I am new to this website and to being a single parent. I would like to find any support available and to try and support others in turn. Thank you.

Hi Kate - I enjoy this forum and take comfort in knowing there are others out there experiencing the same joys and frustrations that I am going through.  It's so hard being a single parent sometimes - I'm constantly worrying about money, and some days I don't know how I manage to get through the day.  But there are some moments where my boys (who are 8 and 6) do or say something so sweet that all the excess "stress" melts away.  Those are what makes it all worthwhile.  I know that might sound corny but it's true!  Please email me if you'd like to talk or vent or just whatever girliegirl1985@gmail.com

I totally agree. It seems like on my worst days my son (7) just knows how to make me smile. I am having trouble figuring out a budget. Any tips?

Oh, God, I wish I had the answer to the "budget" thing - I struggle and struggle because my sons' dad has been without a job for over 2 years, so I pay for EVERYTHING for the kids.  I've also taken 3 pay cuts over the last 18 months at my job.  I had to downsize and move to cheaper apartment. I'm drowning in debt!  But some of the things I do to cut corners are: Getting things 2nd hand - clothes, toys, everything.  I use Craigslist a lot and around here in NJ, we have a website called "Trash 2 Treasure" which is basically a "freecycling" thing.  People post items they need and items they are giving away.  I got a grill last summer somebody was giving away and the TV in my kids' room for $20 on Craigslist.  Plus I frequent yard sales and I've let my friends know that if they have clothes they want to hand-me-down, I will take them.  You could try to connect with moms at your son's school and start a "clothing swap".  I clip coupons and scour the newspapers each week to see what store has the best deal on food.  There always seems to be an unexpected expense that pops up so I tend to fly by the seat of my pants!