It’s no secret—having kids can take a huge hit on the wallet. That’s why moms should be conscious about the money they’re spending so they’re able to save for their kids’ school supplies, sports gear, and even a college fund. Plus, you need a “mom-cations” every now and then.
Stuck on ways to save without compromising your lift? These 5 tips are easy to make happen – you’ll notice the savings immediately!
- Lower your utility bill
It is so easy to rack up money unnecessarily when you’re not being careful about your electricity and water. Reduce your water bill in the summer by encouraging everyone to take baths or reduce shower time. Make sure all your lights are turned off before leaving the house.
Feel like your bills shouldn’t be as high as they are? Use this energy comparison site or and consider switching your energy provider. Otherwise, you can also teach your kids the importance of reducing waste by being a role model for energy saving. This lesson goes hand-in-hand with teaching them about the value of money. It won’t just be you that’s making a conscious effort to save power and water. The whole family will be helping out towards a lower bill.
- Buy generic brands of food
Let’s face it, there is hardly any difference between name brand foods and generic store brands. Go to your grocery store of choice, and try buying everything you can generic, unless you have coupons or there are sales for name brand foods.
Chances are, you’ll save a ton of money on groceries—and that money really adds up over time. Keep your receipts and keep track of your savings – it will remind you to keep up the good work!
- Quit eating out
Spending money on fast food and restaurants is a huge money waster for many families. Eating out should be a special treat for maybe once or twice a month, not something that happens every week.
You’ll save more money by cooking food for the family at home, and you’ll spend more quality time with your family that way. Spend time teaching your kids to cook, and sit down at a table to eat together. It’s great for bonding and learning about what they’re up to without having to go anywhere- plus, you save on gas.
If you have a lunch break during your workday, you should also pack your lunch instead of eating out. Meal prepping is becoming a more popular, fun way to pack lunch during the week. You save time in the morning before work, too. Just take time in the week to cook meals big enough to last as smaller portions in a lunchbox throughout the week.
If you pack lunch for your partner or your children, this method will save – they won’t be wasting money on cafeteria lunch.
- Make your own soap
Buying soap, like hand soap and laundry detergent, can end up being a huge expense. Luckily, there is a cheaper option: make your own soaps!
Not only will this help save money, but you can customize your soap to get the scent you want, and keep your hands from drying out so quickly with cheap, store bought soap.
- Go to the library
If you’re an avid reader or movie watcher, or if you’d like to get into these hobbies, going to the library can help you save on buying books, DVDs, or Blu-rays. Library cards are always free, and so are library services like Wi-Fi and internet.
Taking your family to the library is also a fun way to bond and save money. Everyone can get library cards, and your kids can have fun picking their own books – they’ll start to develop reading habits for the rest of their lives.
