The Initial Idea

Becoming a single mum in 1994 was a sharp learning curve. With a 20 week old baby, no job and very little money it certainly focused my mind! I had been merrily trucking along thinking my life was mapped out and after a number of mind-numbing revelations from my husband had to reassess everything and start life again from a whole new perspective.

After all the tears, sadness and anger had started to subside, due to the media’s perception of a single mum as being a no-hoper, teenage girl living in a high-rise block on benefits with an under achieving, deprived child, I was driven on to prove them all wrong, make a success of my life, for my son’s sake if nothing else. Friends who had initially pitied my situation, saw a new, focussed, ambitious me start to develop. As a single mum I was suddenly in the driving seat, making life changing decisions and to my surprise I loved it. Although in the early days I had little spare cash, I still managed to achieve a good standard of living for my son, took holidays, wore nice clothes and always enjoyed myself. Friends wanted to know what my secret was and I was happy to share everything I had learned.

Initially it was suggested that I should write a book, try and inspire others who were just starting their journey. After all I now had a thriving business, beautiful 17th century house over looking the sea, a gorgeous healthy and well-balanced son, an enviable lifestyle, a new man and I was finally truly happy. The trouble with this idea was that a lot of my secrets had to do with money saving and this was an ever changing thing that would be out of date before the book even went into print. Hence the website! It is the perfect way to bring you up to the minute suggestions and money saving routes. Now I have the perfect vehicle for sharing information, giving something back, and offering a service that I would have loved when I was first out there on my own.

The Development of the Site

The site took months to put together, a real investment in terms of time and money. Unlike most commercial sites, I was determined that the site would offer all sorts information and links even if they would not generate revenue. I wanted it to be completely free to use. To keep the site sustainable, clicking on some links means a contribution is made to the Single Mum Survival Guide, which also keeps it independent, sponsorship free and ensures it stays free to use. Having said this, the links are not profit driven, they are there because they represent quality and a possible money saving to single mums. Please also be rest assured that by using the links not a penny will be added to your costs. Also a percentage of any profits will go to our chosen charity, Gingerbread, the charity for single parents.

What the Site offers

The site offers single mums information and information is power. It is set up to help single mums use the internet to help them save money so they don’t have to cut back and scrimp. It is amazing how by being money smart, making savings on utility bills, insurance, and other essentials, you can have that holiday or new designer outfit (at a discount of course). Although links are supplied for financial websites, this does not constitute financial advice. I cannot offer recommendations and do not know your individual circumstances, so any decisions you take should be based solely on your own specific requirements and research.

There are tips based on my experience and that of my friends as single mums but, as I don’t have all the answers, there are also links to professional bodies that can help.

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