The Cash-Strapped Parent's Guide to Christmas: How to Have a Merry Christmas For Free

I walked into Wal-Mart this weekend and was met with Christmas displays and trees. As I walked down the aisles I heard the Christmas music playing softly in the background. I admit that I was a little agitated that Thanksgiving has been completely ignored or at best got one day of attention (probably on the day nobody really went shopping).

I got over the agitation and proceeded with my shopping. But it was not without thinking about the thousands of single moms out there who feel burdened by the Christmas holidays. I’ve faced this dread myself in years past. I know what it’s like to wonder where I’ll get the money to buy gifts for my kids. Several times I’ve made the decision to only purchase one gift or no more than three (in the spirit of Christ’s birth). As much as I wanted to give my precious little ones everything they wanted I just couldn’t. I didn’t have the money because I needed to pay the rent or car note. I needed to make sure there was food in the house for the days after Christmas.

There are so many moms like me out there who need a helping hand this year. So I’ve done some research and came up with a pretty long list of resources. These are organizations that help needy families during the Christmas holidays. They give toys and sometimes clothes to families that need a helping hand during this time of year.

Most of the organizations have local chapters so you will have to contact the one nearest you for more information. Please don’t be shy about calling. They are there to help and often are looking for people to help. The more localized the better for you. Also remember to get a head start on applying for help. Some deadlines have already passed but try anyway. Your persistence will pay off.

Toys for Tots – this organization has many local chapters. Their deadline in some places was in October but they are still taking applications. If they have toys left you will be contacted.

Angel Tree – This program is for kids who have parents in prison.
Salvation Army – Contact your local chapter for information about their program. They don’t collect money in those little red pails for nothing. You just may be one of the families they help this year.

Shiners/Lions/Masons – These organizations are famous for the help they give to children. Call your local office and find out when and where they are taking applications.
St. Vincent de Paul/Catholic Charities – These Catholic organizations help people year around. They have offices in many locations so call and find out where you can go for help.

VFW/American Legion – Your local organization may have a Christmas toy donation program. Be sure to call and find out.

County Help Lines – Your county help line may have information about other local organizations that are helping the needy this Christmas. To find your state or county helpline, Google “[your state] + helpline”. It may show up as a crisis hotline but they may also have information that you can use.

Local Churches – There are likely churches in your area that are collecting toys to give to needy families. Open the phone book and call the churches near you and ask if they have a program. Find out how to get on the list.

Local Businesses – I worked for a large corporation that collected toys every year for needy families. They may work in cooperation with other charitable organizations but many may offer direct help. Look in the newspaper for announcements and call a few to learn about which companies are helping the needy. Also ask your friends if they their companies have programs.

Libraries/Banks – The local library and banks often have Angel or Giving Trees. Ask how you can get your kids’ names on the tree to receive Christmas gifts this year.

United Way – this organization is the umbrella unit of hundreds of charitable organizations. Call your local office and find out what programs they have to help kids for Christmas. I’m sure they can point you in the right direction.

There are likely many more resources out there you just have to investigate the options. Please do not be put off by the word “needy”. It is not an indication of you as a person but a temporary status. We are living in tough economic times right now so everyone is struggling. Fortunately you now have a few resources now to help give your kids a great Christmas.

Did You Vote? Your Lone Voice Counts!

Today is one of the most important days in history. Are you a part of that history? Did you get out and vote? If you are reading this post and it's still Tuesday, November 4, 2008, then you probably still have time to get out and vote. Don't waste this opportunity to have a say in who leads your city, state, and country.

Women have fought for the right to have equal pay for equal work, the right to work, and numerous other rights. The right to vote is monumental in our lives. Sometimes it seems like the choices we are a choice between the lesser of two evils. It seems discouraging but I urge you to look deep within your heart and look deep within the eyes of your children and do what is right for the both of you.

As a woman and mother you are the most powerful person in the lives of your children. They depend on you to be a good example. I'm sure that if they are in school they are hearing about the election and may be asking questions. Some may have had mock elections in their schools and proudly exercised their right to vote. My daughter asked me if I voted and a smile and nod of approval crossed her face when I told her that I did.

Being a part of the democratic process is a wonderful feeling. Your vote counts and it will make all the difference in your little world. Your kids will be proud!

Come with Me to the Carnival (Blog Carnival that is)

I am a part of the Mommy Blogger Carnival. Check out the 23 great articles listed in the carnival and vote for your favorite one. I hope you vote for me (boy do I sound like a politician).

If you’ve never heard of Blog Carnivals it’s a great way to get your blog circulating and drive traffic to it. A Blog Carnival is simply a list of blogs that are related in some way. It could be that the bloggers have similar interests or the topic is the same. To be a part of a blog carnival all you have to do is sign up with one of the hundreds that are in circulation.

The best place to find a blog carnival is the go to the Blog Carnival website. There are a few independent blog carnivals but this site has the most organized one. Blog Carnivals are just one of many ways to drive traffic to your blog. Next time will give you a few more ideas. So take a minute and see what 23 other mommy bloggers are talking about and don’t forget to vote for your favorites in the comment section.

If you are interested in being a part of a single moms blog carnival let me know. I would love to show the world how wonderful single moms are at blogging. It would also bring more exposure to your blog.

Want to Start a Business? No Money?

Very often the desire to start a business is almost overwhelming. As I sit here typing this post I am thinking about the day when I can quit my day job and turn my side business into a full-time business. But the thing that stops me is money. I am using my day job to finance my side business until it grows to the point that it becomes my major source of income.

You may have dreams of starting your own business but money, among other things, may be stopping you. Well I'd like to share a few resources and ways that you can start a business with no money. Even though you don't have money you will need determination and creativity (don't worry, we were all born with it). So let's take a look at three ways to start a business with no money, shall we?

1. Get a blog. It's free with Blogger or Wordpress and easy to set up. If you are reading this post on a computer you have everything you need to get started. You can blog about anything but it is better to focus on a specific interest because nine times out of ten there is someone with the same interest. My friend Lynn Terry has a great article about it on her website. She discusses starting an online business for free in great detail. Head on over there (after you finish reading this article of course ;-)) and see what she has to say. She's been making a living online for 12 years and she's a single mom.

2. Participate in Surveys, Focus Groups, and Product Testing. You won't make a boatload of money right away but if you're consistent you can make some serious money just from giving your opinion. There are hundreds of market research companies that pay participants in cash, products, gifts cards, and prizes. You should never pay a fee to be a participant but expect to be generously compensated for your time. I am going to a part of a Focus Group next week and will get paid $100 for a couple of hours. With the money you make participating in market research you can invest in a business start-up. I will post a few links in another post but you can do your own research in the meantime.

3. Open an online store. There are several online design and printing services that allow creative types like you to create an online personal store. You can design a graphic and put them on t-shirts, caps, bags, etc. then set up a storefront with services like Cafepress, Zazzle, Lulu, and many others. You don't have to be the most creative person out there but with some imagination and marketing you could sell in demand items from your store and make a nice chunk of money. If you don't feel very creative you can check out online merchandise store systems that allow you to pick items, create a web store, and promote for a percentage of the sales. Try Zlio first and see how you like it. It doesn't cost anything to set up a store and you can create multiple stores based on a theme. Tell people about your store to get traffic and buyers.

Those are three quick ways to start a business with no money. There are many more ways but I will save it for another day. Now it's your turn to get out there and get something going. Let me know how it goes. I'd love to hear about your progress.

Rich Single Momma

Free Car Repair for Single Moms

While perusing online stories about single moms I came across this one about an organization that gives free car repair for it's city's single moms. It's a very uplifting story of one man's quest to help single moms get car service. It started out as a ministry in his church but it grew exponentially in 6 weeks so he had to branch out and form a nonprofit organization called Hands of the Carpenter. At first the services included home and car repair but the car repair requests became the most popular request at 600 calls in that first 6 week period.

It's people and organizations like this that make life easier for the single mom who may be struggling financially but need basic services. A broken down car adds to the burden we face so God bless the people who are offering services like this.

Hands of the Carpenter is located in Denver, Colorado but there are other organizations around the country that offer similar services. Here's a list of a few organizations in the US that are helping single moms with auto repairs or transportation:

Helping Hands for Single Moms - Scotsdale, Arizona
Wheels of Success - Tampa, Florida
Christian Auto Repairmen Serving (CARS) - Indiana

Take the 30-day Challenge

There is a trend going on in the internet marketing world called the 30-day Challenge. Thousands of people who want to start a business and make money online are joining in. I am taking the challenge and I encourage you to do the same.

Here is a video of day one that is filled with valuable information. I'll let you take a look and decide for yourself.



Let me know how it's going for you. I'm already getting ideas so I'm off to make some money.

Rich Single Momma

Need Ideas for Making Money?

Here is a quick video that will give you some ideas for making money either online or offline. Youtube has a wealth of free information on how to make money online. I will post videos weekly that are helpful for you.



Rich Single Momma

Need More Side Hustle Ideas?

Here are more ideas to consider for your side hustle. Don't be ashamed to let people know what you are doing. Most are happy to buy from you, especially if you have a good reputation and display great customer service. Let me know how it's going for you.

1. Tutor someone younger
2. Make and sell jewelry
3. Weed gardens
4. Deliver newspapers
5. Wash cars
6. Type papers and documents
7. Be a party entertainer (magic, clown, etc)
8. Be a party helper (help harried parents with setting up a birthday party, serving food, corralling young kids)
9. Face painting
10. Mother's helper

You will be rich pretty soon if you keep this up. Let me know how it's going ;-)!

Rich Single Momma

More Side Hustles

Here are 10 more side hustles to consider when you need to make extra money in a hurry.

1. Raising and selling small pets, such as birds or rabbits (check your town's regulations, and make sure your child is responsible)
2. Raising chickens and selling eggs
3. Carrying groceries up apartment stairs for people
4. Gathering change around the house
5. Baking and selling muffins or cookies
6. Sweeping sidewalks and driveways
7. Painting fences
8. Teach a skill, such as swimming or computers
9. Make and sell greeting cards (check with a local business and ask if you can sell them there)
10. Take instant photos at an event, such as a fair or festival

*Note that some side hustles are appropriate for certain locations.

Don't limit yourself to just your neighborhood. Tell trusted co-workers about your fundraising project and let them help you by purchasing or patronizing your goods and services.

Rich Single Momma

Opportunities Everywhere

When I look around the world I see opportunities to build wealth everywhere. I have ideas pouring out of my, well pores. Maybe that's the problem, too many opportunities and not enough time to do them all.

Making extra money is always in the front of my mind and I can see how others can make money from their talents and skills, but it is harder for me somehow. Right now, off the top of my head I can think of five ideas for my dad to make money. He is a mechanic and has been for 25 years, so he's an expert, right. Being an expert is a money making opportunity in itself. People come to you for advice all the time. So back to my dad. He knows what the average Joe or Jolene doesn't know and he has what they all need at some point in time. Knowledge about how to fix cars. So he can take his knowledge and make money in the following ways.

1. Write a book
2. Teach a class
3. Blog
4. Sell parts
5. Consulting

That was easy enough for me to think of the ideas, now the hard part is expanding on the idea and implementing a plan of action. All of the ideas mentioned above can be done at the same time if he wanted, all it takes is organizing it.

I will talk more about these ideas for my dad in a later post because it is helpful to see how ideas can become reality with honest effort. I will tell you how it goes. In the meantime can I help you generate ideas for your talents and skills? I would love to explore this with you. Leave a comment and we will dive in together.