How to budget as a Christian single mother

1. Start with Stewardship

Studies show that people who actively track their spending are 33% more likely to stay within budget, reducing financial stress.

Tip: View your finances as a resource God entrusted to you with. Create a budget as an act of stewardship.

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it." (Psalm 24:1)

Use budgeting apps to track income and expenses for instance, setting aside 10% for tithes, even if it feels challenging.

2. Break the Cycle of Overwhelm

Small financial wins release dopamine, motivating you to continue positive habits.

Tip: Start small. Focus on one area to cut back, like dining out or subscriptions.

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." (Zechariah 4:10)

What you could do is swap this $5 coffee shop habit for homemade coffee. Over a month, that’s $150 saved.

3. Prioritise Needs Over Wants

Needs are the essentials—like food on the table, a safe place to live, and enough peace of mind to get through the day. Wants? Those are the extras—like takeout, the latest phone, or a new pair of shoes when the old ones still work. When money’s tight, focusing on your needs first is what keeps you and your kids secure. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a small treat now and then; it just means knowing where to draw the line. Managing the difference is how you stretch every dollar and keep moving forward, even when times are tough.

Tip: Ask yourself, “Will skipping this hurt my ability to pay the rent, feed my family, or get to work?” or “Is this urgent, or can it go on a wish list for when money isn’t so tight?” or “Can I borrow, DIY, or find a lower-cost option to meet the same need?”

"But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." (1 Timothy 6:8)

Teach your kids the same principle by creating a wish list instead of immediate gratification for non-essential items. Delayed gratification builds self-control and financial stability in adults and children alike.

4. Create an Emergency Fund

Starting an emergency fund as a single mom doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Begin small—set aside just $5 or $10 a week, or save any spare change in a jar. Use cashback apps or automatic savings tools like Plum to grow your fund effortlessly. Whenever you get unexpected money, like a tax refund or a birthday gift, add a portion to your savings. Think of it as planting seeds for peace of mind; even small contributions can grow into a financial cushion over time without putting extra strain on your budget.

Tip: Start an emergency savings account, even if it’s just $5 a week.

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." (Zechariah 4:10)

Automate transfers to a savings account are a good idea. I use the Plum app for instance.

5. Teach Your Kids About Money

Early financial education helps children develop healthier money habits and reduces the likelihood of financial stress in adulthood.

Tip: Include your children in age-appropriate financial discussions.

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

You could for instance use chore charts with allowances to teach your kids how to save, spend, and tithe.

In conclusion, waiting for a knight in shining armor to save your finances, ain't gonna happen. You're the hero of this story! You’ve got the brains, the grit, and the God-given strength to take charge. Start that side hustle, sharpen your budgeting skills, and show your kids what a powerhouse mom looks like. God’s got your back, so why not write your own success story? After all, nothing’s more attractive than a woman who owns her future and builds it brick by brick. Now, grab that calculator and cape—you’ve got this!