How To Survive Financially As A Single Mom

moving abroad as a single mom

How To Survive Financially As A Single Mom

Almost two years ago, after I got out of an emotionally abusive marriage, I tried to figure out how to survive financially as a single mom. It was scary. I had a 3-month-old and the thought of working long hours and putting her in daycare made my heart ache. Not to mention that when I looked up the cost of daycare, I couldn’t wrap my head around how I could afford it.

I would literally be working just to pay the daycare bill and that was not the life I wanted for her or myself. Anyone else out there ever felt like this?

An Idea Is Born

Something needed to change so I wasn’t stuck being a single mom struggling financially in the U.S. After some soul searching, devouring other single mom blogs, and discovering the term “Worldschooling”, I realized it would be cheaper for me to end the lease on our condo, sell all our possessions, and slow travel the world full-time living in countries where the dollar is strong.

Who would have thought that traveling and living abroad as a single mom would be cheaper than living in a tiny condo in my hometown of Austin, TX? The fact is that it is absolutely is cheaper to live like this than it is to live in the United States. I should add that even though I searched endlessly for single mom blogs that talked about living abroad and living a travel lifestyle, I struggled to find any with the information I was looking for so I created this single mom blog for moms wanting to transition into this lifestyle.

We have now been traveling full-time for over a year and a half and it was the best financial decision I have ever made. Now, I lead other women into this lifestyle in my Inner Circle Member’s Club.

The Number 1 Way To Survive Financially As A Single Mom

The number one way to survive financially as a single mom is to get the hell out of the U.S. and here is why.

First of all, it is expensive as heck compared to a lot of other countries.

Yes, there are some cheaper cities and states out there but the quality of life and safety in those cities tends to be on the lower side. Daycare alone would murder the typical single mom’s budget. Did you know that in 2012, the average annual income for single parents was $25, 493. In another country, that could go so much further than it ever could in the U.S.

However, in the good ol’ USA you will be struggling for sure without assistance from the government or better yet even with assistance from the government on that income.

Daycare alone could run you $1000 or more a month and that is for one child. Do you know how much I pay for childcare here in beautiful Mexico? I pay my amazing nanny $4.66 an hour. My daughter gets amazing care and 1-on-1 attention for this price.

A Little Reality Check

I know a lot of you single moms out there were not expecting me to say traveling or living abroad are how to survive financially as a single mom but it is. I will give you some insight on how to make it as a single mom.

Cost Of Living Savings Is No Joke

You can save so much by living and traveling outside of the USA. How much are you paying for rent right now, electricity, and wifi? How about cable, daycare, and groceries?

I pay $400 a month for my beautiful 2 bedroom fully furnished home in Guanajuato City, Mexico. You can pay as low as $200 in this city, depending on what you want. In Albania, I paid $575 a month for a fully furnished penthouse in a wealthy neighborhood.

My phone bill in Mexico runs about $20 a month.

Electricity is about $30.

Eating out at a nice restaurant for the four of us is about $17 with a tip. At a regular restaurant, it could be less than $10.

Internet is $18.

I don’t own a vehicle nor need one here in Mexico because public transportation is cheap and my city is very walkable. An Uber will run you about $2 on average. The bus is even cheaper. Not owning a vehicle saves me thousands every year. Back in the states, I was paying close to $8500 a year for transportation and that is not including gas.

My mortgage in the U.S. was $1800.

Electricity over $300 a month.

Phone bill was close to $150.

Internet was close to $60.

I still can’t believe what I used to spend living back in the United States. Truthfully, I hated the struggle. I hated the constant feeling of not having enough and the urge to buy more at all times.

Living in Mexico has taken that feeling completely away. Life is simple and beautiful here and I urge others to give it a try because it could seriously transform your life.

Consider The Possibilities

If I had stayed in the U.S., I would have been working 40 hours or more a week just to put my youngest in daycare and to keep a roof over our heads. There wouldn’t be much extra.

I would barely be able to see my kids.

No More Single Mom Struggling Financially Story

Imagine eliminating the crippling financial stress of the typical single parent household. Imagine starting over somewhere new and actually being able to spend time with your babies.

Believe it or not, there are a lot of us out there and I’ve had the privilege of meeting quite a few single mommas living the dream on our journey.

This is how to survive financially as a single mom. If you have at least $1700 a month in income that is location independent and are legally able to travel for long stretches with your child, then get out of the U.S.

That is a good amount to live on in so many other countries. You can also easily make this amount online in various ways all while building your own online business if that is what you desire and having a high-quality life.

Some moms I have met during our travels teach for VIPKid or Cambly like myself while some create their own products or services. You can also look into affiliate marketing as an easy way to make money online.

I swear this life of freedom is attainable for so many people. It is more attainable than trying to live a good life as a single mom in the U.S.

Listen, please. There is a different way. You absolutely do not need to be a single mom struggling financially. Build that dream business you have always wanted. Flirt with that super cute guy, and go on the adventure.

Motivational Books

[affiliate disclosure: I may get a small commission if you make a purchase through the links on this page at no additional cost to you]

I am so thankful for the life I live now. I am happier. My kids are happier. In fact, I am doing so well, that I am losing my ability to relate to the single mom struggling financially story. It seems so foreign to me now.

Yes, I have days where I am tired and exhausted from my role as a single mom but those days are few and far between.

You too can have this life. I swear it. Start by changing your mindset around life and money. I highly suggest reading the book You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero.

She will help get your mindset right and give you the confidence you need. After reading that book, make sure to read her other book You Are A Badass At Making Money.

Let’s Talk

I want to hear from you. Are you trying to figure out how to survive financially as a single mom or are you curious about living abroad? Let me know in the comments. Also, if you are interested in being inspired by other traveling single moms, make sure to join my Facebook group Single Moms Do Travel.