No matter how well you plan, life can catch you off guard.

As a single parent, you know about careful budgeting. You have a knack for stretching a dollar.

Many of you have survived calamitous divorces that force you to make difficult money choices and difficult compromises. Some of you have survived unexpected losses and bad luck.

Rachel recently blogged at Single Mom Seeking about her unexpected eviction notice. Who saw all those unplanned moving expenses coming? And those must-haves every new home requires?

I remember that first orthodontist visit with my daughter. I calmly listened to the orthodontist describe what needed to be fixed — it all seemed sensible and clear. Panic set in, however, when the costs were detailed.

I felt like I’d lost my breath. My first couple of cars cost less than the “course of treatment” that the orthodontist was so casually detailing!

You might know that I raised my “babies” without any financial support from their dad.  Unexpected expenses for me always meant altering plans, changing priorities, and actively looking for extra ways to boost my income.

Today, we’re all coping with tight budgets in these tough economic times. When we’re hit with unexpected expenses, the financial juggling  intensifies. How you cope is an intensely personal choice.

We’re wondering how are you coping with unexpected expenses? Are you able to coax a bit more support from you ex? Can you rely on family members for a no-strings loan? Have you found extra work?

We’d love to hear about any “extra money” inspirations that have worked out for you.

Maybe you’ve simply made yet another round of tough budget cuts? Did you ever find that you did not miss what you cut as much as you thought you would? Or were those cuts pretty hard to manage — and they left you feeling upset and angry?

You’re not alone if you’re struggling.  Of course, feeling “overwhelmed” is perfectly normal.

We’d love to know how you’re managing.

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1. My ex-wife is moving away. Advice? We’re always so honored to hear from fathers at Singlemommyhood!...
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