Some of us enjoy being single, and some of us don’t. But there’s no arguing that being single can be more financially challenging. An additional income is a great advantage, and two people have relatively similar living expenses as a single person. Being single means having to pay for everything yourself.
If you’re living life as a single, consider adopting these financial habits:
1. Limit the size of your home to match your budget. Only requiring a one-bedroom apartment to satisfy your living space needs is one advantage of being single. It can be tempting to try to compete with your married friends. After all, many of them are likely to have lovely homes. Resist this urge and limit your housing to what you need.
Most people spend 90% of their time at home in the bedroom, kitchen, and living room. You can do that in a small home or apartment and save money for more important things.
2. Successful singles take advantage of being the sole decision-maker. Being single means having the freedom to make decisions without having to accommodate the desires of others. It also means there isn’t anyone there to keep you honest. Take the time to make sound financial decisions. Take advantage of the fact that you’re in control.
Being married means having to consider the needs and desires of another adult. There is always compromise.
3. Travel with a friend. Traveling can be much more expensive if you don’t have a significant other. This is primarily due to paying for accommodations by yourself. Generally, a hotel room for two costs the same as a room for a single. Consider going on vacation with a friend or reviewing vacations designed for singles.
There are also many options today to minimize lodging costs. Search online, and you’ll be surprised at the many ways to reduce these costs.
4. Pay yourself first. This is an excellent habit for anyone, but it’s essential for singles. The need for an emergency fund is greater for singles. You’re the only person paying into it. If a real financial challenge appears, you’re the only one available to handle it. Pay yourself first, so you’re ready for anything.
5. Take care of business at work. With a single income, job loss can be incredibly challenging. If things aren’t working well, fix them or start looking for new employment. Many of us do just the minimum at work to avoid being fired.
If possible, consider nurturing a part-time second income that accommodates your lifestyle.
6. Start saving for retirement immediately. If you stay single, you’ll be your only retirement savings and investment source. You might not plan on staying single, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Besides, saving for retirement is an excellent habit for anyone.
While being single has its challenges, it also has many benefits. You alone control your finances and can make all the decisions. The responsibility is on you to make intelligent choices. Minimize your expenses where you can. It’s all about saving, protecting your income, and preparing for the future. Begin adopting the habits of financially successful singles today.