As your family continues to grow, you may find the need to be more frugal with your buying habits. While it might seem like an overwhelming task at first to cut out some of your family’s spending, it’s actually much easier than you think it is. Here are five simple ways that you can help save your family money on a regular basis.
Choose Cheap Fun
The reality is that your family can have just as much fun sledding during a snowstorm as they will going to a movie theater to watch the latest flick. The difference is, the movie is going to cost you a lot more money. Between the tickets, popcorn, and other food, the price really adds up. Instead of spending money on expensive fun things, make it a challenge to come up with cheap ways to have fun with your family. This can be a great family planning activity and allow you to save a bundle in the process. Some cheap family fun may be hiking at a local state park, visiting a local attraction, or even playing a game of soccer at your local park.
Plan Your Meals
Any parent knows that feeding their child is one of their biggest expenses. Many fall victim to grabbing takeout food or fast food when their day is flying by. Don’t fall victim to this problem as it can be very costly over time. Rather, you should take the time to plan out your meals for the week. Simply having food planned out and knowing how you’re going to cook it can make a big difference in your follow-through. Consider using slow cookers as a way to prepare your family’s meal without you having to slave over the stove in the early evening when you return home. When you plan out your meals ahead of time, you’re less likely to stop by fast food places to feed your family, which means lots of cost savings for you.
Use Prepaid Phone Plans
There’s no denying the fact that some phone plans can get very expensive. In reality, you’re paying for a lot of services that you may not even use. To save yourself a good chunk of change, consider switching over to a prepaid phone plan. These prepaid plans allow you to purchase your text and talk minutes upfront. This way, you’re only paying for the minutes and messages that you actually use. Switching over to a prepaid phone plan can be one of the greatest decisions that you’ve ever made. Many of these plans offer superior coverage, unlike the older prepaid phone plans.
Go Second-Hand
While many of you may be thinking of second-hand as going to the thrift store to find clothes for your family, that’s not the only way to do it these days. There are many online apps that can allow you to purchase used or gently used items for discounted prices. Instead of purchasing new items, encourage your children to search for second-hand items on these applications. From getting school clothes to picking out equipment for their favorite sport, encourage the second-hand shopping idea as it will greatly lower costs for you.
Avoid The Extravagant
As a parent, you want to provide your children with the best things that you can. Unfortunately, this leads some parents to move up to the extravagant level that costs them a lot of money. When it comes to things like your child’s birthday party, keep it simple. Having a sleepover with pizza or tenting it out at a local campground can be a great way to keep your kid engaged and ensure that they have a good time. You also get to save yourself a ton of money in the process. When it comes to things like planning a party, take your time and think about what is actually necessary and what isn’t. Money will always be a factor, and you should ensure that you’re not pushing yourself into the extravagant level of planning.