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Single moms rock! This Women’s Month we’re paying tribute to the millions of South African single moms and all they achieve. 46% of South Africa's children live with single moms, who are tough, resilient and capable. They successfully raise their families and are determined to give their children the best, despite the high cost of living and, in some cases, high levels of debt. These are the 8 money and life lessons SA’s single moms teach us.
1. Stretch your income
Life is more expensive on a single income, even more so when you are caring for children. Yet single moms show us that it is possible to stretch an income and pay the bills. From numerous online and Facebook groups to inspiring YouTube stories, it’s clear that they are able to afford the important things – such as education – because they prioritise essential expenses, bargain-hunt, buy second-hand, compare prices and shop in bulk to save. It’s an impressive skill that comes from years of practice.
Make it work: Go on a cash only diet. Spend only the cash in your wallet to pay for food, entertainment and transport and you'll avoid overspending.
Top tip: Envelope budgeting? Big yes. It’s old-school, but it works. Why not take it for a test drive?
2. The greatest gift you can give: Teach your kids the value of money
Running a household on a single income means learning to set strict boundaries when it comes to money coming in and money going out. Single moms need to explain the basics of budgeting to their kids so they understand the limits of what can be bought with the money available each month. This makes them good at saying no and meaning it. Single moms, and moms in general, want the best for their kids, so if there isn’t money for something, they either explain how to save for it or help their kids come up with a plan to save or earn some extra cash.
Make it work: Sign your tween up for the Truth About Money’s free interactive Mad Money Skillz course. It will teach them important money management skills and the rules of debt, earning and spending and investing money.
3. Say no to peer pressure and keeping up with the Msimangos
Many single moms have faced peer pressure in their communities. They have developed coping skills and are likely to share these with their kids when they experience peer pressure at school and with friends.
Make it work: Read more about how you can say no to pressure and yes to staying out of debt and building wealth.
4. Rely on your tribe
Single mothers often rely on strong support networks, whether from family, friends or community. These connections are key to building lasting social capital. Knowing they are not alone is good for their mental health. They rely on these connections for emotional support, encouragement, advice and problem solving.
Make it work: A problem shared is a problem halved. Don’t try to face life alone. Schedule regular catch-ups with a good friend. A cup of coffee and a shared laugh will lift your spirits. Guaranteed.
5. Save smart and stay ready
We can learn a few things from our single-mom bloggers and vloggers! The stories they share often resonate with other single moms. When they can, even if it is only a few rands, single moms save money for expenses such as kids’ clothes, school fees and doctor’s visits. They also save for emergencies, because they know that a stash of cash can keep them out of debt when the geyser bursts!
Make it work: Want to smash your savings goals. Or build a solid emergency fund? Use our savings calculator to work out how much to put away each month or try the emergency fund calculator to calculate how much you should have saved in an emergency fund. Common wisdom says three to six months' worth of your salary but remember that even a little will go a long way when life throws you a curve ball.
6. Provide for your family’s future
Single moms without a financial co-parenting plan are solely responsible for their kids and know they have to provide for living expenses, education, housing and so much more. These single moms take care of the bills today and the bills of the future by taking out life cover.
Make it work: Get a life cover quote online or from your financial adviser. It’s more affordable than you think. Remember that even a small pay-out will go a long way towards helping your family cope without your income.
7. How to side hustle
Also known as making a plan and making a bit extra! Single moms often have to find additional financial resources to supplement their main income stream and make ends meet. This makes side hustles an attractive way to earn a bit more.
Make it work: We’ve made it easy with this blog on the golden rules of a successful side hustle. And we’ve got winning ideas for side hustles that you can start without a lot of startup capital.
8. Keep your head up and stay positive no matter what
Single moms stay hopeful and positive, even when the going gets rough and life throws them those curveballs. It’s the kind of mindset that helps them keep going, keep believing things will get better and keep showing up for their kids no matter what. It’s not about pretending everything’s perfect, it’s about choosing to focus on what can go right, even on the toughest days.
Make it work: Challenge negative thoughts and flip the script. When your inner voice says “I’m failing” pause and reframe it: “I’m learning” or “I’ve handled tough stuff before I’ve got this.” It’s about shifting your mindset to something more helpful and hopeful. With a bit of practice, you’ll start seeing setbacks as setups for comebacks.
Thank you, single moms
For all you do and for your dedication and perseverance, thank you single moms! We can learn from you. So what’s your top takeout? Setting up your side hustle, helping your kids deal with peer pressure, having tough money talks with family or becoming a better budgeter and savvy saver? Think like a single mom and your life will take a turn for th