Dollars and Cents: 7 Practical Money-Saving Tips for Families
Lately, it feels like things are getting more expensive, right? Between inflation and supply chain issues, families can’t seem to catch a break! Recently, my husband and I have incorporated some money saving tips to help combat the ever growing cost of things and keep our household humming smoothly. Give these a try to see if they can help your family too!
1. Budget your weekly groceries
If your household is anything like mine, the weekly groceries trip is the most expensive thing on the docket for the week. I can’t go to the store with my husband anymore, because it seems every time I go to the store with my husband versus just myself, we are adding more in the grocery cart than ever! Since groceries shopping is the biggest spend on our wallets, controlling this trip will have the biggest impact on our weekly savings. Check out my post on saving money at the grocery store, and use those extra bucks on other things!
2. Try getting things secondhand when you can
Listen, I’m a fan of anything new when I can, but not everything NEEDS to be purchased new. Clothes for example are great items to look for secondhand. Check out local thrift stores, or consignment shops. (Added bonus money savings, if you have some lightly used things you can consign yourself!) I have found more than one funky (and needed) piece of furniture at consignment shops that have been perfect for the space. Consignment finds add character PLUS the added bonus of cost savings. Kids sports equipment is also a good thing to look for secondhand, especially if they’re trying out something new and aren’t sure they want to stick with it just yet. Facebook marketplace has been awesome for some good finds!
3. Check out some money saving browser extensions
I could make an argument that no one likes a deal more then me. I love when browser extensions like Honey, Rakuten, or Capital One Shopping give me a pop up in the corner saying that they have a coupon code for me. It’s like a cheat code to get deals without having to search all corners of the web yourself! Having those extensions is a big savings and time save.
4. Cut a subscription you don’t use
I think we all have one or two subscriptions that are used maybe once or twice a month. Be vigilant about which subscriptions are hanging around on your accounts and cut the cord on the ones that would have the most impact on your wallet, with the least impact on your binge watching
5. Check the thermostat
It’s so much easier to just turn up the heat when the house feels a little colder than preferred, but even a couple of degrees can make a big difference in your wallet. The Department of Energy estimates savings of 1 percent for each degree the thermostat is changed to per 8 hours. Instead, add some layers of clothes if you are cold, or break out the shorts and t-shirts if you are hot. The less active you are changing the thermostat to combat the weather, the more money you will save in energy.
6. Plan for birthdays and holidays early
Has it ever happened to you where you see something a family or friend would like go on sale but their next gift-giving holiday is so far out you don’t buy it? Next time, GET IT. Chances are, if you happen to remember that gift later on, it won’t be on sale anymore. Or worse, the price has gone up! My husband and I have bins in our basement for future gifts for family and friends so when it’s June and we see something that would make a good Christmas gift for the in-laws, we know where to find it come December.
7. Plan fun (and free) family outings
I love going out to the movies just as much as the next person, but so many usual outings have turned into a big investment. The movies, for example, can run you $40 per person between the movie ticket, the big drink, the large popcorn…heaven forbid someone wants a candy!
Try to switch things up. Check out your local library for free events like movie nights! Maybe break up the grocery trip and bring the family to the farmers market to peruse nifty, artsy crafts! Instead of going out to eat, pack a lunch at home and picnic at a local state park or beach. A lot of museums have no-admission days or times. Even something like camping in the backyard can be a fun, new activity for the kids to enjoy! Fun doesn’t have to be extravagant.
