other things in life you want.
Comfortable retirement: If you notice I ranked this before college savings on purpose. There is no financial aid or scholarships available for your retirement. A gift you give your kids is your financial independence in retirement. I really do know how hard it is to save for retirement but even small amounts put away during your working years will benefit you in retirement.
Sending the kids to college: This is not an easy feat for a single parent. State universities and community colleges can make it more affordable. There is financial aid out there and work study programs for the kids. Two years at the community college and then off to UMass is a great plan.
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You can hear Dee Lee's expert financial advice on WBZ NewsRadio 1030 each weekday at 1:55 p.m., 3:55 p.m., and 7:55 p.m.
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