Beanstalk Single Mums Elle Sitek

We can hardly be blamed for getting caught up in consumerism at Christmas. It is everywhere! We are constantly encouraged to buy more, to eat more, and to keep up with everyone around us.
Quite frankly, it's exhausting.
Are you ready to pull in the reigns this Christmas and to offer a little of what you have to those in desperate need?
Christmas is a time to accept our place on the globe, to practice gratitude for all we have and to help our children understand how and why to give to charity.
If I've not convinced you, then Noddy Sharma from World Vision certainly will. He explains how donating is so much more than a simple act of giving. It will educate your kids, help them to see the bigger picture of the world around them and instil wonderful values that they will hold in their hearts forever, and maybe even pass down to their own children.
How giving to charity at Christmas can really help your kids
Listen to Noddy and I discuss:
Why it's so flippin' hard not to get caught up in consumerism at Christmas and ultimately overspend
How to ignite an enthusiasm in our kids to be charitable
Some of the really cool ways for you and your kids to donate through World Vision
How much of what you donate reaches the right place (I know this is something you'll be wondering!)
The message it give our kids if they see us donating at Christmas
How to make our kids aware of disasters/crisis situations around the world ... without terrifying them
For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

I honestly don't believe there is a parent alive who doesn't struggle at times. How can we not?
There are no hard and fast rules for parenting. No guide to follow, or exams to pass.
Yes, parenting is a mission of trying your best and sometimes winning but sometimes not. All the while learning but constantly evolving because no two days and no two kids are the same. Fun heh?
In this podcast I chat to the Managing Director of Parentline, Kimberley Harper, about getting the support you need and deserve in your parenthood journey. And, even better, getting it for free.
So have a listen and learn ways to make parenting easier, calmer and happier for everyone in the family.
Kimberley and I talk about:
Understanding that parenting is bloody hard and it's ok to reach for support
The biggest parenting struggles for mothers (hint: overwhelm is one of them)
How getting support and talking through your parenting problems can seriously help
Advice specifically for single mothers who are dealing with financial pressures and the stress of co-parenting
Daily and ongoing parenting practices which will help you to not only survive but to thrive in your role as mum
For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

Christmas can be a particularly hard time for many single mothers.
We feel pressured to create a picture-perfect Christmas for our kids, complete with stereotypical family and presents galore. 
Is it any wonder that we experience more Christmas-fear than Christmas-cheer?
To help lighten the load for struggling single mums, I chat to Major Beth Twivey from The Salvation Army about how we can reach for support during the festive season (and the rest of the year).
Or, if you're in a position to donate, we go full-circle and also discuss the many clever, thoughtful and fun ways give to those in need at Christmas.
In this chat, Major Beth Twivey and I cover:
Why many problems for single mums can feel exacerbated at Christmas
The kind of support The Salvation Army offers at Christmas (and throughout the year) - there is heaps!
Wonderful ways we can give to those in need
How to reach for support through The Salvation Army (which is often the hardest step)
How to block out the madness and enjoy Christmas for the peaceful family time it should be
For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

You've been through hell and high water, but finally you and your ex have got your courts orders approved by the family court in relation to the care of your children after separation. All you need to do now, is follow them. Simple.
Not always.
It is way too common for co-parents to breach carefully planned court orders, which can cause havoc for everyone, including the children involved.
So what should you do if this happens to you?
Enter: Eustacia Yates from Australia’s first non-profit law firm, New Way Lawyers.
Eustacia brings her depth of practical experience and technical knowledge to this chat, where she explains exactly what to do if your ex has breached your family court orders.
In this episode Eustacia and I discuss:
Common scenarios around the breaching of court orders and why they may happen
The importance of getting orders as perfect as possible from the get-go
The right steps to take if the other parent breaches court orders
A bit about contravention applications and proceedings
The consequences of breaching a court order
What to do if you are considering breaching a court order for any reason
Tips to co-parent with a parent who is continually breaching a court orders
For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

It is a myth that you need to hire lawyers to separate and divorce.
You don't.
Property settlement is essentially a financial exercise that a lot of separating couples can work through together with the support of an expert. Which is where Belinda from Divide comes in.
Belinda works with separating couples throughout Australia to help you financially separate and have your orders approved by the family court, without using lawyers. The end result is a more amicable split which will encourage a healthier co-parenting relationship and leave more money for you both to begin your new lives.
Not only this, Belinda is a whizz at tax and super in a financial split so her advice will pay-off now and way into the future. Or, to put it another way, nothing will come back and bite you on bum further down the track.
Sounds good? Find out more in this podcast.
Listen to Belinda and I discuss:
Which kind of cases would or would not require the services of a family lawyer
Options available to separating couples if they don't want to hire lawyers
The benefits of choosing the "no lawyer" pathway (there are heaps!)
The importance of factoring super and tax into a property settlement (and what can happen if you don't)
Ways to keep your separation amicable so you can "make it through" without lawyers
For more podcasts like this and heaps of other free single mum resources head to the Beanstalk Mums website.

It's that time of year ladies ... don't delay and confirm your income with Services Australia today!
Why?
Because once you have, Services Australia can get to work and balance your child care subsidy for the financial year.
If you are hesitant for any reason, listen to this podcast with Hank Jongen, General Manager of Services Australia, because he has a great way of explaining the process that makes it all sound super simple.
Whether you don't know where to start, you're concerned about a debt, or you just want to get it right moving forward, you'll get the support you need. And, if you don't, Hank explains where to go for more support - and this is not just the usual channels ...
Hank explains:
What CCS is and how it is paid
What you need to do to have your CCS balanced
How to confirm your income (over and over again if you need to)
What to if you don't need to lodge a tax return (don't do nothing!)
What outcomes to expect once your CCS has been balanced
What support is available if you have incurred a debt
Where to go for more information