Superhero Savings: Ideas to Make the Family Dollar Stretch
Saturday, August 1, 2015, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
It’s no secret the cost of having children is high, and it’s only getting higher with every year. It’s the reason why so many families have to pinch pennies and watch their budget closely, regardless of how much money they’re bringing in every year.
Here are a few easy-to-follow tips for getting the most bang for your buck and making every dollar stretch.
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Finance Right
The first step in saving family money is making sure you know where each cent goes. Create a budget and use a few months and paychecks to observe and document where you spend the most.
Big bills and debts will need to be paid first and as much as you can afford.
If you find bills are always stretching you thin, places like My Lump Sum can get you a structured settlement or other ways of refinancing big loans or debts.
Look at where the grocery bills are split as well and make sure you have a plan in place for saving in more than one place.
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Meal Preparation
Plan your meals ahead of time to save you from ordering in, or dining out when you’re stuck for what to have for dinner.
Buying groceries and making food at home costs a lot less than ordering from a restaurant, even if you have it delivered.
Plan on going out once a week or a couple of times a month, then prepare and eat the rest of your meals at home.
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Shop Smart
You don’t have to spend time cutting coupons, but you can still make sure to save as much possible by shopping smart.
Head out for groceries once a week, but no more. You’ll waste gas on extra trips to the store, and you’ll be tempted to buy more than you really need.
If you can, try to shop on your own. Kids have a way of talking you into purchases you wouldn’t otherwise make!
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Family Vacations
If you have a long weekend off, consider taking a staycation instead of spending a bundle on a short trip.
Check out nearby attractions you usually ignore, find out if there are any special events in your area and turn off your phone, just like you would on a real vacation.
On the same note, try to entertain at home instead of going out all the time. A movie night in will cost less than $10, while a move theater trip could cost at least $40 before you add in snacks and drinks.
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Think Reuse
Opt for reusable items when you can. Do you really need a roll of paper towels or can you clean up messes with reusable cloths?
Do you need plastic water bottles or you can refill a glass one? Disposable items may cost less upfront, but they’ll cost you a lot more than necessary in the long run.
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Buy Used
You can also purchase secondhand items. When it comes to clothing, furniture, and sporting equipment, there’s nothing wrong with buying lightly used items.
Even bookstores, movies, and bigger ticket items can be found secondhand. You’ll be reducing your carbon footprint and keeping your budget in check at the same time.
Making your budget work as a family can be a challenge, especially when you have kids who have a lot of activities and places to be. If you already have a smart budget plan in place, use these tricks to help you stay ahead and aware of more ways you can save.
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