So how do single mothers manage pulling in enough money to feed their family and manage to spend time with your kids?

There are various government assistance programs that some single moms are eligible for. They can either be through private organizations or the federal welfare program. These programs are great and can very helpful if you can actually get into them.

How do you know if you qualify for assistance?

The best way to find out is by going to your local welfare office and seeing if you have a low enough income to apply for one of the support programs. A way you can qualify is by having a low enough income. These welfare programs offer you a variety of forms of money. Some will give you stock or bank accounts, things that can be turned into cash for you use. When applying for a welfare program, include the amount of money you make and other hardships you and your family might have gone through.

So what happens if you don’t qualify for a welfare program but are still struggling?

If you can’t qualify for welfare programs then you will have to apply for a grant from the US government. There are about 900 grants from 26 different grant-making agencies that are willing to help you with your hardships. The grants come from the U.S government and the only way you can get your hands on one is by doing something for financial assistance .This usually implies that you might have to do a service project or some other task. Then you can receive the grant.

More Resources

The government isn’t the only place out there that offers grants to people. Schools, private companies, and many non-profit organizations are willing to help single moms through their hardship. These days they are many schools that offer specific scholarships for single moms who are trying to go to college. If you are curious about this type of assistance, you should go and talk to the financial advisor of the school that you would like to go to.

Other organizations that offer help to single moms is sites like Singlemom.com. They offer financial help to single moms in need. Depending on the organization you turn to, they are willing to give out a cash grant every month to deserving single moms. Receiving a grant could help you get through the month, and allow you a little bit of breathing room.

If you get a grant in the future, then make sure you use it for the benefit of the entire family. Misusing a grant or welfare program is not what they are intended for. These financial aids systems are meant for helping single moms who are truly struggling to keep their head above water. Use them correctly.

One Last Note

I know this article is focused on single mothers who are going through financial hardship. But, I just like to acknowledge and praise all the single mothers who have very successful careers and taking great care of their children. Many of us wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for the sacrifice and hard work that our mothers went through in life.

Typically in the past, cash back credit cards were giving cardholders meager rebates of 1% on all or most of your purchases. However, if you check some of the reward programs these days you will see some offers giving back 3-5% rebates on many purchases (i.e-gas, groceries, and utilities).

Because these credit cards usually charge higher interest rates, rewards card tend to be the most suitable for consumers who pay off their entire balance every month. Cardholders who like to carry revolving debt would be wise to choose a card with a low interest rate. The majority of all reward card programs are usually not appealing for these type of cardholders.(Possible exception: Discover Motiva Card- see below)

Relatively, many cash back reward programs are usually only appealing to big spenders because they cap the rebate amount you can receive in any month and/or in a year, and a few pay back a relatively small percentage until a certain spending level is reached.

In general, try to stay clear of reward cards who try to tack on annual fees on your statements. Also, be weary of reward cards that expire if they are not used within a specific time frame, or make it difficult to redeem points on the card. Unless the reward programs have especially attracting features (like a high rebate of 5%), I would bury these programs in the sand…

Now for the good news!! I have found and signed up to a few cash back reward cards which offer attractive features and no annual fees(unless offers have recently changed as of today….) Take at look at the cash back rewards cards below, and tell what you think. Also, if you have chance you should check cashback offers at MyMoneyBlog. I have found great offers and information on his site.

Blue Cash from American Express pays 5% cash back for grocery store, drugstore, and gasoline purchases after you spend $6,500 within a year, and 1% of any given purchase personally, I have been using my Blue Card for a few years now, and their program is the most reliable.

American Express One Card- This program only gives you 1% cash back of your purchases, but it places your cash rewards directly to a savings account, which pays an annual rate of 2.75%(rate as of July 30). Also, an additional $50 is place in your savings account when you make your first purchase. The OneCard hits you with a $35 annual fee, but that is waived in the first year (just make sure they do).

Discover Motiva Card-Now here’s an interesting concept, the Motiva Card gives back the cardholders seventh monthly interest payment as rebate each time the cardholders makes six consecutive monthly payments where a minimum payment is due. So I wouldn’t sign up for this card if you like paying off your balances every month. This card is more suitable for cardholders who do not pay off their card in full every month, and carry a balance. The Motiva Card currently charges a 4% APR(annual percentage rate) for the first 6 months and 12 months on balance transfers. After the introductory period, the APR goes up from 11% to 19%.

Chase Freedom Visa Signature Card- Last, but not least is the Chase Freedom Visa Signature card that gives 1% cash back on most purchases and 3% on the purchasing categories the cardholder spends the most money in any given month. The main categories include gas, groceries, utilities, department and drugstores. For more information visit the Chase credit card site.