1. “It Feels Impossible Financially As A Single Mom In America Right Now.”
Part of the “As Told to Bolde” series. Have a story to share? Contact [email protected]
Meet Lisa, 36. She shares how being a single, middle-class mom in today’s economy makes her overwhelmed and stretched thin.
“Raising kids on my own was never the plan, but here I am—juggling work, bills, school runs, and the crushing reality that my income doesn’t stretch far enough. I’m not living extravagantly. I barely manage the basics: rent, groceries, gas, and childcare. And every time prices go up, the ground shifts beneath me. The guilt is constant—when my son asks for something as simple as a field trip fee, I feel physically sick.
“It’s hard not to feel like I’m failing him. I see other families taking vacations or signing their kids up for fun activities, and the guilt engulfs me. Some days, I feel like one unexpected bill away from complete financial ruin. I’ve learned to prioritize what matters, but with inflation rising and all the talk of a recession, I’m terrified.”—Lisa Roberts, Atlanta.
Continue reading about the financial challenges of single motherhood and why many American parents are stretched>>
2. School Supplies That Somehow Double In Price Every Year
Back-to-school shopping has always been a bit stressful, but now it feels impossible. The list gets longer, and the prices get steeper. Pencils, notebooks, markers—it’s not like these are luxury items. Yet somehow, what used to be a quick stock-up now costs triple. You can’t help but wonder why something as basic as education feels like a financial burden. According to Global Citizen, parents can expect to pay $1,017 per child for elementary school students, $1,277 for middle school students, and $1,668 for high school students on supplies, extracurricular fees, and technology, highlighting the increasing financial burden of back-to-school shopping.
And then there’s the added pressure of making sure your kids don’t feel left out. You don’t want them to be the only ones without the trendy backpack or the cool lunchbox. But when those “small” extras add up to another hundred dollars, the guilt sets in. No parent should have to choose between school supplies and paying the electric bill, but that’s the reality now.
3. Emergency Car Repairs That Drain The Savings You Barely Had
When the car starts making that weird noise, your stomach drops. It’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a potential financial crisis. One unexpected repair can wipe out months of careful budgeting. And without a car, getting to work, taking the kids to school, and doing basic errands becomes nearly impossible. Unexpected car repairs can cost between $500 and $600 on average, with severe issues exceeding $1,000, according to data from Dollar Loan Center.
Even a routine oil change feels like a gamble—what if the mechanic finds something else wrong? And when they do, you’re left negotiating with yourself. Can you afford to fix it now, or do you risk waiting? The mental math never stops. And while the car might be running today, the threat of another breakdown looms constantly, like a storm cloud you can’t shake.
4. Kids’ Clothes That Need Replacing Constantly Because They Keep Growing
Kids don’t stop growing just because your budget can’t keep up. Shoes that fit last fall are suddenly too tight. Jeans that survived winter are now two inches too short. You can’t blame them—it’s just how growing up works. But that doesn’t make it any less stressful when you’re staring at a cart full of necessities and wondering what can wait another month. Recent data shows that prices for children’s clothing have risen significantly, with trousers increasing by more than 10% and sweaters up by 7.7%, as noted by BTU AI.
Hand-me-downs help, but they’re not a full solution. And thrift stores aren’t as cheap as they used to be. You do your best to plan ahead—buy a size up, shop sales—but it’s never enough. The seasons change, the sizes change, and the bills just keep coming. Keeping your kids clothed shouldn’t feel like a financial feat, but somehow, it’s become just that.
5. Healthcare Costs That Make You Wonder If You Should Even Bother Going To The Doctor
Healthcare shouldn’t be a luxury, but sometimes it feels like one. A simple check-up can lead to a bill that takes months to pay off. Prescription costs keep rising, and insurance only covers so much. You find yourself wondering if that lingering cough is worth the copay, or if you should just hope it goes away on its own. Employer-sponsored healthcare costs are projected to rise by 9% in 2025, surpassing $16,000 per employee, driven by inflation and rising prescription drug prices, according to SHRM.
The real fear sets in when your kids get sick. Skipping their care isn’t an option, but knowing you’re about to take another hit to your already stretched budget feels suffocating. You shouldn’t have to choose between health and stability. Yet, here you are, hoping for a year without emergencies because one ER visit could mean skipping rent.
6. Utility Bills That Have Become Unpredictable
Opening a utility bill shouldn’t feel like a jump scare, but lately, that’s exactly what it is. One month it’s reasonable, and the next it’s double with no clear explanation. You’ve turned down the heat, shortened showers, unplugged everything possible—yet the numbers just keep climbing. You start playing mental games, guessing how much to set aside, but you’re always off. It’s like living in a financial minefield.
And it’s not just about comfort—it’s about basic needs. Heating in the winter, cooling in the summer, keeping the lights on so your kids can do their homework. Cutting corners on utilities feels impossible, yet paying the full amount feels equally unfeasible. It’s a never-ending cycle of stress, where survival doesn’t mean thriving—it just means getting by.
7. Summer Camps Or Childcare That Are Basically A Second Rent
Finding affordable, reliable childcare feels like searching for a unicorn. Summer camps that used to be a fun break for your kids now feel like a financial nightmare. Prices have doubled, and the “extras” like field trips or meals add up fast. You want your kids to have fun and stay active, but not at the cost of sacrificing other essentials.
And during the school year, before- and after-care costs just as much as a week’s groceries. You’re left calculating whether it’s even worth working if half your paycheck goes right back into childcare. The math doesn’t make sense, but the reality is, you need to work. And so you keep juggling the costs, knowing there’s no easy solution in sight.
8. Prescription Medications That Insurance Barely Covers
Just because something is covered by insurance doesn’t mean it’s affordable. You pick up a prescription expecting it to be the usual cost, only to be blindsided by a price hike. Generic brands aren’t always available, and when they are, they’re still expensive. You end up rationing doses, stretching pills, or just going without because the cost doesn’t fit into the budget this month.
For parents, it’s even more stressful. When your kid needs medication, skipping doses isn’t an option. You cut corners elsewhere, hoping that next month’s paycheck will somehow stretch further. Insurance should be a safety net, but it often feels like a formality that leaves you paying out of pocket anyway. Managing chronic conditions or even just seasonal allergies shouldn’t feel like a financial crisis, but somehow, it always does.
9. Filling Up The Gas Tank Without Stressing About The Rest Of The Month
There’s a moment of panic every time you pull up to the pump. Gas prices fluctuate, but they never seem to drop enough to feel manageable. Filling up feels like a gamble—do you go all the way or just get enough to get by? You know you need gas to get to work, school, and everywhere else, but each fill-up eats into funds needed for groceries or bills.
It’s not just about the rising cost of fuel; it’s about the way it chips away at an already tight budget. You start calculating which trips are really necessary and cutting out anything extra. A simple drive to visit family or take the kids to the park feels like a luxury. When basic mobility becomes a financial strain, it’s hard not to feel trapped by circumstances you can’t control.
10. Birthday Parties For Your Kids That Feel Like A Guilt Trip If You Skip Them
Every kid deserves to feel celebrated, but throwing a birthday party has turned into an ordeal. Renting a space is out of the question, so you try to make it work at home—only to realize that even homemade cupcakes, decorations, and a few activities add up fast. There’s pressure to make it special, but your bank account has other ideas.
The real heartache comes when your child starts comparing their celebration to others’. You don’t want them to feel left out or less than, but even a small party can cost more than your weekly grocery bill. It’s not about being extravagant—it’s about wanting to see your kid happy without putting yourself in financial jeopardy. The guilt of not being able to give them what others seem to manage effortlessly weighs heavy.
11. New Shoes When The Old Ones Fall Apart In The Blink Of An Eye
Kids wear out shoes like it’s a sport. One minute they’re just right, and the next they’re falling apart or suddenly two sizes too small. You try to buy quality so they last longer, but quality costs, and growth spurts don’t care about your budget. You’ve tried thrift stores and hand-me-downs, but sometimes it just doesn’t work out.
The worst part is when they come home from school with blisters or holes in their sneakers, and you know replacing them means sacrificing something else. You don’t want to tell them to tough it out, but sometimes that’s the reality. Shoes aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity. Yet, even finding affordable pairs that don’t fall apart after a month feels like a small victory.
12. Field Trips Or After-School Activities That Are Suddenly Out Of Budget
Your kid comes home with a permission slip for a field trip, and instead of feeling excited, you feel dread. The fee might not seem like much, but when you’re juggling rent, groceries, and gas, it’s just one more thing you can’t easily cover. You don’t want your child to miss out, but signing the form feels like a financial commitment you can’t afford.
After-school activities are just as challenging. Dance classes, soccer fees, or art supplies—all of it adds up. You want your kid to explore their interests, but when the budget’s tight, even a small extracurricular becomes a stress point. No one talks about the quiet guilt of saying no when you know it’s not about willingness—it’s about survival.
13. House Repairs That You Keep Pushing Off Because There’s No Cushion Left
The leaky faucet, the broken cabinet hinge, the drafty window—you keep a mental list of repairs that never seem to make it to the top of the priority list. Not because they’re unimportant, but because there’s just no room in the budget to fix them. You tell yourself it’s not that bad, even though it’s slowly getting worse.
When a bigger problem hits—like a broken appliance or a plumbing issue—you’re caught off guard, scrambling to make it work without sinking deeper into debt. Living with minor damage becomes normal, not because you don’t care, but because survival mode doesn’t allow for improvements. It’s frustrating to know what needs fixing and feel powerless to make it happen.
14. A Night Out With Friends That Feels Like A Financial Splurge
Sometimes you just need a break—a night to laugh, catch up, and feel human. But even a simple dinner with friends feels like an indulgence that your budget doesn’t support. You scan the menu for the cheapest option, skip drinks, and hope your friends don’t suggest splitting the bill evenly. You shouldn’t have to feel guilty for wanting to enjoy yourself, but that’s what it’s come to.
The mental math never stops. You calculate how much you can spend without wrecking the rest of the month. Saying yes feels irresponsible, but saying no feels like cutting yourself off from your support system. It’s a choice between social connection and financial security, and too often, staying home feels like the safer bet.
15. Saving For College When You’re Still Trying To Pay Off Your Own Student Loans
The irony isn’t lost on you. Trying to save for your kid’s future while still being burdened by your own education debt feels like a cruel joke. You want them to have better opportunities, to avoid the mistakes you made. But how do you build their future when your past financial decisions are still dragging you down?
Every time you manage to put a little money aside, something unexpected comes up—a bill, a repair, a medical expense. You feel stuck in a loop of working hard and never getting ahead. The pressure to secure their future without sacrificing their present is relentless. You just hope that one day, they won’t have to make the same calculations, caught between ambition and reality.
