As part of your divorce, you must pay child support. Depending on your current financial health, you could struggle to keep up with payments.
U.S. News & World Report shares unique ways to reduce expenses. Learn how to honor your divorce settlement without going broke.
Consider bartering
While you may want to get your hair cut every couple of weeks, you may not have the money for regular visits to your barber or hairstylist. Think of ways to help your stylist or barber in exchange for free haircuts. For instance, maybe you could dogsit or babysit for free. Bartering helps you meet your needs without spending more than you can spare.
Shop at grocery stores on Wednesdays
When your fridge and cabinets run empty, fill them on Wednesdays. Grocery stores usually run promotions and sales during the middle of the week. Shopping on Wednesdays gives you the first pick of items.
Save financial gifts and unexpected income
When you receive funds you did not expect, put them into a child support savings account. If you experience hard financial times and have trouble keeping up with child support payments or other financial obligations, use the account to make ends meet.
Use apps
Install apps that round up debit and credit card purchases to the nearest dollar amount and funnel money into a savings account. That way, every time you swipe your card, you help cover child support. Even if you do not save up the full amount by the time you must make a payment, rounding up could make a bigger difference than you realize.
You may only need to make a few changes to honor your child support agreement. Save and spend smarter rather than harder.