Oct

25

Will Single Mothers be able to Afford the Coming Winter?

Posted by singlemom

October 25, 2008 |

As a single mother myself, I can tell you that it will not be easy for me this winter. I envy all of you who have the income necessary to get through this winter. You are doing great. Keep up the good work!

It has just plain been a bad year for me financially. I even have gone to the food cupboard on more than just one occasion. I am 37 years old, and this is the first year that I have done this, other than one time when my older daughter was a baby. It doesn’t feel good to be in need so much, but it does feel good to know that there is help out there when I need it.

This year, I did an application for fuel assistance. I have only done this two other times in previous years, but I just don’t see where I have any other choice. I hope it goes, through.

I can’t give a magic formula for every single mom to make it through this year but, for those who are worrying, here are my best tips for the upcoming winter:

  • Know where a food cupboard is, just in case.
  • See if you qualify for fuel assistance. The income levels have gone up some this year so, even if you haven’t qualified in the past, you may qualify this year.
  • Bank your trailer/home if you can.
  • If you bank the trailer, can you also install heat tape on your pipes?
  • Stock up on food, household and personal hygiene items while on sale.
  • Use your slowcooker as much as you can. If you don’t have one, you may consider asking for one for Christmas. Even the cheapest cuts of meat cook well in this contraption.
  • Put plastic on your windows.
  • You may also wish to use heavy curtains. This can be accomplished, using existing curtains, by sewing/pinning a sheet to the pack. Depending on your curtains, you may have to cut them to size.
  • Hanging quilts/heavy blankets to your walls may also be helpful.
  • Turn the heat down. This year we are trying 63 during the day, and 55 at night.
  • Keep a lot of extra blankets around.
  • Wear sweaters over shirts, and slippers over socks.
  • Shorter showers will save on water and electrical costs. (I do turn the heat up in the evenings for this, just a bit. We have oil heat.)
  • Bake more than 1 thing at a time.
  • If you use a dryer, use the energy efficient cycle and dry full loads. Not overly full loads, though. The air needs to be able to circulate. Better yet, air dry your clothes. You can do this, then throw them into the dryer for just a few minutes when almost dry. Dry only what you have to in the dryer. Shower curtains and liners can be hung back up to dry, as can curtains and drapes.
  • Wash clothes in cold water only.
  •  If you can, turn the dishwasher off and open the door instead of using the the dry cycle.
  • Make sure your freezer is always full.
  • Learn to make your own cleaning and laundry products. They really do work just as well as commercially purchased items. They are non-toxic, healthier for you and your children.
  • Bake/cook from scratch whenever you can.
  • Purchase winter outerwear at local church and other thrift shops. You can get most of the rest of your clothes this way as well.

I hope these ideas are helpful. If you are like me, you can use all of the help that you can get this year. Please let us know what you are doing to save money this winter.

Shannon


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