Time and Money: Fleeting and Full of Potential
Time and money may seem like they belong in two totally different categories — here’s what they have in common: they’re both fleeting. Without awareness and intention, they can slip through your fingers before you even realize it. One second you’re thinking, I’ll spend 10 minutes scrolling Instagram to unwind, and the next thing you know, an hour is gone. Similarly, you might check your bank account and wonder, How did I already spend so much this month?
The good news? Just as they can disappear without intention, both time and money can be purposefully planned to serve your greatest good. Whether it’s carving out space for self-care or managing your household budget, taking a proactive approach means you’ll always know where your time and money are going—and you’ll feel more in control of your life.
Why Time Management Matters for Single Moms
For single moms, efficiently managing your time is essential. Between work, house duties, and raising kids, there’s seemingly never enough time in the day. But when you take the time (yes, time to manage time!) to decide how you want to use those precious minutes, you’ll be surprised at what you can get done.
Imagine you finally have 30 minutes to yourself. If you haven’t thought ahead about how you’d spend that time, it might disappear into doomscrolling or mindlessly flipping through channels. But what if you’d decided in advance to use it to relax with your favorite TV show, journal about your goals, or even just take a well-deserved nap? Instead of frustration, you’d feel refreshed and fulfilled because you spent your time with intention.
Tip: Take just 5 minutes each morning to outline your priorities for the day. Whether it’s packing lunches, catching up on work, or scheduling a few minutes of “me time,” having a plan lets you anticipate and take charge of how you’ll spend each minute.
How Money Management Is Just Like Time Management
If time disappears without intention, the same can absolutely be said for money. Ever looked at your account and thought, I know I got paid a week ago…why is there nothing left? I’ve been there, too. Money doesn’t manage itself—just like time, it needs your attention.
Creating a budget isn’t about restriction; it’s about giving your money a purpose. Think of it as a plan for financial peace. I highly suggest using an app to track every dollar instead of pen and paper. Apps help you see where your money is going and allow your budget to “breathe” by letting you make easy adjustments while you do zero math.
Bonus Tip: I’ve created a Single Mom Budgeting Guide that helps you set up a budget without completely hating it. Seriously, girl, you need it.
xo, Mary