Ms. No Single Mama Drama’s Blog

Looking for a fun way to make extra money? Love parties, people and fun? Why not combine them all for the ultimate side hustle that you can start today from the comfort of your own home. And, what’s better still? Your kids can help!

Here’s a video on “How to Become an Event Coordinator.”

Here’s an “A Day in the Life of an Event Planner”

In this economy, earning money from a side-hustle is not only imperative to a single mother’s survival, it has become increasing difficult. Trust me, I know. Over the past several months, as gas prices have steadily increased, the amount of projects that are available to me have dropped significantly.

But the amount of extra money I’ve earned from my side hustle has remained the same–and sometimes, I’ve managed to earn more.

How? Well, I’ve had to get creative and serve a different customer base, which allowed me to charge higher prices for my services. Now, I’m working fewer hours–and spending more time with my son–while earning the same amount of money–and sometimes a bit more.

Maybe you’ve experienced the same thing. If so, don’t get discouraged. Instead, take action. Get creative.

If you’re having a hard time generating enough revenue from your side hustle, you may have considered taking on a work-at-home part-time job–if only you could find a real opportunity, right?

Well, look no further. There are still viable work-at-home part-time (and even full-time) jobs available to you, where you can earn a significant amount of extra money to counter the increased gas prices, grocery bills and more.

But where?

At FlexJobs.com, you can find real work-at-home (telecommute) jobs. There, you can find a wide range of part-time work-at-home jobs, everything from customer service, to freelance writing, to medical transcription, to Web design. There are even virtual assistant opportunities, too.

Go ahead, check it out.

Until next time,

Peace and blessing and, as always, remember to keep it drama free.

Ms. No Single Mama Drama

In case you haven’t noticed, I haven’t written any posts since January.

But, I’m back now.

Thanks for all your comments, questions and support of all my posts, especially the Side Hustle posts.

I’ve been gone because I’ve been working on writing an eBook on HOW single mothers, or, anyone for that matter, can make extra cash–WITHOUT getting a second job.

If you, or anyone you know, is making at least $500.00 cash with a side business, moonlighting or a side hustle and would like to be featured in this book, please send me an e-mail at askme@nosinglemamadrama.com.  You must be willing to state your full name and how much you’re generating with your sideline business.  I’m especially interested in those that involve your children as well.  Please include your e-mail address, Web site address/blog name and phone number, if you would like that information included. This is great way to promote your business!

The book will be priced at $19.99 but will feature 101 ways to make extra cash with real-life examples and information on how to market you side business–a great value, if I say so myself.

Anyhow, please feel free to write me or ask me any questions.

As always, peace and blessings and, of course, keep it drama free.

Ms. No Single Mama Drama

Are you single mother new to Atlanta with no friends or family and NO THANKSGIVING PLANS?

As a single mother, who was in the same situation five years ago, I know how you feel. In my case, my son and I ended up homeless–in a new city with no friends or family, just angels! Recently, God blessed me with a home (yes, it’s possible to go from homelessness to homeownership in five years! with God’s help, of course), and I would like to share my new home with 10 single mothers and their children for Thanksgiving.

Warning: I don’t have much, but what I do have I’m willing to share with you. That means, I only have two couches, so most will have to sit on the floor. I don’t have any dining/kitchen tables or chairs, so again, you have to not mind sitting on the floor. Also, because I’m a single mother on limited budget (sound familiar), I am asking you to bring store-bought side dishes (to ensure health and safety), drinks or paper plates and utensils. I have a list of what is needed.

You’re welcome to bring movies and/or games for the kids to play. You’re also welcome to bring your own chairs (lol).

If interested, e-mail me back (with a one-paragraph description of your story), and I’ll register you for the Thanksgiving dinner. Sorry, my house is not big, so I can only accommodate 10 single mothers and their kids.

DONATIONS: For those interested in donating food, chairs, games and/or time for this event, please e-mail me. Thank you in advance!

Can’t wait to meet you!

Ms. No Single Mama Drama
And remember, as always, keep it moving and keep it drama free!

Side Hustles Close Up: Make Extra Cash with Medical Transcription
Ms. No Single Mama Drama

Want to significantly improve the quality of life for you and your child(ren)? The single best way to change your quality of life is to increase your earning power—and that means getting new skills. As a single mother, college is not always an option.

Before I got pregnant with my son, I got an A.A. degree in Criminal Justice; however, after my son was born, I decided that the criminal justice field was not for me. But because I was a single mother of a new baby with medical problems, I didn’t have the time, money or support system to attend a traditional college.

What was I to do?

First, I did some research to discover if I really would enjoy Medical Transcription and to find the best program for me and my financial situation. I then enrolled in Medical Transcription training through a distance learning program, which, at the time, turned out to be the best educational decision I could have made.

After completing the program, I successfully worked 13 years as a Medical Transcriptionist in both work-at-home and in-office settings. I earned a great living (including benefits)—all from the comfort of my home, and I didn’t have to worry about baby sitters or transportation issues.

Why I wrote this post:

Since I’ve gotten a lot of responses to the Side Hustle Posts, I decided to post some information about Medical Transcription programs. Remember, some programs are less expensive than others—but don’t sacrifice quality, if you can. The quality of the program you choose will impact how well you do in your career.

Stay tuned for my review of at-home Medical Transcription Training Programs.

Side Hustles - Part III: Make Extra Cash

Ms. No Single Mama Drama’s Top Side Hustles – These are the ones that I, at one point or another, did to escape financial drama. Yes, I did every one of these at some point or another, and I’m only thirty-something. So, you can, too! Warning: The list is LONG.

Water Seller
Sold water at parks/sporting events on super hot days

Candy House
We were the candy/ice cream apartment – My motto: “Don’t walk to the store, shop at apartment number 4” (lol)

Button Maker
Created buttons for schools, churches and local organizations fund raising efforts

Personalized Greeting Card Designer
Created personalized greeting cards (i.e. birthdays, anniversaries, etc)

Memory Book Maker
Created personalized memory books, including new births, weddings, anniversaries, family tree/history

Wedding/Party Favor Maker
Created personalized wedding favors – started with friends who referred customers to me

House Cleaner
Cleaned up friends/neighbors apartments for cash or barter

Medical Transcriptionist – Perfect for single mothers/stay-at-home moms
This is my favorite side hustle – I took this side hustle and parlayed it into a full-time career. I had the opportunity to work at home and in the office. Click here to learn how I learned Medical Transcription at home.

Freelance Copywriter (Advertising/Direct Mail)
Because I love to write (even before I earned a B.A. in English), I was able to earn additional income working as a freelance copy writer. I started writing for free and parlayed this into a career as well. Currently, I work as a Web Analyst/Web Content Editor.

Freelance Magazine Writer
My first paying magazine gig was for a local jazz/book review magazine, which only paid .02/per word. However, I built a portfolio of clips that eventually landed me in my current position. I have also worked as an editor of an indie magazine and a fact checker/editorial assistant at a national publication.

Graphic Designer
I started learning graphic design in high school. I continued to tinker with design throughout my other careers, volunteering to do graphic work for my employers. Again, I built a portfolio of work. I was then able to use my portfolio to land freelance gigs.

Web Designer/Web Analyst
In order to promote my freelance writing services, I needed a Web site, but I didn’t have the money to pay a designer. So, I decided I would build the site myself and did a pretty decent job with Yahoo! Sitebuilder. That experience landed me a full-time gig as a Web Design Services Quality Assurance Team Lead for a Web Design company within a few months of learning my new skills. I currently manage the content of a major government agency’s Web site.

Desktop Publisher
I used my “limited” design skills and Microsoft Publisher to create some pretty eye-catching newsletters for physicians that I did medical transcription for. See how you can provide additional services to an existing customer base?

E-Newsletter Editor/Print Publisher
I started an underground “mini magazine” and sold advertising to generate revenue.

Pre-Paid Legal Sales
I, along with my son, my boyfriend, and his son, sold Pre-Paid Legal services. Though I don’t sell this anymore – this is one service I wouldn’t be caught dead without.

Avon Sales Representative
When my son was an infant, I sold Avon to earn some extra cash.

Concert/Event Promoter
Now, this is where I shine! Before I had my son, I would get out there with the people have fun and make some money for real. I charged a fixed fee for promotions. I helped to promote some very popular Compton-based rappers in the late ‘80s (at the time, they were nobodys..lol).

Friday Night Fish Dinners – Cook’s Assistant/Salesperson
My friend and I were broke and needed rent money. With food stamps (this probably was illegal, but hey we were desperate and not saved at the time) and her cooking skills, we sold dinners on Friday nights. This little deal got so popular (mostly because of my friend’s cooking skills) that one day a fight broke out because we sold out of a BBQ dinner:&gt

So, as you can see, anything that you enjoy doing or would like to do is fair game as a side hustle. I like to experiment with new skills or career options (as you can see). That way, I can test my new dream career before actually committing to it. If you decide to turn it into a full-time gig, you can always show that you have valuable experience that people have been willing to pay you for.

Stay tuned for Part III - Side-Hustles: YOU and YOUR KIDS can start for $100.00 or less in a weekend.

Peace, love and blessings (and, as always, keep it drama free).

Side Hustles – Part II: Make Extra Money

As I have previously stated, most of my single mama drama (SMD) has been unequivocally financial. I’m sure that most single mothers out there would agree. And, more importantly, financial drama can cause a whole lot of other kinds of drama—especially in the romance department.

“Ain’t nothing like two broke folks fighting about what they don’t have; what they can’t do, because they don’t have it; and, why all the drama is the other person’s fault in the first place!”

So what’s a single mama to do?

Get her side hustle on, of course. (What’s a side hustle, you ask? Click here for Part I)

Here are some examples of things I’ve done to get my side hustle on – and, trust me, there’s no shame in my game…lol. Whatever it took to put food on the table, I’ve done it—as long as it was legal and honest work, of course. Remember, side hustles are not part-time jobs that you work for someone else’s benefit; instead, they are entrepreneurial by design. After all, there’s no greater feeling in the world than making your own money doing something you positively enjoy.

And, what’s best about side hustles is that NO FORMAL EDUCATION or PRIOR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. If you always wanted to do something, “Just Do It,” like Nike says. And, starting a side hustle is the perfect way to transition into a new career or to build an empire. You never know, you could be creating a dynasty.

So, without further ado, click here for Side Hustles - Part III, the reveal.

Peace, love and blessings (and, as always, keep it drama free).

Part I

On September 14, 2007, I closed on my house! This is the biggest accomplishment of my life, with the exception of having my most perfect blessing, my son

With that said, there are some expected (and some very unexpected) additional expenses that come with home ownership. For instance, as a renter, I never had to worry about hiring someone to come rake the leaves from my lawn (I know what you’re thinking…rake ‘em yourself). Well, unfortunately, my house sits on half an acre and it was a foreclosure that sat empty for almost year. So, when I say there are a lot of leaves out there, please believe me! Never mind that we found a dead baby snake in my house the first night we moved in - so, I’m really not feeling the whole being snake bait in the name of cleaning my yard<yikes!!!>. So far, I’ve gotten two quotes of $150 and $160, respectively. In addition to that, I have some plumbing issues that, while minor, are irritating as all get out. Let me tell you, having to turn the toilet switch on and off every time you go:> gets really old, really quick…lol.

Anyhow, when a single mama needs extra mullah (for whatever reason), what does she do? Well, she goes into single mama mode, of course, and gets her side hustle on (for those that don’t know, side hustle is another way of saying moonlighting or side job:).

So far, I’ve made a little extra cash to help out with the extra expenses. But, my short-term side hustle goal is to earn (at minimum) an extra $500.00 per month, which shouldn’t be a problem. Eventually, within the next six (6) months, I hope to earn an additional $1000.00 per month.

Why not get a second job you ask? Well, simply because I refuse to. As a single mother, I feel like a barely have enough quality time with my son. I also feel like it’s important for me to be there for him and his activities. On top of that, I don’t think anyone, especially single mothers, should depend on a job for their every cent of their income.

After all, if you think about it, a paycheck from a job is nothing more than an inflated WELFARE check. Hold on now, DON’T GET YOUR PANTIES IN A BUNCH, let me explain. When I was on welfare (yeah, I was on welfare; however, I used for what it was created to be: temporary assistance, not a way of life), I didn’t like that my welfare check determined what I could and couldn’t afford. Basically, it determined where I could live, what I could eat, what I could wear, etc. The same is true of a paycheck. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my paycheck - there’s nothing like a regular check, especially one that covers all the essentials plus some - it’s definitely a beautiful thing. However, as a single mother, sometimes or maybe most of the time, there seems like there’s never enough money. That’s why I firmly believe in the side hustle. My side hustles have kept me from starving in between jobs and have even helped me land better paying gigs because of the experience.

Stay tuned for Part II - My side hustles & side hustle you can start today>>

If you think coupons are a waste of time (like I did), you’ll think again after reading this post on the DEBT CHALLENGER 2 BLOG.

Click here to see the proof.

Here’s a link to the Coupon Mom site that DC2 writes about in her blog. Please be sure to visit DC2’s blog and send her a thanks for the tip.

I can’t wait to experience the power of the “Coupon Mom”.

Hit me up and let me know how the coupon thing is working for you.

Peace, love and blessings (and, of course, keep it drama free),

Ms. No Single Mama Drama

Well, I’m finally doing what I’ve been thinking about for years: writing about my adventures as a single mama - and, boy, did I have some!

Because I’ve been through every SINGLE MAMA DRAMA scenario that you can think of…from being no-pot-to-potty-in broke, to (unknowingly and unwillingly) becoming a star player in a “War of the Roses” type of real-life drama, I believe I have a God-given obligation to use my life’s experiences - whether good, bad or horrible - to help other single mothers live drama-free lives.

Some of the things I’ve been through will make you cry (heart-wrenching confessionals). Some will make you laugh (these are so downright funny, they’re unbelievable). Some will make you wonder what the heck I was thinking (did I miss the common sense bus that day?) And, some are so unfair (you’ll be mad for me). But with every life experience, I learned a lot about people, life and, most of all, myself and how to live a drama-free life!

But this blog is not just about me - it’s about you, too and, more importantly, about our children and how we, as their primary caregivers, have a responsibility to improve their quality of life by eliminating the SINGLE MAMA DRAMA!

So, c’mon already, your drama-free life is waiting for you…right around the corner.