<prompt> Human: Next month I will be a single mother of 4 children living on my own. I will have my kids most of the time but I am not sure if I will be recieving child support. I am not intrested in welfare or food stamps, but I am intrested in advice on how to manage my money and other resources that can help. For example I hear there is a program that provides free or reduced internet for low income families with children in school.  <response>: Honestly, you should go after the assistance programs that are available for you. Your situation is why they are set up in the first place and it sounds like you will be working towards moving off of the programs as soon as your life gets sorted out and you are able to. In the long run it will give you more resources towards getting your kids in a position where they will be successful in life. Dont be too proud to accept some help if it is available. There is no shame in getting a little direct help from your government when life throws you a bad curveball.I think most people on here would rather see their tax money helping your kids eat well balanced and nutritious meals instead of funding some senators lavish office or a secret service RR junket to Acapulco.All that being said, there are ways to cut household costs without too much trouble. Secondhand clothing stores like Goodwill are good places to shop for kids clothes as well as any friends who have clothes their own kids have outgrown.Food expenses can be cut by half or more by finding a salvage grocery store and shopping there. Focus on staple foods that offer concentrated nutrition for the price. A bag of brown rice, a can of tomatoes, and a can of red beans can put a decent meal on the table for 6 people for under 3. Also, national name brand products are no longer allowed.You can do this, the main thing to remember is to not lose heart and always be working towards setting yourself up for a better tomorrow. 