*Partnered post

Being a single parent is never easy, even if you do not have any financial worries, but just in case you do, it can be so much more difficult. Whatever the reason that led to your current predicament, it is still possible to make it through the hardest years with sensible planning and some much-needed guidance and careful finance solutions. The next five financial tips are geared towards making life a bit easier for single parents so that they can take things a little easier and manage better.

See If You Qualify for Any National Benefits

In the UK, you are entitled to a number of benefits when your financial situation becomes particularly challenging, so make sure that if any of those applies to you, you are making use of the government aid. For example, if you are pregnant or have an infant child, you could be eligible for Maternity Allowance in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Similarly, there’s also the Widowed Parent’s Allowance Program in these regions, which aids single parents who lost their spouses (before 6 April 2017). If you lost your spouse after 6 April 2017, you should look to the Bereavement Support Payment Plan instead.

However, in order to claim any of these benefits, you will need your National Insurance Number, alongside other relevant documents. Just in case you never received the NIN in the first place or have lost the number somehow, it is possible to claim/reclaim your National Insurance Number via https://lostnationalinsurancenumber.co.uk/. They will support you through the application to recover your NIN. Additionally, you will also be able to make necessary changes to your personal details via the online application service while applying. Given that the NIN is a must-have for UK citizens to claim most benefits, it is recommended that you get yours as soon as possible.

Avoid Unnecessary Debt at All Costs

This one isn’t always a choice, but for those that have a habit of using credit cards far too often for things that they don’t really need, becoming a single parent might mean that you will need to avoid doing that from now on. Finance Solutions can help you make plans. Even if the situation doesn’t seem adverse right now, you must curb unnecessary costs to prepare for a better future. Make and meet savings goals every month, even if you have to let go of the fancy things for a few years.

You Must Plan to Earn More in the Future

Things will only get costlier with time and in order to stay above the water, plan for increasing your income in the near future. Now, this is easier said than done, of course, because this applies to everyone really. Nonetheless, what we are talking about here is changing the mindset, coming up to hit new finance solutions and actively being involved in making a better career for yourself.m As there is no one else by your side to help you live a good life and raise your children, it might be a great time to get some extra education and/or training to further climb up the corporate ladder.

It may not seem like it in the beginning, but things do get easier with time, as you and your children adjust. However, the financial tips that you just read should make that adjustment period a bit easier and shorter.