Many families in the United States, surviving on one income by choice or circumstances, face immense financial pressure. What seemed affordable a few years ago may now take much more from a family’s income pool thanks to inflation. And the hard part is that prices aren’t coming down soon.

Tough financial choices and a high level of resourcefulness are necessary. Looking at the joys of raising a family, from shared memories to unwavering support, every effort that can make life better for each family member is worth considering.

If you’re trying to make sense of the current economic landscape and want to get the most from your income, here are some strategies that will make a difference.

1. Prioritize Budgeting

Recent reports show that a four-member family requires around $85,000 yearly to survive, which is no mean feat, especially for families that look up to one breadwinner. The truth is various factors, including state, race, and gender, come into play, and many families have to survive on a much lower income.

Whatever the case is, you should have a practical budget that allows you to meet your family’s needs while allowing you to save for the future. A well-structured budget will allow you to account for every coin and cultivate financial discipline.

While ignoring the enticing offers by brands to indulge in unnecessary items might be challenging, focusing on needs can help you ward off financial strain. With the help of budgeting apps, you can plan for your salary and gain valuable insights into your spending habits.

2. Minimize your Entertainment Expenditure

Entertainment takes up a considerable chunk of income for American families. Activities like attending sports events, casino nights, leisure trips, and even paying for cable TV and live-streaming can add up quickly, and limiting your spending is essential.

You can take charge by exploring low-cost options such as community events, online gambling (no hotel and travel costs), and free concerts. If you love the outdoors, hiking is an excellent option, as most parks and hiking trails charge reasonable entry fees. Just ensure that you avoid impulse spending on entertainment by prior planning.

If you’ve subscribed to entertainment services you don’t use, consider opting out and only pay for what provides maximum value for your family. Don’t forget to take advantage of free trials before making a long-term payment for future subscriptions. This way, you can avoid paying for a service you won’t use.

3. Learn Some DIY Hacks

Maintaining a home involves many unforeseen expenses, including occasional repair work. With the right set of tools, you won’t have to spend on handyperson services for simple tasks like fixing clogged drains and leaking faucets.

The internet is an invaluable resource for all your DIY needs, and there’s a range of information, including detailed tutorials and videos, to help you learn most skills. Whether you’re considering painting your home, building a shelf, or designing your clothes, help is just a click away.

And if you’re exceptionally talented with crafts, you can improve your income by selling your work. From DIY gifts to furniture and home décor, there’s no limit to what you can do. So, consider exploring the DIY world for a more fulfilling and financially sound lifestyle.

4. Leverage Community Resources

Tapping into local community resources is an excellent way to get affordable services. We all know that quality childcare services in the United States can be costly. In some states, non-profit organizations provide low-cost childcare options that are a lifeline for single-income families.

Many low-wage families with children also grapple with high food prices and may not afford enough food.  Food banks offer help when it becomes challenging to feed your brood. While not everyone is eligible for assistance, food pantries are considerate and happy to help everyone in genuine need of food.

Also, it’s possible to devise arrangements with your neighbors that can allow you to make significant savings. Childcare arrangements involving various families caring for the young ones on a rotational basis can reduce or eliminate daycare costs while creating a supportive network.

5. Prepare Meals At Home

According to a 2021 report by the US Department of Labor, American families were dining out about five times weekly and spending up to $300 a month eating out. This is a big chunk for single average-income families, which may hinder financial progress. While many are too tired to cook after a busy day, you can still hack homemade meals through bulk cooking over the weekend or during your free time.

If you’re wondering how to get started, here are some helpful tips:

• Plan a week’s meals and prepare your shopping list accordingly.
• Go for bulk purchases for items like pasta and rice to enjoy the benefits of discounts.
• Opt for affordable proteins like eggs, beans, and lentils.
• Ensure no food goes to waste by using all perishable ingredients on time and preserving leftover food for later use.
• Prepare large batches at once to save time and energy. Remember to sort the food into individual portions for easy storage and retrieval.
• Also, consider meals with similar ingredients to reduce your grocery shopping costs.
• Finally, consider simple meals for everyday dinners. You can limit gourmet meals to special days like the weekend to keep your grocery spending in check.

6. Conclusion

It’s clear that thriving on a single income is not just about making ends meet; it’s about purposeful living, instilling financial values, and finding joy in the simplicity of life. Families can hack single-income living through prudent spending and build a financially successful future. The journey towards thriving on a single income is a celebration of family, resilience, and purpose.

Last Updated on July 19, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology