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Gold prices keep hitting new highs, thanks in part to market turmoil amid tariff wars. Spot gold hit a record Dec. 26 above $4,500 — a 33% increase for 2025 — and prices have held steady.

“Traders are waiting for the next major fundamental development to drive the gold market, but the charts remain bullish. There's still safe haven demand,” said Jim Wyckoff, senior analyst at Kitco Metals1.

one year gold price chart from Yahoo Finance as of January 2026
5-year gold future chart from Yahoo Finance as of Oct. 10, 2025

Simply put: Now is a still great time to sell gold.

Whether you have gold jewelry, scrap, dental work, coins or bullion, you have several safe, quality options for selling your gold.

This post outlines the best ways to sell your gold based on our writer's first-hand experience shopping it around — to both online and local gold buyers.

Table of contents

How not to get ripped off selling gold

Whether you sell online or locally, there are some general guidelines for making sure you work with an honest company that will make you a fair offer — and there are plenty out there, says David Atlas, vice chair of ethical issues and associate director of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers.

“There are people who are altruistic and will be helpful,” Atlas told me. “A retailer who lives in my town is really fair with people. She listens to their story and like a lot of gold buyers who are sympathetic, offers people 70% to 75% of the value of their item, which is very fair.”

A key to getting a fair deal is to understand the weight and karat of your gold, and how daily spot prices are factored into payouts. Read our FAQs about how gold prices work and tips for selling gold.

Then:

  1. Research a quality gold buyer. This may be a local pawn shop, “We Buy Gold” outfit or a jeweler in your community. There are also a number of quality online gold buyers. Check the businesses's reputation:
    • Online reviews from Yelp, BBB, Google
    • Ask friends and family for recommendations
  2. Shop around and negotiate. Do not be shy to ask for a higher payout and leverage one buyer's offer against the other for the best deal. Start with: “Can you do better?”

Read more about Melinda's experience selling to local gold scrap buyers, pawnbrokers and CashforGoldUSA.

Best places to sell your gold online

While there are many reputable local businesses that can give you an honest gold resale price or trade-in value for your gold jewelry, gold coins, gold nuggets, watch, gold bullion or dental gold, selling gold online is increasingly common, as more and more quality gold buyers have made it easy to safely get paid without leaving home.

Other reasons many people opt for selling gold to an online buyer:

  • More convenient than driving around to area businesses
  • Private. It can be embarrassing to have to sell your valuables.
  • An established online gold buyer will have a robust online presence you can research: reviews and ratings from Trustpilot, BBB, Yelp, Facebook, and more. Many more data points to use to vet your buyer than a typical local business.

CashforGoldUSA: 

CashforGoldUSA is a family business established in 2005 outside of Boston that buys the widest breadth of gold, silver and diamonds in the industry, pays within 24 hours and insures your item up to $150,000. Focus on customer service and speed to payment.

BBB Rating: A+, accredited since 2020

Read our CashforGoldUSA review.

Sell your gold now with CashforGoldUSA >

Other quality companies that buy scrap gold online, listed alphabetically:

Abe Mor

Abe Mor is a family business established in 1969 in New York City’s Diamond District, and focuses primarily on buying and selling diamonds of at least .5 carats wholesale through retailer jewelers, though they are also a reputable place to sell gold with a resale value of $1,000 or more.

BBB Rating: A+, accredited since 2016

Read our Abe Mor review.

Similar companies that also buy and sell diamonds:

  • myGemma (marketplace model, vs direct buy)
  • Worthy (an auction platform)

Keep in mind: Thanks to style trends and lab diamond popularity, the price of diamonds has plummeted 84% since 2022. The gold in your diamond jewelry, is more valuable than ever.

JM Bullion

JM Bullion is arguably the leading buyer and seller of consumer metals — coins, bullion, and metals IRAs in gold, silver, platinum, copper and very unique coins, such as a 2023 JFK Half Dollar Black Ruthenium Set ($19.99) and 2022 Colorized American Women Quarter 5-Coin Set ($20.95) on sale at the time of this writing. Minimum sale value of $1,000. 

BBB Rating: A+, accredited since 2014

Other trustworthy companies that deal in buying and selling consumer metals bullion include:

  • APMEX
  • Money Metals Exchange

Luriya

In business since 1995, Luriya is an online gold buyer headquartered in Manhattan’s Diamond District, with other locations in Queens and Brooklyn.

You can request a free mailer from Luriya via FedEx 2nd day shipping, automatically insured for up to $1,000 (and up to $1 million), or schedule an in-person appointment to have your items appraised. Luriya reports its offices are under 24/7 surveillance by a private security team.

BBB Rating: Not rated, though they have 4.7 stars on Google 

US Gold Buyers

US Gold Buyers is a GIA-certified jewelry appraiser with a physical location in Boca Raton, Fla., though they also do business online. When you submit the form on the US Gold Buyers website, you’ll receive a free FedEx overnight label in your email, which is trackable and insured for up to $25,000 (or more upon request).

BBB Rating: A+ (accredited since 2016)

Pawn shops

Many people prefer to sell their gold or jewelry locally to a business they know and trust — and get their cash immediately without messing around with the mail or FedEx.

A reputable pawn shop can be the closest place to sell gold if you need cash quickly and prefer to do business locally with people you know. Ask around for a recommendation, check online reviews and get a few quotes. Don't be afraid to negotiate or walk away if you don't feel their offer is fair.

Of course, pawnbrokers also give you the option of getting back your gold within the terms of the loan.

Our secret-shopper experiment on selling gold found that pawn shops, as well as other local gold buyers in your community, can offer high payouts and friendly, helpful service.

Search for a pawn broker that buys gold in your community by looking for “pawn shops near me.”

If you have gold jewelry worth at least $800 that you really don't want to sell, but need the cash, you might consider a jewelry loan — which is essentially the same as pawning your jewelry, but through an online vendor.

Learn more about where and how to get a loan on jewelry

4. Local gold buyers or coin dealers

Many communities have roadside businesses advertising “Cash for Gold,” “We Buy Gold,” “Gold and Silver Exchange,” and “Metals Exchange.”

Our writer's secret shopping gold experiment revealed that her local “We Buy Gold” outfit offered the highest payout.

It never hurts to get a quote from one of these buyers, which you can use to validate another offer or negotiate a higher payout:

Meanwhile, coin dealers typically buy gold scrap, in addition to rare coins and coin collections.

5. Local jewelry stores

The first place many people go to sell their gold is a jewelry store. You may have a relationship with such a local jeweler or trust one in your town. Some jewelers offer store credit in exchange for your item, and you may prefer to do business locally, with someone you know.

In our secret shopping gold experiment a local jeweler made a solid offer.

Gold price and selling FAQs

When you decide you are ready to sell your gold items, it helps to understand the terminology and what influences the value of gold.

What is the gold spot price? Is it different from melt value?

Gold spot price is calculated as the average net value of all currently traded gold futures for the next month.

The melt value is calculated by the amount of the precious metal multiplied by the spot price of the gold. If you melted down the gold pieces and sold them as raw materials, the melt value is what that gold is worth right now.

How much do you get for selling gold?

Ultimately, gold sells for what someone will pay for it, typically the spot gold price, multiplied by the weight and karat, minus a commission. Depending on whether you sell or pawn, online or offline, try to negotiate your gold sale.

For gold bullion — coins or bars — expect 90% to 95% of the current spot price.

For jewelry, expect to receive about 60% to 80% of the melt value. At the current gold rates, a typical gold wedding band or gold class ring is worth between $100 and $300, depending on the weight and karat.

Why do gold prices fluctuate? What causes the price of gold to go up?

Gold is like any other asset: stocks, real estate, even human labor. When there is more demand, prices go up. When there is less demand for gold, prices go down.

Typically, gold has been considered a safe investment, so when there is a lot of volatility in the economy or stock market, investors tend to favor gold.

Historically gold prices increase when:

  • The stock market is down
  • Times of economic and political instability
  • Other safe-haven investments like bonds and investments in the U.S. dollar are down
  • The higher the gold price, the more people tend to want to buy — which drives gold prices up further

Gold prices have steadily risen in recent months and continue to hit record highs — the most recent of which occurred in April when gold surged past $2,400.

You can get an idea of the price of your gold with a gold calculator, which factors in the current price of gold before the gold buyer's commission.

Your offer will depend on your appraisal, the melt price of gold, and what the buyer feels like offering.

In any market, cash in hand today is worth much more than waiting a few weeks or months to see if the price increases a little. Overall, gold prices have been near record highs, so you will get a decent return if you sell soon.

What are gold futures?

Meanwhile, gold futures prices serve as the basis for the LBMA Gold Price, which is based on contracts for the physical delivery of a specified amount of gold on a set date in the future, and determined by predicted changes in supply and demand, the estimated cost of transporting and storing gold.

Is now a good time to sell gold? When is the best time to sell gold?

Gold prices have been high over the past two years and hit yet another all-time high in April 2025.

However, in any market, the best time to sell gold may be purely personal: when you need cash the most. Again, it is better to have cash that you very much need to pay essential bills like rent, a car note, or utilities than hedging.

It can also make sense to sell gold for other investments, including stock funds in a retirement account, in real estate, or even on education or new business expenses.

Also, it may make sense to sell your gold and buy stocks or an index fund to take advantage of the down stock market.

Who pays the most for gold?

The only way to guarantee that you will get the absolute highest price for your gold at any moment is to shop it around, locally and online. The offers can vary widely, and change day-to-day as gold prices fluctuate.

Pro tip: No matter where you sell your gold, always negotiate. Online buyers that invest in sending you a mailer are especially incentivized to offer you a higher payout, vs having to pay to return your item to you.

Our exercise found that local businesses like pawnbrokers and gold buyers made high offers with friendly service.

What's the fastest way to liquidate your gold?

The fastest way to get cash for your gold is to walk into a pawnshop or local gold dealer and take what they offer — which may or may not be a fair price — but will get you cash within about 15 minutes. This can be a great option for a lot of people, especially if you trust your pawnshop and like to support local businesses.

However, you can get money for your gold within a few days without leaving the house by selling online. Especially if you are willing to negotiate, any of these methods could net a very strong price.

What's the safest way to get cash for gold?

Unlike years past, today there are reputable online buyers who ensure that your item is safe and trackable throughout the selling process. All of the leading gold buyers offer 100% free door-to-door free, trackable FedEx or USPS shipping, free insurance — typically up to $150,000, and a guarantee your item will be returned to you promptly, free of charge without question.

Stories of people's gold going missing en transit are rare.

What are the markings on my gold jewelry?

Here's a guide to deciphering the symbols stamped on jewelry, but most karat markings on gold jewelry, and the purity of gold they represent:

  • Gold with an etching or stamp or hallmark that reads “18K” or “750” indicates that it is made up of 75% gold
  • A “14K” or “585” mark means the metal is made up of 58.5% gold. This stamp is typically either a karat number, such as 18K, or 12K, in the shape of a rectangle with the corners cut off, and with a number inside
  • Gold with an etching or stamp or hallmark that reads “18K” or “750” indicates that it is made up of 75% gold, while a “14K” or “585” mark means the metal is made up of 58.5% gold

Bracelet shows symbols stamped on jewelry.

As of , the amount of gold per karat in yellow gold, assuming a price of $ per troy ounce:

Stamp Purity % gold Spot price
999 24 karat 99.9%  $
990 22 karat 99% $
750 18 karat 75%  $
585 14 karat 58.3%  $
375 9 karat 37.5% $

Gold bars and gold bullion are nearly always 24K gold. Learn more about selling your gold bars and bullion.

Determine the weight and karat of your gold by looking for markings and using a scale — like this one from Amazon that sells for about $10. You can also stop into a pawn shop, or local jeweler and ask them to weigh your gold (they should do it for free).

Learn how to tell the difference between common jewelry metals in these posts:

Sterling silver vs. plated silver vs. white gold
Platinum vs white gold
White gold vs yellow gold

If your gold jewelry comes from a high-end jeweler like Tiffany, Cartier, or David Yurman, or is otherwise unique, it could be worth more than its scrap metal value. A jeweler can provide you with a jewelry appraisal, which can help you determine the value of the items you have and where to sell them. These typically cost $150 or more.

Is my gold real?

Gold is usually an alloy, meaning a mix of gold with other metals. Reference this guide to determining whether your gold is fake or real for more.

  • Pure gold is 24 karat, and will be marked 24K — with “K” the abbreviation for karats
  • Real gold will not float and will not rust.
  • Pure gold is not magnetic

Bottom line: Where is the best place to sell gold jewelry?

Cash is king. If you aren’t using your gold jewelry or you have gold coins lying around, it may be a good time to sell, regardless of prices. If you need the money right away, a pawnshop or gold buyer in your community with a good reputation can help.

If you have a few days and prefer to sell from home, consider getting quotes from one of the top online gold buyers.

SOURCE

  1. “Gold climbs as softer dollar, tariff tensions buoy demand,” by Brijesh Patel for Reuters. April 15, 2025
    https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/gold-heads-second-weekly-fall-focus-us-payrolls-data-2024-12-06/
What does gold sell for?

January 11, 2026, spot gold was near the record of high of $4,518.

How much do you get for selling gold?

Expect to receive 90% to 95% of the current market value or spot price if you’re selling gold coins or bars, and closer to 60 or 80% for gold jewelry or other scrap.

Is now a good time to sell gold?

Yes — gold prices surpassed $3,400 per ounce in April 2025 and are expected to keep climbing as the economy slows. As of July prices were still very strong.

What is the best way to get cash for gold?

If you need the money right away, a pawnshop or local gold buyer with a local reputation can help. If you can wait a couple days, an online gold buyer can be best. Shop around and negotiate.

If you’re thinking about dating a single parent but have some reservations, you’re not alone. You may have heard that single parents:

  1. Will never have time for you
  2. Are still in love with their ex
  3. Only want a replacement parent or financial support

Fortunately, those things aren’t true for the majority of single parents, and you can have a healthy and successful relationship with a single parent if — like any other relationship — you’re willing to put in the time and effort. 

That being said, there are some unique challenges that come with dating a single parent. 

This is what you should know before you start to date someone with kids:

Is it hard to date a single parent?

What are the challenges of dating a single parent?

Challenges of dating a single mom

Challenges of dating a single dad

Problems dating a single mom: what you need to know as a man about why dating a single mom is hard

Problems dating as a single mom: what you need to know as a single mom

Thinking of dating again as a single parent, but not sure where to start?

Is it hard to date a single parent?

Amber Lee, a Certified Matchmaker and CEO of matchmaking service Select Date Society, says that dating anyone who leads a busy life can be hard, and dating a single parent is no different. 

“If it's the right person for you, the two of you will find ways to make time for each other,” Lee says.

She says if you’re dating a single parent, you might have to plan dates around the kids’ schedules, which can be affected by things like child custody arrangements and babysitter availability/cost.

However, if you’re willing to be flexible and supportive of your partner’s parenting commitments, dating a single parent doesn’t have to be hard.

What are the challenges of dating a single parent?

Lee says the biggest challenge of dating a single parent is dating around potentially busy and limited schedules. In addition to dealing with custody schedules, your partner may have to attend after-school activities, school events, birthday parties, etc. 

You might not see your partner as often as you’d like — or you may have to spend a lot of time with her children once she’s comfortable introducing them to you.

Lee recommends helping your partner secure a reliable babysitter and being prepared for last-minute cancellations and plan changes. 

These are some other challenges of dating a single parent, according to Redditors: 

You might not always come first:

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You might not get along with the kids:

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You might have to deal with a difficult ex:

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You might have to take on some parenting responsibilities:

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There might be double heartbreak if things don’t work out:

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Challenges of dating a single mom

Lee says single moms are superheroes when it comes to multitasking and juggling busy schedules. However, these are some challenges you may face dating a single mom:

  • She’s more likely to have primary custody of her kids, so her free time might be limited. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, about four out of every five custodial parents — 79.9% — were mothers. 
  • Her kids might not like you — at least not at first. Take your time, and don’t put pressure on the relationship. If you respect their boundaries, don’t see them as competition, and treat their mom well, they may eventually warm up to you.
  • Her ex might still be in the picture. Even if she has an amicable co-parenting relationship, you still have to deal with the dynamics of having another person in the picture, one you may have to regularly interact with. 

This Redditor had some good advice about the challenges of dating a single mom and how to handle them: 

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This Reddit thread dispels some of the “horror stories” about dating a single mom: 

Is there any story where dating a single mom has worked out?
byu/Far_Broccoli6117 inexredpill

One commenter in particular stresses the fact that no two single moms are the same, so you have to evaluate each potential relationship under a different scope: 

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Are single moms red flags?

Single moms in general aren’t red flags. But there are some red flags you should look out for when you’re dating a single mom, just like you would in any relationship.

Lee says the biggest red flag to look out for is a tumultuous relationship with her ex. 

“If they are not capable of co-parenting in a healthy way, your relationship is going to be filled with drama,” she says.

She also says to avoid single moms who don’t have healthy boundaries with their children — for example, if they have trouble disciplining their kids or if their relationship with their kids is more like a friendship than a parent-child relationship. 

“If the kids are the ones running the show, it may be time to reconsider pursuing a serious relationship,” Lee says.

She also says to avoid single moms who seem like they’re looking for a replacement father for their children, rather than a romantic partner for themselves.

“If they seem more interested in you filling a void for their kids than in a romantic relationship with you, don't ignore this red flag,” Lee says.

A Redditor on this thread confirms that point:

“I had a friend who was dating a single mother recently. She pretty much expected him to support her and the baby and kept him on a short leash like they were married and the kid was his. She often relied on his family to take care of the baby too. Single moms obviously can use some support but when you start dating a guy expecting him to become father and husband, especially when both of you are young, is perhaps why some men may be wary of dating single moms.” — Joeblow521

Why dating a single mom is hard?

Dating a single mom can be hard because your time together might be limited — at least until she’s comfortable having you around her kids. You also have the added pressure of forming a relationship with her kids if things become serious and potentially having to interact with her ex. 

The reality is that women are usually judged more harshly than men in all aspects of life — and single mothers are no exception. 

This single mother calls out the double standards and judgment she’s faced as a single mom trying to date:

Online dating as a young single mother is disheartening as fuck
byu/Key-Strawberry-5028 inTrueOffMyChest

Is it worth dating a single mom?

Because no two single moms are exactly alike, there is no blanket “yes or no” answer to this question. 

That being said, these are some benefits of dating a single mom, according to men on Reddit: 

  • “I love kids and would get to be an influential part of their lives. I would also be able to see first hand what kind of parent they are so I can see if they’re the type of person I would want to have kids with.”
  • “I just got out of a relationship with a single mom. She had a 5-year old. For me, her daughter was the best part of the relationship. It was brand new for me and scary but it added so much meaning to my life. I am someone who has always thought he didn’t want kids but this experience changed my opinion dramatically. I also thought to myself many times that this could be the perfect way for me to have a child in my life but not actually have to commit to making one myself. If things had worked out with her mom I think this would have been true. I would definitely date a single mom again-the biggest thing is making sure there’s no drama or lingering feelings with the other parent. Which I suspect is kinda rare.”
  • “You get to help parent their kid and be a more proactive parent in that child’s life than their original parent most of the time. i hear all the time about kids saying that their stepmom or stepdad was a huge part of their upbringing and that they see them as a parent because they were that important to them, and they credit a lot of their successes as a person to that person.”
  • “The mothers tend to be more mature and secure, and it's not something I put a lot of thought into – aside from thinking about the added and steadily growing responsibility of helping with the child.”
  • “They always have snacks.”

If you’re thinking about dating a single mom, here are some tips for dating her:

Tips for dating and 15 things NOT to say

Challenges of dating a single dad

Lee says the same challenges that exist for dating a single mom exist for dating a single dad — custody schedules, dynamics with his ex, and having to be respectful of his relationship with his kids. 

“Don't be too hard on the single dad you're dating if he forgets about something and over-books his calendar or has to change plans at the last minute,” she says. 

Why dating a single dad is hard?

Lee says single dads dating often need to be in a relationship that feels easy, where they don't have to add a stressful relationship to their list of responsibilities. 

“Don't expect for a single dad to constantly dote on you,” she says. “Instead, you may need to be the one showering him with love.”

These are some other reasons dating a single dad might be hard, according to the women of Reddit: 

  • He may not want anymore kids because he already has some of his own. You're kind of expected to balance being childfree but also adoring his kids. If you stick around long enough, you will likely be drafted into helping with the kid (free babysitting, helping around the house, occupying them, etc), but you will get no say in actual decisions. That's for the “real” parents. It is a thankless job.
  • He will have a huge financial strain. If he does agree to have more children, they may have less in life than if you had chosen to be with a man without children. Additionally, he may not be all that enthused about kids with you because he's been there/done that, but is simply obliging you because it's what you want.
  • The mom is almost certainly still in the picture. Very rarely do co-parents have proper boundaries. I had the unfortunate pleasure of dating someone with an absolute crazy ex who sabotaged our date plans whenever she could, often using the child as leverage.
  • The person you love the most will never love you the most. I know it's silly, but imagine those (albeit, unlikely) scenarios where you and the kid are both drowning and he can only save one. You drown, every time. You will never be the most important person to him.

Is it worth dating a single dad?

If you can handle the added dynamics of dating a single dad, you can have a meaningful and successful relationship with one. These are some benefits of dating a single dad: 

  • You know what you’re getting in a partner. A man’s relationship with his children is the best measure of his character, personality and partnership potential.
  • Single dads are busy, so they probably won’t be needy/clingy.
  • They might not want more kids — a benefit if you yourself don’t want more (or any) kids.

This is what real single moms had to say about dating single dads: 

  • “They are more mature, responsible, and usually more accepting of your personal priorities such as kids/work. They often crave more stable relationships and know how to balance family responsibilities along with the rest of their lives.”
  • “They understand the responsibilities and schedule constraints of being a single parent. It's also good because you can parent vent to them and they understand.”
  • “They understand the unpredictability of raising kids so if something comes up unexpectedly, they don’t get all bent outta shape if you have to reschedule or cancel.”
  • “I think it is more likely they will be your people, like have very similar wants and needs as a single mother. You go into a relationship wanting compatibility and generally if you are similar-it is more likely to happen.”
  • “If you’re on the same or a similar custody schedule, you can truly devote your time to each other on your off time to really get to know each other, and he’ll understand when you’re busy during custody time. And then you can slowly introduce your kids to each other when you both feel it’s appropriate. He should also be more understanding when family circumstances arise out of the blue and you need to pivot.”
  • “They don't want all of your time – they have their own commitments and responsibilities and (the good ones) are great about understanding and respecting yours, as well.”
  • “They are presumably busy with kids, job, and extracurriculars so they won’t smother you too soon.”
  • “I was actually set against dating anymore single dads due to parenting differences, custody schedules and conflicts etc. and then I met the guy I’m currently dating. Single dad, he is so kind, patient, considerate and helpful. I’m thankful for all the shitheads I had to go through to get to this one because I appreciate him so much. He is the epitome of teamwork and I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

If you’re thinking about dating a single dad, check out these tips: 

Problems dating a single mom: what you need to know as a man about why dating a single mom is hard

Way back at the beginning of my single mom dating shenanigans I fell in love with an older man. My kids were 1 and 3, his were in college. A few months in, I broke it off over a boozy Italian dinner. “Face it,” I said. “You don't want to be running around with little kids again.”

He agreed.

“I don't want to date a mom”

Old story: We kept sleeping with each other, he decided he wanted to try dating a mom for real, and a year later broke it off for reals because he didn't want to date a mom. For a whole bunch of reasons, that breakup was terribly painful for me, and it took me so many months (many of which I admittedly kept sleeping with him. Sue me.) to get over it.

“You're so wonderful, it has nothing to do with you,” he'd say over and over. “It's just that life got in the way.”

I clung desperately to those words for a very long time. But those words are bullshit (even if it was good of him to employ them). Rejecting me because I have children has every single thing to do with me. I am a mom. My motherhood is not a separate island off the coastline of myself. It is part of me. Arguably the very best part of me. I am a mother, exactly as I said I as when I met you online/the office/Starbucks/swing dancing/trashed at your cousin's wedding.

I've bumped into that same floundering position on dating me, a single mom, several times. “I thought I didn't want to date women with kids, but your OKCupid profile was irresistible,” he'll say. What he doesn't say, but what is implied is: “What the hell. I'll give this a try and if I don't like it, I'm outta here!”

Could I change his mind about dating moms?

I try not to be bitter. We're all human. Can I really fault a guy for liking me so much he goes against his instincts that tell him he's not fit for blended family life? I've got a healthy ego. I'd love to be the one to change his mind!

Yet it's pretty silly that we treat the intersect of romance and children as such an exotic unknown, one worthy of tip-toe trepidation. After all, it's not like I'm raising feral unicorns in my attic, or foster-parenting gnomes. I am a human mother raising human children, the most fundamental essence of humanity, familiar to all, including every single man on OKCupid, who, presumably, was once a child himself.

On the flip side, I do think it is possible to change a guy's mind (though I don't suggest banking on it). A few years ago I had a mini-session with dating coach Kavita Patel, who stands out among her peers as a remarkable insight into dating and relationships overall, and has an intuitive power that is slightly freaky. In telling her about my dating, I said: “If a guy isn't into single moms, that's fine with me. I'm not interested in changing anyone's mind!”

Obvious, right? She disagreed: “Sometimes a guy has to see you with your children. Then he can be open to dating a woman with a family.”

Because she got so much right about me, I could never let that advice go.

Last year for a few months I dated a man who was in his early 40s, divorced but with no kids. We were a mismatch for zillions of reasons, but of anyone I've ever been involved with, he appreciated my motherhood more than any other man.

He also admitted to discounting a relationship with a single mom before crossing my path. One day a few months in he told me he'd watched some Facebook videos of my kids in which I was audible in the background. “You're so natural and honest with them. You're an awesome mom,” he said in an uncharacteristically vulnerable moment. “I adore you.”

Which is exactly what every single mom wants to hear very most of all.

Fast-forward to today, and I am in a 3-year relationship with a dad who loves that I am a mom, enjoys long days with me and my two kids, running between soccer games and theater practice and sleepover drop-offs and the rest — more than I do myself, often. He's hot, successful and my friends join me in thinking I won the jackpot.

When, a year or so in, we had a big relationship talk, and voices went low as two middle-aged people who have been through the ringer each made our best efforts to put baggage aside and be vulnerable in our needs, he held my hand across the dining room table as my kids slept in a room adjacent, looked me in the eye, and said:

“I just want us all to be a family.”

Problems dating as a single mom: what you need to know as a single mom

Ladies, here is a huge favor I will do for you:

I will save you the horrors you will find should you google “date a single mom” on the Internet. There are a lot of sexist assholes out there, and you don't need to know what they think.

I will save you from your fears that no good guy wants to date a single mom. Not only have I dated a lot of amazing men who either don't care that I'm a mom, or love the fact that I am one, I also have met and know of thousands and thousands of women who are also mothers who have found love, fun, companionship and partnership after becoming a mom.

But what do the haters say? All those asswipes who swear off single moms? I will share here to save you the trouble of sorting through that toxicity, and assure you that you don't have to worry.

These misogynists claim single moms only want a sugar daddy to pay their bills.

We are all gold diggers.

Primed to attract men, use them for their money and maybe sperm, then dump them.

We will never make time for our man — kids always come first (how and why not to make that mistake in this post).

Used-up, damaged goods, and the like.

You know, stuff that children say when their feelings got hurt and they are too underdeveloped to manage their feelings. So they lash out.

Nothing that an evolved woman has to worry about.

Carry on, you fined thing.

Ever thought about online therapy? Way cheaper, convenient, private by text, voice or video counseling — perfect for single moms. Top online therapy sites — which is the best?

Thinking of dating again as a single parent, but not sure where to start?

Dating sites used by single moms and dads

Check out a dating app. This is the easiest, cheapest way to get your mojo back, and get a feel for what is happening out there. All you need to do is connect with one cute guy to get that spark going again.

Online dating is one of the best things in the world for single parents — time and money efficient, and you can even do a background check on a man or woman before you go out with them!

Here is our list of the best dating sites and apps for single moms.

Our No. 1 recommendation for finding serious relationships is eharmony because: 

  • A Better Business Bureau rating
  • Free 150-point personality report
  • Apps for iOS and Android
  • 100% of members are proven to be real (no catfishing or married people!)
  • For paid memberships, eharmony has one of the lowest prices and you can start with a free basic membership >>

Matchmaker sites for single parents

There is a reason matchmakers have been in use since the dawn of human sexuality — they work!

In this post I lay out the pros and cons of matchmaking experiences.

Is it hard to date a single parent?

Amber Lee, a Certified Matchmaker and CEO of matchmaking service Select Date Society, says that dating anyone who leads a busy life can be hard, and dating a single parent is no different. “If it's the right person for you, the two of you will find ways to make time for each other,” Lee says.

What are the challenges of dating a single parent?

Lee says the biggest challenge of dating a single parent is dating around potentially busy and limited schedules. In addition to dealing with custody schedules, your partner may have to attend after-school activities, school events, birthday parties, etc.

While our culture celebrates the stay-at-home mom, the reality is that most parents of any gender prefer and need to work. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 report1, both parents were employed in 65% of married-couple families with children.

Table of contents

Flexible jobs for busy moms

Thankfully, today more than ever, there are many work-at-home jobs for moms that allow for a flexible schedule. 

(All salary estimates below are from Ziprecruiter.)

If you’re a stay-at-home mom asking yourself: “How can a stay-at-home mom make money?” keep reading for some of the best SAHM jobs:

Best job you can do from home

1. Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers track and organize financial records for a business, including things like income, payroll, and expenses. They can work independently and take on multiple clients or get a bookkeeping job to work exclusively with one company. If you want a lot of flexibility, we recommend starting your own bookkeeping business.

Why it’s a great job for stay-at-home moms: Today’s bookkeepers use online bookkeeping software, so you can likely run your business from home or find a work-from-home job. Bookkeeping typically isn’t a job where you’ll have to take a lot of calls. 

Education or training: Entry-level bookkeepers can usually find jobs without a degree. However, taking a training course and having a certificate may lead to more job opportunities and allow you to command more money. Consider taking a bookkeeping course like the one offered by Bookkeeper Launch to learn the skills you need and find out how to land clients. You can start with this FREE masterclass on bookkeeping >>

More in our Bookkeeper Launch review.

Pay: Average $24/hour (Bookkeeper Launch reports its clients earn an average of $60 per hour)

Erin Bardsley was a newly divorced single mom in Vermont when she started bookkeeping as a new career.

Now she works with a bakery, yoga studio, and an arts nonprofit, and she loves getting to support local businesses in her community. Today, she earns $70 per hour and is killing it as a bookkeeper:

More online jobs for stay-at-home moms

These are some jobs stay-at-home moms can do online. Also, check out our list of 11 quick job certifications that pay well.

2. Proofreader

Proofreaders help writers create polished content by searching for and correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes before publishing. 

Why it’s a great job for stay-at-home moms: Proofreading jobs — especially freelance opportunities — are highly flexible, allowing you to work around your family’s schedule.

Education or training: A high school diploma and an excellent command of language and grammar are typically the only requirements to become a proofreader. However, having an English degree or certification, like the EF SET, could add value to your resume.

Pay: Average $22/hour

3. Social media manager

Social media managers help businesses, professionals, and influencers manage their social accounts by creating content calendars, scheduling posts, and replying to and moderating comments. 

Why it’s a great job for stay-at-home moms: Moms who know how to use popular social media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok can get started in this career with no formal education and can typically work flexible schedules.

Education or training: While you don’t need a degree for most social media jobs, having one in digital marketing or communications — or a certificate from an online course — can help you land a job or secure your first client. A great way to get practical experience is to volunteer to handle social media for a local business, club, or charity to showcase your skills and build a portfolio. 

Pay: Average $31/hour

21 jobs that no one wants (but pay really well!)

4. Freelance writer

Freelance writers write news articles, magazine features, blog articles, grants, whitepapers, and other content for clients.

Why it’s a great job for stay-at-home moms: The majority of communications can take place via email or other digital platforms, like Slack or Trello, so stay-at-home moms won’t need to worry about making phone or video calls.

Education or training: No official training or education. However, some freelance writers have marketing, English, or communications degrees.

Pay: Average $29/hour

Most freelance writers are paid per article or by word count. The Editorial Freelancers Association surveyed its members and found that the median pay for freelance writing was $0.21–$0.30/word.

5. Video or photo editor

Video and photo editors add effects or improve the quality of videos or photos using video and photo-editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop.

Why it’s a great job for stay-at-home moms: Editing is purely digital, so there’s no need to visit clients in person. Most editing work is based on deadlines, which can give you some wiggle room in scheduling and there are apps to help you calculate how many hours you spend working, like gigcalculator.com.

Education or training: Many media editors are self-taught, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that training or certification with specific editing software could make it easier to find jobs or clients. 

Pay: Average $29/hour for video editors and  $19/hour for photo editors

6. Test scorer

Test scorers usually work with testing centers, like Pearson and ETS, to score open-ended exams against a rubric or standards.

Why it’s a great job for stay-at-home moms: These at-home jobs for moms are flexible, allowing test scorers to commit to a specific number of hours a week but work at a schedule they choose.

Education or training: Most testing agencies require scorers to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Pay: Average $27/hour

7. Virtual assistant

Virtual assistants manage an array of tasks for clients, including sending and responding to emails, scheduling and managing appointments, handling social media accounts, and promoting blog posts.

Why it’s a great job for stay-at-home moms: Moms can find clients without strict scheduling requirements to work during evening hours, weekends, or other times that fit their family’s schedule.

Education or training: VAs don’t need any technical training, but getting certified in different tasks, like content marketing or customer support, could make you more appealing to clients.

Pay: Average $34/hour

8. Email-based or chat-based customer service representative

These support specialists respond to a business’s emails and live chats, declutter inboxes, and reach out to customers to follow up on support requests.

Why it’s great for stay-at-home moms: Since this job is email/chat-based, you won’t have to worry about taking many (if any) calls with noisy kids in the background. 

Education or training: Customer service representatives usually need only a high school diploma. Still, the BLS notes that a degree or license may be a requirement for some industries and employers.

Pay: Average $17/hour

9. Event planner

Help people plan weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, family reunions — basically any event where people are gathering.

Why it’s great for stay-at-home moms: Many event planners meet in person with clients to discuss event details and plans, but you can also do a lot of virtual planning, relying on email communications and phone/Zoom calls as needed. 

Education or training: While you don’t need a degree to be an event planner, a bachelor’s degree in business or communications can springboard an event-planning career. Although not always required, a certification from the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP) or the Events Industry Council could showcase your expertise and skills.

Pay: Average $29/hour (Note that the types of events you plan will determine how much you make — weddings, for example, will be more lucrative than a child’s birthday party.)

10. Medical coder

Medical coders assist health care providers with medical billing by translating procedures into medical billing codes for invoicing.

Why it’s great for stay-at-home moms: Many of these jobs are remote, allowing stay-at-home moms to complete their coding tasks from home. Part-time positions are readily available, as well, which is ideal for moms looking for limited hours each week.

Education or training: Graduates with a high school diploma or GED take a medical training course before sitting for a certification exam. 

Pay: Average $22/hour

11. Remote interior designer

Remote interior designers work similarly to event planners, communicating with clients via email, text, or an occasional video meeting. 

Why it’s great for stay-at-home moms: Digital planning tools for interior designers make it easy to share creations with a client without meeting in person.

Education or training: A portfolio of previous work is sometimes enough for independent contractors to prove their skills to new clients. However, you’ll likely need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject to get a staff job with a design firm.

Pay: Average $32/hour

12. Job recruiter

Job recruiters find the best potential candidates for open positions. They use databases to search for candidates that fit an organization’s needs and then shortlist candidates via screening tools and interviews.

Why it’s great for stay-at-home moms: Some organizations hire work-from-home recruiters to scan and respond to job applicants. However, some phone work during regular business hours is a typical requirement, so this job is best for moms with some child care, a separate office, older children, or children in school.

Education or training: No formal training is necessary for entry-level work, but previous relevant experience or a degree in business or human resources can help you stand out for advanced positions. 

Pay: Average $28/hour

Also, check out our list of six-figure jobs (which includes some remote options).

Learn whether it's worth going back to school at 30 or 40.

13. Dog groomer

Families with dogs are looking for trustworthy people to keep their fur babies looking and feeling good. You'll brush, bathe, and trim fur and nails for dogs regularly to avoid matted fur or broken nails.

Why it's great for stay-at-home moms: You can groom dogs at home and create a schedule that works for your family. However, you'll need to check with your city, county or township to make sure your home can be used as a business for this purpose. You'll also have an upfront cost for grooming equipment.

Education or training: No certifications are required, but you'll need to learn the basics of grooming, such as brushing, bathing and trimming nails. You can learn this through an online dog grooming school or through on-the-job training at a local dog-grooming business.

Pay: Average $23/hour

Learn more about becoming a dog groomer to see if it's right for you.

Part-time stay-at-home mom jobs

14. Tutor

Tutors help students learn outside of a typical school day. They might meet with students in person at their homes or meet online through video to assist them with one or multiple subjects.

Why it’s great for stay-at-home moms: As a stay-at-home mom, you can create a part-time tutoring schedule and meeting format that works for your family. Sites like VIPKid and Outschool offer flexible ways for moms to earn money when they have time to meet with students.

Education or training: Tutors typically need teaching credentials or a bachelor’s degree in the subject area they’d like to teach. However, some online tutoring platforms simply require a criminal background check.

Pay: Average $22/hour

15. Transcriptionist

Transcriptionists listen to audio and video files to transcribe spoken words into written transcripts. Many transcription companies also hire proofreaders to review transcripts before they’re returned to clients. 

Why it’s great for stay-at-home moms: Well-known transcription companies like Rev let transcriptionists set their own schedules and complete work when they can, which is perfect for busy stay-at-home moms with unpredictable schedules. Investing in a quality noise-canceling headset may help you drown out background noise as you work.

Education or training: Transcription jobs don’t usually require formal education or training, but candidates must have excellent typing skills, including accuracy and speed.

Pay: Average $17/hour

16. Graphic designer

Graphic designers create artwork and visuals for individuals or companies, often using digital tools like Adobe Photoshop. Their work might become a nonprofit’s branding, a company’s marketing materials, or a solopreneur’s T-shirt designs.

Why it’s great for stay-at-home moms: Using marketplaces like Upwork or 99designs, part-time freelance graphic designers can find projects to complete by a deadline rather than on a set schedule.

Education or training: Graphic designers don’t necessarily need formal training or education, but taking a course or building a portfolio of previous work can help land clients. 

Pay: Average $27/hour

17. Personal stylist

Traditionally, personal stylists meet with clients in person to put together outfits for specific events or occasions. Today, many stylists are taking their careers online by meeting with clients via video or creating looks digitally with photo-editing software, Pinterest boards, or presentations.

Why it’s great for stay-at-home moms: Some online clothing companies, like Stitch Fix and Amazon, offer jobs to personal stylists who want to work from home curating outfits based on customers’ preferences. These are typically part-time roles that can seamlessly fit into a hectic schedule.

Education or training: Personal stylists don’t need specific education or training, but having a fashion-focused background could make an application stand out.

Pay: Average $20/hour

Side jobs for stay-at-home moms

If you’re only looking to put in a few hours of work a week, check out this list of side gigs for stay-at-home moms:

18. Caregiver

Caregiving for elderly adults or children is one of the best jobs for single moms or stay-at-home moms because it’s an extension of the caregiving they already do each day. 

Why it’s a good job for stay-at-home moms: Caregivers can take their children with them to visit and care for an older adult who might need help with cooking or cleaning. Or, they can babysit other children in their homes while they tend to their own kids.

Education or training: Laws and requirements vary for caregivers, depending on your location and the type of caregiving you do. Look for specific requirements in your state. You might also consider getting certified in CPR and First Aid. 

Care.com simplifies the process of finding people who need care for kids or seniors. Create a free profile, fill out your information, and begin applying to jobs. Or let others find your profile and hire you. 

Check out our Care.com review and find caregiving gigs on Care.com >>

Pay: Average $15/hour

Stay at home moms making money
byu/AlainaBella inParenting

19. Pet sitter

Pet sitters take animals into their homes or care for them at their owners’ homes, usually during the workday or weekend trips away. They’re typically responsible for feeding, giving medicine, playing, pottying, and exercising dogs or cats, but some pet sitters also care for smaller animals, like birds, turtles, or rabbits. 

Why it’s a good job for stay-at-home moms: If your kids are old enough to be respectful of animals and you ask owners how their pets behave around children, you may be able to take your child with you on pet-sitting gigs. 

Education or training: Pet sitters do not need formal education or training. However, a certification from the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters could make some pet owners more likely to choose you. Care.com is an ideal place to find flexible pet-sitter jobs.

Pay: Average $15/hour

You can also find pet-sitting gigs on TrustedHouseSitters.

20. Data entry clerk

Data entry clerks type data into documents, spreadsheets, and databases. Essentially, you only need a computer and, potentially, software that a company might require for you to complete your job.

Why it’s a good job for stay-at-home moms: Many data entry clerks can work part-time for just a few hours a day, with some companies allowing workers to choose the days and times they work. 

Education or training: Data entry clerks can work with a high school diploma or GED. Although no formal education or training is usually required, clerks may need to pass a typing test to prove their skills during the application process.

Pay: Average $28/hour

21. Product tester

Product testers work for brands, manufacturers, or marketing teams to test products before they reach the public. Testers provide helpful feedback to the company — sometimes in multiple rounds — to help the product’s creators improve the products before selling them. Some brands also look for product testers for already-released products to provide feedback through blog, video, or social media posts as promotions for the products.

Why it’s a good job for stay-at-home moms: Stay-at-home moms can look for remote testing opportunities for independent contractors to get flexible hours.

Education or training: Most independent contractor testing opportunities don’t require formal education or training. Roles with manufacturing companies may require a minimum of a technical degree.

Pay: Average $47/hour

Read our complete guide on how to make money testing products at home.

Same-day pay jobs: 26 instant payout opportunities for quick cash

22. Mystery shopper

Mystery shoppers are hired by a company, or a market research firm, to go undercover and evaluate the quality of service in stores, restaurants, hotels and other businesses without the employees knowing they are being assessed. These secret shoppers give feedback to the brands on their experiences.

Education or training: None

Pay: Some gigs will only reimburse you for the money you spend, up to a certain amount, while others will also pay you for your time, between $7 to $100 per gig, depending on how much work is required.

Why moms working from home makes sense

When I urge moms to keep one foot in the professional world, I often get a lot of pushback.

I hear that it’s impossible to maintain a career if you work less than 50 hours per week, or that childcare is prohibitively expensive.

I am fortunate that I found a career early on that allows me to work hard while also supporting a family. But I am not so special.

Nearly every industry is moving towards contract and freelance work, while part-time and telecommuting positions are on the rise. There are tons of opportunities out there — and countless ways to make your own opportunities.

Don’t get me wrong; it is always a struggle to do the single-mom juggle. But if you have a grip on your time, the chaos goes down and your quality of life goes up.

Studies find that the majority of professional moms prefer to work — but also identify the ideal work situation to include more family time and a flexible schedule. Where do you find these jobs? The answer surprises many people.

Most people know that customer service and data entry jobs are largely done virtually. But, did you know that if you need to call your pediatrician’s after-hours nurse line, those nurses are most likely working from their own homes? Virtual nurses–it’s true! And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

I’m thrilled when women report they found work at home jobs for single moms.

I want this for you, too, because moms working from home is a good thing.

Here I am speaking to Yahoo! Finance about why work-at-home careers are so great for mothers — and how to get started.

Stay-at-home mom jobs FAQs

What jobs are best for stay-at-home moms?

The best jobs for stay-at home moms are professions that offer flexibility, don’t take a long time to get started, offer excellent pay, and don’t require on-call support  — allowing you to work around your family’s schedule and take care of them financially.

A career as a bookkeeper, social media manager, proofreader, medical coder, and virtual assistant are a few examples of jobs that fit the bill.

If you are willing to pursue higher education and enjoy taking care of people, think about becoming a nurse practitioner. With a median hourly rate of $59.51 per hour and an outlook of 40% growth through 2031, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports it’s one of the best paying and fastest growing remote careers.

How can a stay-at-home mom make $2,000 a month?

Yes, a stay-at-home mom can make $2,000 a month. If you pursue a job that pays at least $20 per hour, you only need 100 hours of work per month to hit that goal. That’s just 25 hours per week, which is a typical part-time schedule.

How do you balance working from home as a mom?

Working from home as a mom is possible if you have the right support and schedule in place. If you can, try to work hours when your kids are in school or at daycare, or work before your kids wake up in the morning or at night after they’ve gone to bed. 

You can also hire someone to come to your home to take care of your kids while you work, allowing you to take breaks to spend time with them but still get your work done. 

Here’s what working moms on Reddit had to say:

Working moms and work life balance, is it an illusion?
byu/doodlepawz inworkingmoms
Do you like being a WFH mom?
byu/meekie03 inworkingmoms

What are the best jobs for moms with no degree?

The best jobs for moms with no degree are professions that offer flexible schedules, the ability to work from home, and good pay (at least $20 per hour). Here are some to consider:

  • Bookkeeper: As a bookkeeper you can earn more than $70 per hour, work at home or for a business, and learn bookkeeping skills in less than a year
  • Proofreader: If you are good at writing and paying attention to details, you can earn an average of $27 per hour as a proofreader with no degree or prior experience 
  • Programmer: In about six months, you can learn how to program or code and be on your way to earning $27 per hour on average without a degree
  • Real estate agent: Real estate agents earn an average of $42 per hour, have flexible schedules and can study for a licensing exam to sell homes and property
  • Social media manager: As a social media manager, you can work from home, earn about $31 per hour, and get started with minimal training

To learn more about how to get started in these jobs, read our post: Check out the best 28 jobs for single moms.

How can I work from home for myself?

Start by researching remote jobs and freelance business ideas to find something that interests you and pays well. Find out:

  • What training is necessary to get started
  • Any certification or licensing needed
  • Startup costs for your new career
  • Necessary equipment or technology (such as a computer or internet connection)

It also helps to connect with professional organizations or groups in your chosen field.
To learn more, check out our post: 12 business ideas for moms

Bottom line: If you want or need a job you can do at home, there are plenty of stay-at-home mom jobs that pay

If you’re a stay-at-home mom who wants to make money and have a meaningful career, there are plenty of jobs that can give you the best of both worlds. Flexible work-from-home jobs allow you to work around your family’s schedule without going to a physical office. 

You can find a lot of these jobs on sites like Indeed or Flexjobs.com, a site dedicated to helping people find flexible, work-from-home positions.Plus, see why we feel so strongly that you cannot afford to be a SAHM who doesn’t work.

SOURCES

  1. “Employment Characteristics of Families – 2022,” Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/famee.pdf
What jobs are best for stay-at-home moms?

The best jobs for stay-at home moms are professions that offer flexibility, don’t take a long time to get started, offer excellent pay, and don’t require on-call support  — allowing you to work around your family’s schedule and take care of them financially.

Can a stay-at-home mom make $2,000 a month?

Yes, a stay-at-home mom can make $2,000 a month. If you pursue a job that pays at least $20 per hour, you only need 100 hours of work per month to hit that goal. That’s just 25 hours per week, which is a typical part-time schedule.

How do you balance working from home as a mom?

Working from home as a mom is possible if you have the right support and schedule in place. If you can, try to work hours when your kids are in school or at daycare, or work before your kids wake up in the morning or at night after they’ve gone to bed.

Ending a relationship or marriage is a significantly different experience for couples who have children and those who don’t. 

If you don’t have kids, you can walk away from your partner with little reason to maintain a relationship. If you do have kids, however, you will likely always be connected to your ex. 

Although it’s important to maintain a respectful relationship with your ex for the sake of your children, that doesn’t mean your ex gets to dictate how you parent and live your life. Setting co-parenting boundaries can allow both of you to move past your romantic relationship and establish a new normal. 

What are co-parenting boundaries?

The list of 7 co-parenting boundaries 

  1. Follow your parenting plan
  2. Stick to a consistent schedule
  3. Communicate with respect and civility
  4. Disagree in private
  5. Don’t leave your co-parent out of the loop
  6. Avoid bad-mouthing your kids’ other parent
  7. Avoid talking about new romantic relationships

Reasons why you need to set co-parenting boundaries

Examples of co-parenting boundaries

Common questions about co-parenting boundaries

Bottom line: Co-parenting boundaries are worth it

What are co-parenting boundaries?

A family out in the field, holding hands. This is a definitive list of 7 co-parenting boundaries you need to know.

Co-parenting boundaries are rules for non-coupled parents to follow when it comes to their children, while also pursuing the other unshared aspects of their individual lives. By laying out these boundaries, co-parents can collaborate to the extent that they choose and hold the other person accountable to play by the rules. 

Shopping for a mortgage or refinance? Check out our exclusive best rates >>

The list of 7 co-parenting boundaries 

When you’re trying to establish a successful co-parenting relationship for the sake of your kids, follow these seven rules to set clear co-parenting boundaries and reduce stress and inconsistency in your lives: 

1. Follow your parenting plan

A parenting plan is a document that spells out the details of raising a child whose parents are not a couple. It covers things like: 

  • Parental responsibilities
  • Custody/visitation schedules
  • Health care
  • Education
  • Social activities
  • Religion

Parents may negotiate on their own or work with a mediator to set the terms of the agreement. In rare, high-conflict cases, a court may step in and set the terms. 

An effective parenting plan limits communication between exes (if that’s what you want), prevents disagreements, and promotes consistency in children’s lives. Parenting plans can be adjusted as children grow and their needs change.

Don't have a parenting plan yet? Start one now >>

2. Stick to a consistent schedule

A woman and her son smiling while checking a mobile phone. You can check on a definitive list of 7 co-parenting boundaries you need to know.

Schedules provide structure for children and help parents establish when and how they’ll interact. Set consistent times and locations for drop-offs and pick-ups to prevent unexpected visits and disruptions to your life. 

Using a co-parenting app like Our Family Wizard allows you to keep track of your co-parenting schedule and keep records of any time your ex doesn’t stick to your parenting plan, for example, if he cancels a visit or shows up unexpectedly.  Read our review of Our Family Wizard.

I recently met the mom of a teenager who had been divorced for more than 10 years. She hadn’t dated since her divorce, she said, because she didn’t have a predictable schedule. Her kid’s dad would show up without warning — and rarely stick to any pre-determined schedule. She felt his impromptu visits and failure to show up when expected was an attempt to control her, since she could never make any plans — including with men. “I couldn’t bring myself to tell my son he couldn’t see his dad — especially when he was standing right there at the door,” she said, shaking her head, sadly. “He was so heart-broken that his dad never prioritized him. I didn’t want to be part of the problem.”

Here’s the thing: She was part of the problem.

If you don’t require your kids’ dad's respect everyone’s time with a reasonable schedule, you are perpetuating the problem.

Emma Johnson, Founder of Wealthysinglemommy.com

3. Communicate with respect and civility

When you’re interacting with your ex — either via text, on the phone, or in person — try to be conscious of the tone of your voice and what you say. 

“Change the tone to one where you're not policing, but supporting,” says Laura Katz, a Los Angeles-based licensed marriage and family psychotherapist.

Unless you’ve agreed to an open and collaborative co-parenting plan, keep your communications business-like and focused on your children and their needs. You might schedule a weekly or monthly call to discuss schedule changes, appointments, or major concerns, rather than bringing these things up at random times.

Also, make sure to communicate directly with your ex, rather than through your kids, who don’t need the burden of being messengers. They can also learn from your respectful interactions.

Being friends with an ex: Is it a good idea or should you avoid it?

4. Disagree in private

Even if you and your ex don’t get along, refrain from having arguments in front of your kids. 

“You don’t want them to become parentified, which means that the children assume the responsibility and the roles of the parents,” says California-based therapist Alison Roth, LMFT. Instead of a parent taking care of a child’s needs, the tables are turned.

Roth says parentification can stunt development and make kids feel like they need to pick sides, which can lead to detrimental anxiety.

“Parents need to maintain roles and be on the same page so there’s no bifurcation, and so kids don’t play sides against the middle, either,” Roth says.

5. Don’t leave your co-parent out of the loop

Share information about your child’s life that your co-parent may not have. For instance, include the other person in communications to school or activities, and relay news that may have been missed. You may not care if your co-parent knows every detail, but your child likely does. 

According to research published in the journal Paediatric Child Health, children benefit from communication between co-parents regarding the child. If you don’t want to be constantly texting or calling your ex, you can use a co-parenting app to communicate updates and share important milestones in your child’s life.  

6. Avoid bad-mouthing your kids’ other parent

“The relationships that children have with each parent set the stage for their future platonic and romantic adult relationships,” Roth says. 

Parents should put aside their own feelings and respect their children’s relationship with the other parent, not attempt to negatively influence it. 

“Never disparage him or her in front of them, which can have a devastating effect, sometimes leading to what’s called parent alienation syndrome,” Roth says. Parent alienation is categorized by fear, hostility, or disrespectful feelings toward one parent caused by manipulation by the other. 

7. Avoid talking about new romantic relationships

Keep conversation focused on your kids, and steer clear of personal topics, such as new romantic relationships. It’s not your ex’s business who you are dating, and it’s not your business who your ex is dating, unless you have legitimate founded concerns about that person being around your kids. 

Consider setting ground rules with your ex about when it may be suitable to introduce a new partner to your kids. Check out our advice for when to introduce kids to a new partner.

Reasons why you need to set co-parenting boundaries

If you don’t set co-parenting boundaries, you’re setting yourself up for potential stress and conflict between you and your ex, which will also impact your children’s wellbeing. Without boundaries in place:

  1. Your ex might show up any time, cancel without notice, and otherwise disrupt the new life you’re trying to build. 
  2. You may regularly argue over contentious topics because you don’t have a written plan for how to handle them. 
  3. Children learn that it is OK for people to be disrespectful — of someone’s time, feelings, and beliefs.
  4. Your partner may try to maintain a level of control over you by giving commentary on your romantic, professional, or personal life. 
  5. You introduce instability into everyone’s lives.
  6. You give away your power by playing victim to another person’s rude behavior. Your time, schedule, plans, and LIFE are yours to make amazing.

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Examples of co-parenting boundaries

These are a few examples of co-parenting boundaries: 

  • Sticking to specific times and locations for drop-offs/pick-ups
  • Keeping conversations strictly about your children
  • Sharing updates on a parenting app
  • Not talking negatively about your ex (at least in front of the kids)
  • Respecting any boundaries your ex sets

Common questions about co-parenting boundaries

How do you set boundaries when co-parenting a narcissist?

Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by an unstable self-image, which can make people inflexible and defensive. They seek out adulation and attention, thinking that they are special. 

“When people grow dependent on feeling special, they stop thinking that their partners are the best because they need to claim that distinction for themselves. They lose the capacity to see the world from any point of view other than their own,” writes Dr. Craig Malkin in Rethinking Narcissism: The Secret to Recognizing and Coping with Narcissists.

A co-parent with narcissistic traits may test your limits and push your boundaries, part of which may involve disrespecting your agreed-upon guidelines. A narcissist often doesn’t welcome or understand compromise and often will put you in the position of protecting yourself from emotionally hurtful behaviors and comments.

You’ll need to exert extra control over your guidelines and be exceedingly clear about what you will and won’t accept. If that means calling the police because your ex shows up unexpectedly and won’t leave, so be it. 

Communicate in writing as much as possible to avoid aggressive conversations. If you do have a personal exchange, avoid arguing, stay calm and temper your voice. Resist the urge to engage. It may be helpful to have a third party, like a friend or other family member, handle drop offs and pickups from both parents.

What are good co-parenting boundaries while in a new relationship?

That’s really up to you and how much you choose to share with your ex. You are not required to tell your ex when you’re in a new relationship, and your ex doesn’t have to tell you either. When you decide to introduce that person to your children is also your decision.

What should I do when boundaries are crossed?

When someone breaks an agreement, our natural reaction is to dig in our heels, which immediately creates a power struggle, Katz says. 

Instead, she advises trying to figure out why the person felt the need to go against your boundaries in the first place. If it’s a difference of opinion about how something should be handled, you may need to revisit your agreement to come to a compromise, perhaps with the help of a third party like a mediator. 

However, if the boundary-breaking puts the child at risk, stop at nothing, she says. 

“Call the appropriate people, get it done — safety comes first,” Katz says.

Shopping for a mortgage or refinance? Check out our exclusive best rates >>

When should I consider parallel parenting boundaries?

For co-parents who have trouble getting along, parallel parenting offers a way to share responsibilities while having limited interaction. You’ll have a parenting plan and shared goals for your children; you’ll just keep in-person contact to a minimum. 

For example, you may sit across the auditorium at a school function or have two birthday parties instead of one. Parallel parenting is often a last resort arrangement between two co-parents who simply can’t get along.

“You don’t want to create such an acrimonious situation that it bleeds over to the kids,” Katz says.

Bottom line: Co-parenting boundaries are worth it

Though they may take some time to get used to, and it may seem strange to have written rules about how to raise your children, establishing do’s and don’ts for you and your ex will help keep your children’s lives as stable as possible after a divorce or breakup.

“Even though people think boundaries are something bad, they are really supportive,” Katz says. “They’re a very compassionate way to let people know what’s okay and what’s not.”

If you’re struggling to co-parent with an ex or you need to take a court-ordered parenting class, we recommend Online Parenting Programs, which has: 

  • Courses for specific needs, including co-parenting, high-conflict situations, teens and more
  • Court-order certificates
  • Accessible and affordable pricing
  • Financial assistance available

Save $20 on Online Parenting Programs classes using code WSM20 >>

What are co-parenting boundaries?

Co-parenting boundaries are rules for non-coupled parents to follow when it comes to their children, while also pursuing the other unshared aspects of their individual lives.

How do you set boundaries when co-parenting a narcissist?

You’ll need to exert extra control over your guidelines and be exceedingly clear about what you will and won’t accept. If that means calling the police because your ex shows up unexpectedly and won’t leave, so be it.

If you love to travel but don’t have the money to do it, house swapping is an affordable alternative to hotels, Airbnb, and other vacation rentals.

Home Exchange is one site that allows you to switch accommodations with another person anywhere in the world. 

In this review, you’ll learn:

How a home swap works

How to start house swapping on Home Exchange (and other similar sites)

My personal experience using Home Exchange — spoiler, I saved about $10,000 in accommodation costs one summer

FAQs about house swapping

Is house swapping a good idea? 

Find your dream home swap on Home Exchange now. Register free >>

How does a home swap work?

With a home swap, you can trade places with another homeowner during the same time period to avoid paying for a vacation rental.

Sites like Home Exchange charge a monthly or yearly membership fee — much lower than the cost of most rental units on sites like Airbnb or Vrbo — that allows homeowners to search for and book available homes all over the world.

How do you get started in house swapping? 3 home exchange sites:

Each site is different, but these are a few to consider when you want to try home swapping: 

Home Exchange

Home Exchange is the gold standard in home swapping sites, boasting an B+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and 4.6/5 stars on Trustpilot, based on 5,420 reviews.

Sign up and browse 100,000s of homes globally for free.

A Home Exchange membership costs $220 per year. For that price, you get access to free, unlimited home swaps at more than 450,000 homes in 159 countries. You can stay just about anywhere, from San Francisco to Bali.

How does Home Exchange work?

HomeExchange works a bit like Match.com or OKCupid. Each member posts images and descriptions of their home and neighborhood, a bit about themselves and their family, and what they are looking for in exchange partners. It is up to you to reach out to potential exchange partners and arrange the dates and terms of the swap.

As a member, you can choose a Classic Exchange or a GuestPoints Exchange:

  • Classic Exchange is when you stay in someone’s home and they stay in yours at the same time. 
  • GuestPoints offer more flexibility. For example, if you want to book accommodations in Florida but can’t find anyone who wants to stay in your home during that time, you can “pay” the host with GuestPoints to rent their space. In turn, the host can use those points you’ve “paid” toward their own trip.

GuestPoints don’t expire, and you can earn them in multiple ways:

  • Accepting GuestPoints for someone to stay in your home
  • Completing your listing profile
  • Becoming a verified member
  • Renewing your membership automatically
  • Referring friends who complete a profile and listing and activate membership 

Some stays accept guest points as low as 40 points per night, while others charge 250 points or more per night. The points are typically based on the location’s popularity and quality of the rental itself.

For example, a home with a garden and pool that is close to a beach in Spain could run about 250 per night, while a one-bedroom apartment without extras in Italy could cost about 40 points per night.

If you don’t have enough GuestPoints for an exchange, you can purchase them for $0.15 per point up to 20% of the total number of points needed, and $1.50 per point beyond that. 

For example, if a property is worth 250 GuestPoints, and you have 200, you can purchase 50 GuestPoints (20% of 250) at $0.15 per point, or $7.50 total. However, if you only have 100 points, you can pay for 50 points at $0.15 ($7.50) and the remaining 100 points at $1.50 per point ($150). So, your total cost would be $157.50.

You can get started with a free account. If you only want to be a host — for example, if you own a rental property and don’t need your own accommodations when someone stays there — you won't need to pay for a membership. But, if you want to be a guest at any of the host properties — either via swap or GuestPoints, you must become a paid member.

Who uses Home Exchange?

HomeExchange members are as varied as can be. They include:

  • Single people
  • Couples
  • Pet friendly
  • Pet adverse
  • Single-parent families with kids
  • Married couples with children
  • Multigenerational families
  • Friends traveling together
  • Families traveling together
  • Etc.

What do you look for in a Home Exchange partner?

When you are looking for a home swap property, you want a Home Exchange partner who:

  • Communicates – Open and prompt communication goes a long way as you finalize details for your trip. You can connect with other owners in Home Exchange Facebook Groups, giving you a chance to learn more about the properties you wish to visit. 
  • Answers your questions – Hosts should be open to answer any questions you have so that you can have peace of mind before you travel.
  • Offers what you need – Check the amenities and house rules before you book a house swap. For example, if you plan to bring a pet, make sure your pet is allowed. 
  • Provides a detailed description – Read the description of the property to get a feel for what you can expect. Hosts that offer detailed information are often the same kind of people who will go the extra mile to make you feel welcome.

What I like about Home Exchange

One of my favorite features of HomeExchange.com is the ABSOLUTELY UNREAL selection of homes that can potentially be yours within a matter of days. Examples of homes (some of whose owners actually reached out to me for a swap) include:

  • A 5,000-square-foot horizontal, white, hyper-modern home with an affinity pool that ended right on the sandy beaches of Australia
  • A charming-yet-intimidating country estate in Ireland
  • A glamorous 1920s Spanish-style Los Angeles house with a pool and palm trees (of course)
  • A sprawling Beaux Arts apartment overlooking Champs-Élysées in Paris
  • A 4,000-square-foot round villa in a mountaintop coconut grove in Fiji

Seriously, even if you don't sign up, just have a look and drrooooooooolllll.

Free housing for single moms

Is Home Exchange worth it?

Yes, for the price and travel options, it is worth trying. For about the cost of one night at a three-star hotel, you get access to unlimited home swaps at over 400,000 homes/apartments all over the world.

Check out HomeExchange.com for free now >>

Love Home Swap

Love Home Swap is another highly rated home exchange site, with 4.4/5 stars on Trustpilot. While Love Home Swap does not have its own BBB profile, its parent company Resort Condominiums International has an A+ accredited rating. 

Love Home Swap has more than 18,000 home swaps available in 100+ countries. You can create a listing for your home and view other hosts’ properties with a 14-day free trial, though you have to have a paid membership to complete a house swap. 

Like Home Exchange, you can book Classic or Points Swaps:

  • Classic Swap allows you to stay at another member’s home while they stay at yours. 
  • Points Swap allows you to stay at a property without having the owner stay at yours.

You can earn points when you become a member and when you host someone in your home without staying in theirs.

There are three membership levels (billed annually): 

Lite – ​​$132/yearStandard – $156/yearPlatinum – $180/year
2-week free trialXXX
List one or more homesXX
Free airport lounge passesXX
See shortlist of interested swappers for your homeXX
Get Love Home Swap extras like access to the best-value hotelsX
Get your home boosted as a featured property in search resultsX
Access to a dedicated team to help you plan your swapsX

You’ll also pay a service fee to cover booking costs for every Points Swap. The fee is based on the number of nights of your stay, plus the level of booking protection you want: 

  • Basic – The minimum fee required to help run the Love Home Swap platform, no extras are included.
  • Saver – includes Swap Protection (in the event your host cancels the trip, Love Swap Home will find you alternative accommodations), travel support, and a 50-point bonus for future swaps
  • Plus – includes the perks of Saver plus free cancellation and 200 bonus swap points

These are the service fees for different lengths of stay and level of service: 

# of NightsBasicSaverPlus
1$69$89$149
2-3$79$99$159
4-5$89$109$169
6-7$99$119$179
8-9$109$129$189
10-11$119$139$199
12+$129$149$209

If you don’t have enough points for a swap you want, you can borrow them. For example, you can borrow up to 10,000 points instantly for as low as $62 (plus the service fee). You’ll have two years to earn the points back.

If you can’t repay your points within two years, you can pay down points by hosting points members in your home, or you can pay a fee to extend your payment deadline. You can also pay an exit fee starting at $159 per 50 points.

Trusted Housesitters

While Trusted Housesitters isn’t technically a home swap site, it is a way to get free accommodations if you’re willing to do a little bit of work while you travel. 

With a Trusted Housesitters membership, you can arrange for pet care or house sitting from verified, background-checked sitters, who stay in your home while you travel. Conversely, you can watch pets or homes for other travelers in exchange for free accommodations anywhere in the world.

There are three membership types if you need or want to provide pet or house sitting:

  • Owner – An owner membership is perfect if you travel frequently and need to find a reputable house and/or pet sitter. You can easily post listings and browse/hire pet and home sitters with just a few clicks. If you're looking for additional insurance, features, or travel perks, you can choose from upgraded plans.
  • Sitter – Sitter memberships are for individuals looking to pet and home sit in exchange for a free stay. All sitter membership packages include a free background check. Upgraded plans offer extra insurance, tech support, and travel benefits.
  • Combined – Combined memberships offer the benefits of owner and sitter membership options. You can get free stays by home sitting while you travel, and hire people to care for your pets and home while you're away.

These are the costs for each membership type:

  • Basic Sitter or Owner ($129/year)
  • Standard Sitter or Owner ($199/year) 
  • Premium Sitter or Owner ($259/year)
  • Basic Combined Sitter/Owner ($189/year)
  • Standard Combined Sitter/Owner ($229/year)
  • Premium Combined Sitter/Owner ($319/year)

You can create a free account to view available house-sitting opportunities and to read profiles of available sitters. But to hire a sitter or take home/pet-sitting gigs, you must be a paid member.

Trusted Housesitters does not have a Better Business Bureau rating, but it does have 4.6/5 stars on Trustpilot. 

Check out our full Trusted Housesitters review and start looking for sits and sitters on Trusted Housesitters >>

Emma’s Home Exchange Review: How I got $10,919 in free travel

Several years ago, I fell in love with HomeExchange.com, a home swap platform that allows you to exchange homes with people all over the world.

One summer, I used the heck out of it — to the tune of more than $10k! That is more than $10,000 of free travel as a single mom.

First, my two kids and I exchanged our home — a decent-sized and sunny Queens two-bedroom apartment — for an art- and antique-filled 3,500-square-foot historic 5-bedroom, 3-bath house steps from the beaches of Charlevoix, Michigan for 10 days. Our hosts were a lovely older couple whose stash of toys (presumably for their grandchildren) in the cabinet under the staircase are still talked about by my kids. The huge, modern kitchen and adjoining pantry (with a second refrigerator) were stocked with every spice, utensil, condiment, pan and gadget you can fathom. My kids — used to sharing a room at home — opted to cozy up in a queen-sized bed in a room next to my mammoth master suite. Three full bedrooms went untouched.

Emma's Home Exchange stay in Charlevoix, Michigan.
Home Exchange house in Charlevoix, Michigan

When we arrived, I called one of the numbers my hosts had left — a woman in town who was also a writer and had visiting grandchildren the ages of Helena and Lucas. She immediately rode her bike across town, sat on our sunny deck and talked about work, love and heartbreak (she was a widow). She immediately offered to lend us her bike, which had attached a two-seater trailer, perfect sized for four little buns belonging to my kids. We were all thrilled.

Living room of Emma's Home Exchange stay in Charlevoix, Michigan.
Kitchen of Emma's Home Exchange stay in Charlevoix, Michigan.
Bedroom of Emma's Home Exchange stay in Charlevoix, Michigan.
Kids bedroom in Emma's Home Exchange stay in Charlevoix, Michigan.

We spent the next week and a half exploring the area, picking strawberries, eating fried seafood by the harbor, playing at the beach and joining my writer friend and her large family on a picnic at the lake. The next-door neighbors invited us by, and my daughter and theirs immediately huddled off to the corner to play as girls do. We ate burgers and hot dogs on the patio and after the kids went to bed, I sipped beer and watched movies in one of the two living rooms. We explored Charlevoix, the village a short walk from our house, with its award-winning public library, darling local shops, including a salt-water taffy store. One of the town's attractions is its collection of “mushroom houses” — quaint, slopey-roofed cottages, each unique and designed by the self-taught local architect Earl Young. Mornings, I packed the kids breakfasts in individual paper sacks, loaded them in the bike bucket, and pedaled around town hunting mushroom houses.

Emma's kids on beach near Home Exchange stay in Charlevoix, Michigan..
Emma's kids on Lake Michigan beach in Charlevoix, Michigan
Mushroom house near Home Exchange stay in Charlevoix, Michigan..
Mushroom house in Charlevoix, Michigan
Emma's kids in a bike bucket at Home Exchange stay in Charlevoix, Michigan.
Bike riding in Charlevoix, Michigan

Day excursions included the Traverse City cherry festival, and exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes — one of the prized destinations in the whole country.

Sleeping Bear Dunes near Home Exchange stay in Charlevoix, Michigan..
Sleeping Bear National Park dunes
Sleeping Bear National Park fountain near Home Exchange stay in Charlevoix, Michigan..
Strawberry picking near Home Exchange stay in Charlevoix, Michigan..
Emma's daughter strawberry picking near Home Exchange stay in Charlevoix, Michigan..

Single mom travel: Road trip with kids ideas and tips to keep you sane

I estimate that renting that gorgeous house would have cost $6,740, based on similar Airbnb rentals in that town for the July 4 week that we stayed. In all, it cost a few hundred dollars for extra gas to drive there, a few restaurant meals more than normal, several attraction admission fees, and a gift bottle of wine for our bike-lending new friend.

A week after we returned from what would be a 3-week road trip through Chicago, Milwaukee, and my home town of Sycamore, Ill., seeing friends and family along the way, my kids flew to Greece with their dad to visit family there, and I flew to Copenhagen where, again, I swapped homes.

33 things to sell to make money from the stuff around your house

This time I stayed in a bright, pretty one-bedroom apartment owned by a single woman who, like me, is a freelance creative person. Her home was full of a mix of vintage, antique and modern art and furnishings, her very modern kitchen equipped with excellent knives and beautiful Japanese pottery, and upon arrival, I was met by her lovely neighbor, who promptly showed me around the building and introduced me to my new friend: A pale-turquoise bike with a leather seat and wooden crate. We jumped on our bikes and headed to the local supermarket, where Cassandra showed me around and translated the variety of fish and explained the recycling system before we packed our purchases into our crates and cycled home.

Emma's Home Exchange apartment in Copenhagen.
Emma's Copenhagen apartment
View from Emma's Home Exchange apartment in Copenhagen.
Danish room with a view
Bedroom in Emma's Home Exchange apartment in Copenhagen.
Bedroom in Copenhagen apartment
Kitchen in Emma's Home Exchange apartment in Copenhagen.
Kitchen table in Copenhagen apartment

The next three weeks were full of dinners with new friends — some friend-of-friend-of-acquaintance introductions, others blog followers who invited me to dinner, and still others, interesting women I found online who graciously invited me to their homes for tea and homemade limoncello cake or to their towns to explore ancient castles and charming streets. Cassandra and I shared meals in our building's courtyard.

Dinner date near Emma's Home Exchange apartment in Copenhagen.
New Copenhagen friends
New friends near Emma's Home Exchange apartment in Copenhagen.
New Copenhagen friends

When I was not writing in my new, pretty home, I rode that bike around and around and around the small and beautiful city that is Denmark's capital. “The town is nearly all beautiful,” remarked my friend Thomas who visited for a few days from his home in Munich. Thomas has traveled to scores of countries. “Most cities have a few interesting neighborhoods, but all of Copenhagen is interesting,” he said.

Bicycle Emma rode near Home Exchange apartment in Copenhagen.
One of my favorite experiences — biking around Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a water town, and it is a bike town. Everyone bikes, every place is accessible by two wheels, and everywhere you go, there is water — canals, harbors, inlets and lakes. The town is safe and it is rich and there is good food and good-looking people everywhere you look. One of Dane's favorite words translates to “cozy.” The restaurants, bars and cafes are small and cozy. Homes are modest, well designed and cozy. People like to have intelligent conversations at small tables and drink good wine and excellent coffee and eat simple, unpretentious, good food. And that is what I did for three weeks, and it was wonderful.

I could not have stayed in Europe for three weeks if I had to pay $4,179 — the Airbnb value of my apartment for those 21 days. Instead, I stayed for free thanks to HomeExchange.com, while my lovely exchange partner Ellen worked and explored from my apartment. We checked in with one another periodically, asking for recommendations for restaurant, or where to find the Woolite.

Emma dining near Home Exchange apartment in Copenhagen.
Dining in Copenhagen

Not gonna lie: I had an awesome time.

Staying in someone else's home through HomeExchange.com is an intimate experience. You get to know them without knowing them. So when I returned to New York a few hours before Ellen was scheduled to leave, I was happy not only to find our cat, a ginger named Gala, in top, happy form, and my plants healthier than ever, but to give my guest/host a lift to the airport. Even though we only chatted for the half-hour ride, I found her just as lovely as I expected her to be after living as her pseudo-double for nearly a month. We continue to be in touch today.

Lasting relationships are indeed a possible perk of travel. Of course, I can't write a post that doesn't have a little love and sex in it … so, just like I used HomeExchange.com as a dating site to find vacation accommodation, on one of my last days in Denmark I used an actual dating site to accommodate my need for a date. After a lovely evening and following day together, a special single Danish dad and I continue to know each other, and next week I am looking forward to a second visit to my New York City apartment — the type of visit that I do not advertise on HomeExchange.com.

Have you done a home swap? What was your experience? Share in the comments! 

I'm not the only single mom whose life has changed with a single trip.

FAQs about house swapping and home exchanges

What types of people are good candidates for house swaps?

If you like the idea of saving money and don’t mind staying in someone’s home (and new friends staying in yours), this is a good option. The thing is, even though you start out not knowing each other, you can build a relationship with other home swap owners and gain new friends as you globetrot.

This is ideal for:

  • Single moms
  • Business owners
  • Digital nomads
  • Homeowners
  • Renters
  • Teachers

If you love to travel and have the time, but want to go to remote locales for less, home swaps are a great option.

What do you look for in a Home Exchange partner?

When you are looking for a home swap property, you want a Home Exchange partner who:

  • Communicates – Open and prompt communication goes a long way as you finalize details for your trip. You can connect with other owners in Home Exchange Facebook Groups, giving you a chance to learn more about the properties you wish to visit. 
  • Answers your questions – Hosts should be open to answer any questions you have so that you can have peace of mind before you travel.
  • Offers what you need – Check the amenities and house rules before you book a house swap. For example, if you plan to bring a pet, make sure your pet is allowed. 
  • Provides a detailed description – Read the description of the property to get a feel for what you can expect. Hosts that offer detailed information are often the same kind of people who will go the extra mile to make you feel welcome.

How do you choose a destination?

Search the Home Exchange database to view home swap destinations in the cities you want to visit. In turn, read the hosts preferred destinations to see if your area is on their list.

When you see a place you like, send an exchange request through the Home Exchange message system. From there, you can chat with the owner to see if it’s a good fit for your travel schedule for a Classic or GuestPoints exchange.

What are the pros of home swapping?

When you plan a vacation with a home swap service, you can:

  • Save money on your travel expenses
  • Travel to different countries for less
  • Make new friends and meet neighbors
  • Enjoy the comforts of a home
  • Experience amenities your home may not have, like a pool
  • Immerse yourself in the local experience

In addition, you can have the satisfaction of knowing a guest enjoyed your home. When you take time to make it welcoming for another family, by leaving personal notes and treats, you can give your guests the experience of a lifetime.

What are the cons of home swapping?

There are some drawbacks to home swapping, including:

  • Not being able to find a match for the dates and places you want
  • Having to relocate if you decide not to house swap with your guest
  • Knowing people will be using your personal items like linens, cookware, and dishes
  • Finding a place to lock up valuables
  • Coming home to damaged personal items

Do people still do home exchanges?

Yes! The popular home swap site, Love Home Swap reported a 282% increase of sign ups for the free trial in 2021 from their numbers in 2019. Home Exchange claims to have facilitated over 1 million swaps in 2020. It’s an increasingly popular vacation option.

Is the house swap simultaneous?

Yes, you have a choice of swapping at the same time. But, if that is not possible, you can use points to get more travel flexibility.

Can you do an apartment swap?

Yes, you can offer up your apartment for a swap and stay in apartments all over the globe.

What happens if your home gets damaged?

When you schedule a house swap, Home Exchange requires a $500 pre-authorized deposit to cover potential damages. Your card will only be charged up to that amount if damages occur.

If your home is damaged during an exchange, take pictures and discuss the damage with the member as well as the Home Exchange customer service team to reach a swift resolution.

Bottom line: Is house swapping a good idea? 

House swapping has pros and cons, but overall it’s a great way to save money and have a more authentic travel experience if you are comfortable having someone stay in your home.

I recommend using a reputable home swapping community like Home Exchange or Love Home Swap to get started. Read carefully through profiles of potential swap partners to find a good match, and communicate with your swap partner ahead of time to make sure that all expectations are clear.

Start home swapping anywhere in the world on Home Exchange >>

By following these tips, you can maximize your chances of having a positive home-swapping experience, and you can cover other travel expenses with a travel rewards credit card.

How does a home swap work?

With a home swap, you can trade places with another homeowner during the same time period to avoid paying for a vacation rental.

What is HomeExchange.com?

HomeExchange.com, a home swap platform that allows you to exchange homes with people all over the world.

How does Home Exchange work?

HomeExchange works a bit like Match.com or OKCupid. Sign up, pay $220, then browse more than 400,000 homes in 187 countries. Each member posts images and descriptions of their home and neighborhood, a bit about themselves and family, and what they are looking for in exchange partners.

Is Home Exchange worth it?

Yes, for the price and travel options, it is worth trying. For about the cost of one night at a three-star hotel, you get access to unlimited home swaps at over 450,000 homes/apartments all over the world.

“I inherited a coin collection, now what?” 

If you have inherited a coin collection, selling the collection (either as a whole or as individual pieces) can be lucrative — and is a hot hobby and investment at the moment.

Marketwatch reports that some very rare coins have made headlines by doubling in price over the past year, while prices on index from Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS), have risen 16% since a year ago — and 6,315% since its inception in 1970.  

But in order to get as much money as possible in exchange for your collection, it’s important to know what you’re doing:

What to do before you sell a coin collection

  1. Sort but don’t clean the collection
  2. Grade and value your coin collection.
  3. Choose a reputable buyer.

Where to sell a coin collection

How to liquidate a coin collection

  1. Get the melt value of your scrap coins
  2. Choose a mailer (FedEx is fastest!)
  3. Send in your coins and watch for an email or text for confirmation of PayPal payment

FAQs about valuing a coin collection

Before you sell a coin collection, follow these 3 steps:

1. Sort but don’t clean the collection

Harsh cleaning by a non-professional can actually decrease the value of your coin. When in doubt, leave them as they are with their patina intact.

2. Grade and value your coin collection.

Spend some time online on ebay, Reddit, visit a coin store and discuss with coin collectors to understand what is in the collection. 

Learn as much as you can about your collection, including from The Red Book, A Guide Book of United States Coins 2022 75th Edition.

Determine the value of your coin or collection: In order to be sure you are getting a fair price, you need to know how much your coins are worth. If your coins are not valuable but are made of gold or silver, you can value your coins based on the purity of the metal and weight of the coins.

You can get your coins professionally graded for a fee.

3. Choose a reputable buyer.

Where you sell your coins will depend on the type of coins you have, their value, and how much work you want to put in yourself. An online metal buyer can be a good option for gold or silver coins with little to no value as collectibles.

Coins that do have value as collectibles, or which do not consist of gold or silver, can be sold to coin shops, pawnshops, online marketplaces, or through auction houses. If you’re selling gold coins, read our overview of the best places to sell gold online.

If part of your collection includes military or organizational challenge coins, remember these typically carry sentimental or commemorative value more than bullion value. For families who want to preserve that story or replace a missing piece consider designing a keepsake through Custom Challenge Coins. You can create a coin that honors a unit, milestone, or loved one, with expert help on design, production, and fast shipping, including APO/FPO/DPO addresses.

CashforGoldUSA display ad

Where to sell a coin collection

Ultimately, where you sell your coins will depend on the status of your collection. Coins that are truly valuable as collectibles may warrant being sold to dealers or through an auction house. Gold or silver coins that are not rare are generally worth the weight of the bullion. These coins make up the majority of coin collections and can be sold to a metal buyer like CashforGoldUSA, our No. 1 recommendation for selling coin collections.

What you need to know about CashforGoldUSA:

  • Founded in 2005, the company that buys gold, diamonds and silver in any form
  • A+ Better Business Bureau rating
  • Pays within 24 hours
  • 100% customer satisfaction guarantee
  • Insured up to $150,000
  • 10% bonus if you send in your item within 7 days.

Check out CashforGoldUSA’s online gold calculator to see the melt value of your coins:

CashforGoldUSA informational gold calculator
CashforGoldUSA informational gold calculator

This calculator is for information purposes only and is not the amount you should expect to receive. It provides the highest melt value of your gold today, not an offer. Your offer will depend on your appraisal.

How to liquidate a coin collection

You can sell a coin collection (as a whole) the same way that you would sell individual coins. Coin dealers, pawn shops, auction houses, individual collectors, and metal buyers can all be excellent options, depending on exactly what you are selling. 

If you are not yourself a coin collector and don’t have a clear understanding of what your collection might be worth, working with a coin dealer or auction house can be a great way of learning about your collection so that you are sure you are getting a fair price when you sell. Of course, these options involve their own fees which will eat into your profits. 

If you’ve sorted your coins and you believe they’re largely scrap, our No. 1 recommendation is to sell to CashforGoldUSA, which has an A+ rating with Better Business Bureau, pays within 24 hours, and insures every shipment round trip.

1. Get the melt value of your scrap coins

Check out CashforGoldUSA’s online gold calculator on their homepage to get the melt value of your jewelry:

CashforGoldUSA informational gold calculator
CashforGoldUSA informational gold calculator

This calculator is for information purposes only and is not the amount you should expect to receive. It provides the highest melt value of your gold today, not an offer. Your offer will depend on your appraisal.

2. Choose a mailer (FedEx is fastest!)

Your shipping materials will arrive within a couple of days by USPS, or print out a shipping label from CashforGoldUSA and send it in immediately.

3. Send in your coins and watch for an email or text for confirmation of PayPal payment

CashforGoldUSA will send a text and email with a cash offer within 24 hours of you sending in your coin collection. Accept the offer and get paid immediately by Paypal, or chose a check which will arrive in 2-3 business days.

FAQs about coin collection value

Below, I’ve answered some of the most common questions that people have about selling coins, including an overview of how coins are valued, the best places to consider selling your collection, and more.

Are coin collections worth money?

Yes, coin collections are worth either their value as a collectible item or the value of their metal content. The more rare a coin, mintmark, or series, the more valuable it’s likely to be as a collector’s item, which can be sold to a coin dealer or through an auction house.

How do you value a coin collection?

A coin collection can be graded in one of two ways. 

On the one hand, you might choose to value each coin individually. This is commonly done when a coin collection consists of random coins. In this case, you would likely base the coin’s value on its rarity, grade, and metal composition.

On the other hand, you might choose to value the coin collection as a whole. This is especially common for collections consisting of a particular type or series of coin. In this case, in addition to the factors listed above, the completeness of the collection can significantly affect how much it is worth.

Do coin collections go up in value?

Rare coins have historically increased in value over time, and the price of gold and silver also have gone up over the years.

Prices of key rare coins have increased 6,315% since 1970.  

How do you get a coin collection appraised?

Coin dealing and appraising is full of scams, so be careful. Look for a dealer or appraiser who holds membership with the American Numismatic Association, as well as one who is listed as authorized by the Professional Coin Grading Service.

How much does it cost to get a coin collection appraised?

A rare coin dealer authorized by the PCGS can appraise or grade your coin collection. Expect to pay $100 to $200 per hour for this coin grading.

If your coins are not rare and you want to sell them for scrap gold or silver, a local metals buyer, pawn shop or jeweler can weigh and grade the quality of the metal, as can CashforGoldUSA.

CashforGoldUSA display ad

Bottom line: What is the best way to sell my coin collection?

There are several ways you can sell your coin collection, but these are some of the best ways: 

  1. Coin dealer – Find a coin dealer authorized by the Professional Coin Grading Service who can make you an offer based on their collector’s value. 
  2. Auction house – During an auction, your coins will be listed over a set period of time for buyers to bid on. Depending on which auction house you work with, your coins may be listed at an in-person event, online, or both. 
  3. CashforGoldUSA – Top online metal buyers like CashforGoldUSA.com will pay you the scrap metal value of your gold and silver coins that have little to no value as collectibles. 

Get a free estimate on your gold or silver coins from CashforGoldUSA >>

How do you value a coin collection?

A coin collection can be graded in one of two ways. On the one hand, you might choose to value each coin individually. On the other hand, you might choose to value the coin collection as a whole.

Are coin collections worth money?

Yes, coin collections are worth either their value as a collectible item or the value of their metal content. The more rare a coin, mintmark, or series, the more valuable it’s likely to be as a collector’s item, which can be sold to a coin dealer or through an auction house.

Do coin collections go up in value?

Rare coins have historically increased in value over time, and the price of gold and silver also have gone up over the years.

How do you get a coin collection appraised?

Coin dealing and appraising is full of scams, so be careful. Look for a dealer or appraiser who holds membership with the American Numismatic Association, as well as one who is listed as authorized by the Professional Coin Grading Service.

How much does it cost to get a coin collection appraised?

A rare coin dealer authorized by the PCGS can appraise or grade your coin collection. Expect to pay $100 to $200 per hour for this coin grading.

Who buys old coins?

If you’ve got coins to sell, the good news is that you will have no shortage of potential buyers, including: individual collectors, coin dealers, coin shops, auction houses, online marketplaces, and metal buyers.

How do you value a coin collection?

A coin collection can be graded in one of two ways. On the one hand, you might choose to value each coin individually if you have random coins. On the other hand, you might choose to value the coin collection as a whole if you have a series of coins.

What is the best way to sell my coin collection?

There are several ways you can sell your coin collection, but these are some of the best ways: coin dealer, auction house, or online metal buyer.

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