Trusting God as a Single Mom In Financial Struggle | Hypeladies

Trusting God as a Single Mom In Financial Struggle : Overcoming Hardships and Embarking on a Successful Financial Journey

I. Introduction : Trusting God as a Single Mom In Financial Struggle

As a single mom, I know the daily struggles that come with trying to make ends meet. There never seems to be enough money at the end of the month after paying for rent, groceries, childcare and all the other expenses that keep piling up. I often lay awake at night, trying not to cry while the kids are sleeping as the financial stress feels unbearable.

I found myself constantly worrying – how will I afford new shoes for my rapidly growing kids? What if I can’t make next month’s rent? What if my 15 year old car breaks down? How will I ever get out debt? The questions and doubt circulated endlessly even during my desperate prayers pleading with God to somehow “fix” my impossible situation.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Over 13 million single parents are experiencing poverty in the US. Financial struggles are all too real for single moms, with 30% living at or below the poverty line according to 2019 US Census data.

But there is hope. I’m here to tell you firsthand that you can overcome financial crisis as a single mom by trusting in God’s provision. This blog will cover my journey and practical strategies to help you:

• Build unwavering faith that God will meet all your needs
• Create a financial plan to manage expenses, debt and savings
• Find community and support along the way

Leaning on God through prayer and scripture gave me the strength and clarity to tackle hard financial decisions head on. God showed me how to budget, save and eliminate debt little by little even as a single income household. If I can do it, you can too! And the best part? Now I have an amazing testimony of God’s faithfulness to encourage other struggling single mamas.

So let’s get started! Here are the first steps that helped transform my mindset and finances when I was losing hope:

“Put all your confidence in the Lord and don’t rely on your own wisdom. Recognize him in all of your endeavors, and he will make your pathways straight. Give the Lord your all in everything you do. If you trust him, he will assist you.”

II. The Harsh Financial Reality for Many Single Moms

Being a single mom is hard enough thanks to the constant demands of juggling work, managing the household, and raising children largely alone. Add financial struggles to the mix and it can feel downright overwhelming.

Let’s validate those struggles by looking at the numbers:

• Over 31% of single mother families live below the poverty line according the US Census Bureau.
• The average yearly income for a single mom is only $41,703 compared to $60,960 for married couples per Debt.org.
• Top expenses like childcare ($9,000 yearly average), housing, food, health costs and transportation put single moms already limited budgets further in the red.
• In 2019, there were 10 million single mother households in the U.S. so you are not alone!

Being constantly worried about money takes a big emotional and mental toll too. The stress can directly impact your health and even your children’s wellbeing.

As one 2015 study published in Pediatrics Magazine found, children in single mother households are more likely to develop depression and behavior problems when finances are incredibly tight.

No wonder Jesus spoke so often about money, wealth, and trusting in Him for our provision! He knows the burden it can become especially during seasons of hardship.

So where do you start on the path toward financial stability when just getting by is so difficult? By trusting God to renew your mind, refreshing your soul and revealing the next right steps. The journey begins with these pivotal mindset shifts:

III. Trusting God to See You Through Tough Times

When I was at my lowest point financially as a single mom, I was also at a crisis of faith. I doubted whether God really cared or could help me in any tangible way.

I was barely keeping my head above water working two dead-end jobs just trying to afford childcare and all our basic necessities. My debt kept mounting no matter how hard I worked. I leaned heavily on credit cards once the monthly bills exceeded my modest paychecks.

I kept thinking “How could God let us struggle like this if He is who He says He is?” I was angry, scared and felt so alone.

But as I read scripture, I was reminded over and over that God sees me and my plight. He hears my cries even when no one else does. He has not forgotten nor forsaken me or my children as He promises in Deuteronomy 31:6.

Here are the first steps of faith that helped reframe my mindset:

A. Cast All Your Cares Upon Him Through Prayer

• “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22)
• “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
• Let Scripture guide your prayers – claim God’s promises over your life and your children’s lives too. Set aside regular quiet time to pour your heart out to Him.
• Visualize placing all your financial burdens at Jesus’ feet – don’t try to carry them alone!

B. Look for Signs of God’s Blessings and Provision Amidst the Storm

• In the Bible, God often led and provided for His people wander in the wilderness – He will sustain you in your financial wilderness too!
• Write down 3-5 things you’re grateful for every day – free school lunch program, health insurance that covers the kids, thrift store finds.
• Share praise reports with other single mom friends of God’s faithfulness.
• Look back on past provision in your toughest times – if God brought you through before, He will do it again!

C. Surround Yourself with a Strong Community of Faith

• Single moms need encouragers who can speak hope and truth into our lives. Let experienced, Godly voices help transform your thinking.
• Join a small group for single moms at church or attend services weekly even when money is tight.
• Listen to uplifting podcasts, radio shows and follow faith-based accounts on social media instead of doom scrolling!

IV. Steps to Build Unwavering Faith in God’s Provision

When I was ready to throw in the towel after losing my second job due to lack of childcare, a friend invited me to her church that had an amazing single moms program. Everything they taught centered around trusting God to meet your practical needs even in hard times.

I heard countless stories of God’s miraculous financial provision for struggling single parent families. As I built genuine friendships with my small group sisters, I felt hopeful for the first time in years.

Here are some spiritual practices we did together to strengthen our faith in God as our ultimate provider:

A. Reflect on Previous Seasons When God Clearly Provided

• Think back to when you first became a single parent – how did God sustain you through those early days? Write about the journey.
• My biggest testimony – when I desperately needed a car, someone gifted me their extra vehicle worth $15,000+ so I could get to work and my kids to school! It brought me to tears.
• Recall answered prayers, unexpected checks in the mail, decorated envelopes with cash inside. What might God be stirring in someone’s heart to help you now?

B. Claim God’s Promises Over Your Finances Through Scripture

• “And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 4:19)
• “Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your hearts before Him; God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8)
• “Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth…But store up treasures for yourselves in heaven”. (Matthew 6:19-20)

C. Start Tithing Consistently to Tap Into Spiritual Abundance

• Tithing terrified me at first when I could hardly pay bills but my mentor said “Put God first now in your hardship, do it afraid! Test Him at His word!”. And wow did He show up.
• When I committed 10% from every small paycheck back to God, unexpected blessings started flowing – hand-me-down clothes for the kids, discounted groceries, bonuses at work.
• See tithing as a spiritual transaction – we honor God, planting seeds in good soil and He promises abundance will return to us 30, 60 100 fold (Matthew 13:8). I now consider tithing non-negotiable.

D. Thank God in Advance for Provision Through Gratitude Journaling

• I speak blessings, breakthroughs and provision over my life daily before even seeing the physical manifestation. Seeing pictures in my mind of financial freedom for my family as if it’s already happened (think – nice emergency fund, college savings started, etc) helps release my faith. Speak those things that be not as though they already are – call in what God has for you!
• I imagine Jesus walking through my home, touching areas of lack calling them blessed and prosperous. Things shift in the supernatural before natural when we use the power of blessing this way.
• Journaling forces you to get specific so have fun with it – don’t stop till you have 10-15 bullet points thanking God for miraculous money testimonies past, present and future.

V. Creating a Realistic Budget as a Single Mom

As my faith in God as my provider grew, I knew He was urging me to get organized financially and create an intentional spending plan. I had avoided looking at my overall money situation for years because honestly – it was an embarrassing mess.

But finally sitting down to tally up debt owed, account for monthly expenses and track my unpredictable income was pivotal.

Getting super clear through budgeting helped me find ways to trim costs and discover some problematic spending habits. Building financial margin became crucial so I could start moving the needle out of scarcity and into abundance.

Here are the budgeting basics I learned:

A. Use Free Budgeting Templates to Organize Finances

• Sites like MoneyFitness offer free, printable monthly budget forms to input all income sources and categorize expenses. I track money coming in and going out this way instead of trying to balance a traditional checkbook.
• Excel, Google Sheets and budget apps like EveryDollar also help you log transactions, create reports and analyze data over time. Mint and Personal Capital aggregate financial accounts in one dashboard to consolidate things.
• I love the Zero Based Budget method popularized by Dave Ramsey – giving every dollar earned a name and purpose on paper before month end. Unexpected expenses throw me off less now.

B. Reduce Expenses Wherever Possible

• My mentor and I did a line by line assessment of where to trim – cut cable, got roommate to reduce rent, meal planned around sales/freezes leftovers, switched cell phone carriers. Saved $5-600 a month which was life changing!
• Ask creditors for reduced rates – most were willing when I explained my single mom situation. We negotiated cheaper electric and internet prices saving $70 here and there.
• Buy second-hand whenever possible – kids clothes/toys, furniture, baby gear. Sign up for NextDoor and Facebook Buy Nothing groups. Host a clothing swap with other moms.

C. Explore Options to Earn Extra Money

• I picked up weekend retail shifts that my son could come along with me to because childcare was an issue before.
• Tutoring, participating in surveys and user testing apps, selling homemade crafts at consignment stores, renting out spare space through AirBnB – it all adds up!
• Single moms have mad skills! Offer your services as a notary, bookkeeper, virtual assistant, writer and more.

D. Utilize Government Assistance If Eligible

These programs offer help if income qualifications met:

• SNAP Food Assistance
• Section 8 Housing Vouchers
• TANF Cash Assistance
• Head Start Early Childhood Education
• Medicaid Health Insurance
• WIC Nutrition Program
• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Childcare Subsidies

Don’t let pride keep you from getting much needed help during this season! Fill out applications and lean on case workers to walk through options.

VI. Strategies to Manage and Eliminate Debt

I avoided facing the truth about how much credit card and medical debt I had racked up over the years. I only paid minimums and refused to add up the balances owed because it felt so shameful and overwhelming.

But getting out of denial and proactively tackling debt became the gateway to real financial freedom. By creating a detailed debt payoff plan and making strategic payment decisions, I’ve paid off $12K in two years!

Here is my best advice on developing a debt removal roadmap if you’re feeling buried:

A. Evaluate Current Debts Owed

• List all debts with total amounts – credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, back taxes, etc.
• Then calculate minimum monthly payments
• List interest rates charged which is costing you extra
• See how much total interest paid over lifetime of all debt

My Debt Worksheet Example:

Total Debt | $10,600 | $350 | Avg. 21% | $4,271

Whoa – seeing I would pay over $4K in interest alone was an urgent wake up call!

B. Strategize Your Debt Payoff Plan

• With multiple debts, which do you tackle first? I used the Avalanche Method targeting highest interest rates first saving the most money long term. Some prefer the Debt Snowball Method eliminating smallest balance accounts first to build early wins.
• Calculate the monthly surplus with your new budget – put all of it towards debt each month! No eating out or shopping until you’re debt free.
• List debts from highest rate down to zero percent interest determine order of repayments
• Project a total payoff timeframe to stay encouraged

C. Consider Consolidating or Negotiating Debts

• I did a balance transfer to a zero interest credit card for 21 months to avoid crazy high interest fees
• Call each creditor – clearly explain your situation and simply ask for better terms! Lower rates, waived fees, reduced payments, etc. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
• Debt management programs through non-profit credit counseling agencies can negotiate with creditors on your behalf. They facilitate modified repayment plans and even settlement offers. I went from 30% interest to 7% across multiple cards using GreenPath Financial Wellness.

D. Use the Debt Snowball or Avalanche Method Aggressively

• To kick debt payoff into high gear, I started delivering pizza nights and weekends – pure hustle mode!
• After covering monthly basics, every single extra penny went straight to debt thanks to my budget and spreadsheet tracking plan.
• I pictured chains breaking off and lightness coming in as I sent each big payment with joy. Write encouraging scriptures on envelopes too claiming God’s promises over your finances!
• Once the first credit card balance hit zero and I closed the account, the momentum built fast. My kids cheered with me – it became a family goal we tackled together!

Seeing rapid progress by sticking faithfully to my get out of debt regimen renewed so much hope. Payoff projection dates moved up over and over as extra income streamed in allowing bigger lump payments. God absolutely honored our focused intensity peppered with praise through the whole journey.

VII. Saving and Investing Money as a Single Mom

As I made consistent strides paying off debt, I started dreaming about what life could look like with money left over at the end of each month instead of perpetually coming up short.

What would it be like to financially breathe, buy a few wants for the kids, or gasp actually save? Could I retire one day or help my kids with college? Was financial margin possible as a single parent?

My mentor who raised 3 kids alone assured me that yes, saving and investing is essential even on one income. She gave me a vision for how money can work for you instead of constantly feeling behind.

I tweaked my budget again to find a little bit more space and got smart by:

A. Opening a High-Yield Savings Account

• Look for online banks offering at least 2% APY – American Express, Marcus, CIT Bank, Barclays, etc. No fees or minimums.
• Track all savings diligently just like debt payments – automate transfers on paydays before you spend a dime!
• Build a starter emergency fund of $500-$1000 to avoid falling back into debt when surprise expenses hit. Then grow to 3-6 months living expenses over time.

B. Learn Investing Basics – Compounding Is Powerful!

• Once I had cash reserves of about $2K in my savings account, I dipped my toe into investing by using an app like Stash, Betterment and Acorns. They simplify the process for beginners.
• Index funds and ETFs that bundle many stocks are a great starting point vs picking individual stocks. Over long timeframes, they produce average returns while minimizing risk.
• Just $100/month over 30 years invested at 8% yearly average returns yields around $300k! Amazing what compound growth can do!

C. Start Small By Saving Your Spare Change

• I loved apps like Acorns and Digit that round up purchases to stash the difference automatically. Chime bank also offers this feature.
• Spare change adds up fast without feeling like a sacrifice. Within 8 months, I saved $750 to start an vacation fund just from digital rounded change. Empowering!
• Show kids how recurring micro-savings make a big impact together for goals like family trips, a Wii or tablets.

D. Teach Your Kids the Value of Saving, Budgeting and Giving

• Have kids help create money jars – saving, spending, sharing. Let them decorate and shake change in!
• Do age appropriate budget activities – teens can use an app and percentage based budget. Elementary kids get envelopes to divide allowance.
• Foster money conversations often – needs vs wants, being content, gratitude for provision, value of generosity.

VIII. Building Your Community and Support System

While getting my financial house in order, I knew I couldn’t journey alone. God reminded me to lean into community after years trying to hide my struggles in shame.

Surrounding myself with others walking a similar path brought encouragement, accountability and inspiration. By giving and receiving help freely within groups uplifting single moms, isolation lost its grip.

Here’s how to tap into your village:

A. Join Single Parent Support Groups

• Facebook groups like One Fit Widow and Single Moms Who Budget connect parents online. Share hurdles and milestones on your journey!
• Check MeetUp.com for in-person clubs for single moms to swap parenting tips plus find friends.
• Look for formal support groups focused on things like divorce recovery or families managing disabilities. Therapeutic sharing here can promote healing.

B. Get Connected to a Local Church

Googles helps you search for churches offering great single parent resources in your area

• Our kids attended free weekly programs so we could take parenting classes, enjoy hot meals together and access counseling services.
• Small groups met for “single moms nights out” for friendship and fresh perspectives from mentors. We shared everything from parenting fails to wins paying off debts!

C. Find a Mentor Who Has Been Where You Are

• That voice who says “Me too – but there IS light at the end of the tunnel if you just stick with it!” can change everything.
• Maybe a former single mom 10 years ahead willing to listen without judgement and give real-talk advice. Or a financial mentor to reveal money secrets.
• I met an incredible woman who faced homelessness with 5 kids through my church. Her tools became my lifeline those hard nights when my faith wavered.

D. Give Back to Support Other Single Moms

Of all people, single moms understand the sisterhood of survival. We need each other, so I encourage you to reach out a hand too!

• Offer childcare swap nights with another single parent for free date nights.
• Help struggling neighbors with yardwork, errands, rides to appointments. Pay blessings forward!
• Share clothing items in good condition or extra food if you’re able. Bring someone a hot meal. Write encouraging cards for stressed out mama friends.

Generosity takes the focus off ourselves even when funds are limited. It allows us to connect meaningfully easing isolation. And studies show it also boosts your own mental health!

IX. Maintaining a Heart of Gratitude Through the Journey

Some days on my quest to financial freedom as a single mom I wanted to quit altogether. When unexpected medical bills came, jobs got rocky, child support payments were erratic or cars broke down yet again – frustration and doubt crept back in.

Whenever I hit an obstacle, God would lovingly nudge me to recalibrate with consistent gratitude. Keeping record of His goodness and provision sustained me on days when hope lagged. Some ways I practiced the discipline of thankfulness:

A. Journal Praise Reports and Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness

• I kept a bullet journal section with quick lines of answered prayers, devotional nuggets that spoke to my spirit and affirmations fueled by truth.
• When a bill got paid miraculously right before cutoff or a surprise gift card came in the mail, I rushed to add it to “Reasons My God is Good” list!
• Looking at accumulating evidence builds your testimony muscles for darker days. Share journal highlights aloud together as a family too declaring “Do you remember when?…” – good for the soul!

B. Verbally Share Your Story with Others Needing Encouragement

• At church, I started leading money discussions for single moms from a place of “You can absolutely get through this struggle and reach stability!” rather than just commiserating in hard times or offering textbook advice from someone who hasn’t been there.
• Share specific strategies that worked for you, milestone moments like hitting first savings goal and celebrations like a debt free shout out! Give them strength to know better days coming.

C. Stand Firm in Trust That God Will Continue Meeting Every Need

• God promises that when we honor Him first with faithful giving, He will pour out blessings so great we won’t have room to receive it all! (See Malachi 3:10) Though confusing at first, I chose to take Him at His word.
• Tithing strengthened my trust muscle – if I trust Him in lack, I know He’ll provide in abundance. He reminds me constantly He owns it all anyway and holds my future. Part of my job is obeying Him before I always understand. But He proves Himself over and over in both small and large ways when I walk by faith.

After years of feeling so very alone, I sensed His pleasure in showing off as my provider and best friend. I learned money topics made God never more excited to display His glory if we just let Him!

IX. Trusting God as a single mom scripture to read

Trusting God as a single mom scripture #1

As a single mother, life can feel overwhelming at times. The demands of work, home, and parenting alone can be exhausting. In those moments of despair, I choose to trust in God’s promises. One verse that gives me courage is Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” I recall this when I feel unable to cope on my own. God does not abandon the weary and downtrodden. He promises to be there, offering refuge, strength and help when troubles come.

Trusting God as a single mom scripture #2

Another passage that lifts me up is Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” As much as I try, I cannot do everything solely on my own power. But Jesus invites me to come to Him when I am depleted. He gives me the rest and renewal I need to carry on.

Trusting God as a single mom scripture #3

Finally, Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds me, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” My human wisdom has limits. God sees the full picture – things I cannot understand or foresee. By choosing each day to trust Him fully rather than rely only on myself, He promises to guide me rightly. Clinging to these truths give me the faith and courage to tackle each day as a single mom.

Trusting God as a single mom scripture #4

Isaiah 41:10 encourages me, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” As a single mom, I can feel very alone at times. But this verse reassures me that God is always by my side, giving me strength, help and upholding me when I feel like I just can’t go on. I am not abandoned or alone with God on my side.

Trusting God as a single mom scripture #5

1 Peter 5:7 prompts me to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” As a single mother, anxiety can be overwhelming with so many responsibilities solely on my shoulders. But this verse reminds me to cast those anxious thoughts and feelings onto the Lord. He cares deeply for me and invites me to place all my worries into his capable hands rather than carrying all the weight only on myself. He can handle them all.

X. Conclusion and Call to Action

If you feel completely depleted emotionally, physically and financially in your journey as a single mom, I see you. I’ve collapsed under the weight of it all too many a night.

You are not forgotten. How you feel matters – the stress, loneliness, anger, exhaustion and sense of defeat…God cares. He will sustain and equip you beyond what you can ask or imagine – His Word says it is so. There is blessing waiting on the other side of this wrestling if you just hold on!

I hope my story and the practical steps we covered encouraged you greatly today. Please know that if I can find financial freedom, so can you one anxious thought and faithful prayer at a time.

Here is what I suggest doing next based on everything in this blog post to start seeing breakthrough:

First…

• Pick one money related promise of God that speaks to you – write it on several index cards and post them visibly around your home. Speak that promise aloud together as a family in faith every day this week. Ask God to reveal how He desires for that truth to manifest in your life specifically. Open your eyes wide to see how He will perform His Word.

Then…

• Schedule one hour this weekend to organize your financial situation. List all incomes, debts owed, account for expenses. Start a basic budget draft. Identify just one place to cut or earn additional income. Small progress sustains momentum!

You’ve totally got this! Please connect if you need an listening ear, encouragement or guidance getting started anywhere. The community is here to support you – you in courageous mama!

Additional Resources:

• Church Assistance Programs for Single Moms
• 12 Best Bible Verses for Single Mothers
• Single Moms Money Confidence Course
• Free Budgeting Tools and Templates

You’ve got this! One small victory at a time.

Susanna

Hypeladies.com, founded in 2020 by Susanna, is a premier digital platform dedicated to empowering women through insightful and practical content. Born out of Susanna’s personal experiences as a mother and professional, the website addresses the everyday challenges women face by providing guidance on fashion, beauty, parenting, health, and relationships. Hypeladies believes that knowledge is power, aiming to equip women with the information they need to make informed decisions, boost their confidence, and live their best lives. With a commitment to fostering a supportive community, Hypeladies.com serves as a comprehensive resource for women at all stages of life, inspiring them to achieve their goals and embrace their potential.