Member-only story
As I was paying for my daughter’s 3rd X-ray of the school year, I quickly updated my budget in my head. “Damn, something else” I whispered to myself realizing how this year has been one of the most challenging years of my life, but with never ending peace in my daily life. I thought about how hard it is to be a single mother of 2 with this inflation going on.
I am a school administrator, have a Master’s Degree, have a side hustle, and I have been paying all my bills on time. But, it’s just not enough. I’m always worried, counting, and praying that my kids don’t need an extra thing for school. And, I know, I can choose save in other areas like nails, hair, dresses, Amazon non-urgent items, Starbucks, and breakfast tacos, but sometimes that makes me feel better. It brightens my day when I receive an Amazon dress or finish my tacos before my hectic day begins with not only students, but adults.
So, I started thinking about all the women in “worse” marriages than mine that will never be able to afford to leave their husbands. How much money they actually need to do what I do. I have a new 2 story house in a new city, where my kids can play outside with other kids their age every day. I bought them new bikes and they enjoy every evening riding with their friends. My son is in soccer and I pay for his competitive team fees and additional practice. They take lunch from home, which is more like over priced sugar. I do all this and more and I’m barely making it.
