One of the first things many parents will mention about having children is the financial impact it has on a family. Children do add to expenses, and sometimes it can be difficult to know how to cut costs and save money as a new parent. I thought I would compile a list of ways that our family saves. I am certainly no expert in the subject, but over the years I have found ways to help cut costs. Some of these may be stating the obvious but some just might help a new parent looking to stretch their dollars.
1. Seek Out Sales & Coupons
I am not an extreme couponer by any means, but when I can I do try to look for coupons or sales advertisements. You might not realize that the stores you shop at may carry coupons on their websites, ready to print and use in store. For instance, Walmart.com has a section at the bottom of their home page for coupons that you can print. Before your next shopping trip, check the site of the store you are visiting to see if they have any coupons available for print.
If you have a smart phone, there are also apps that can help you save. For example, Target now offers the Cartwheel app with coupons that you can "clip" and use in store. All it takes is showing the bar code to the cashier and you can instantly save! Check your phones app store to see what couponing apps may be available to you.
2. Buy Store Brand When You Can
Store brand products are typically cheaper and some are fairly similar to the big brand products. Check to see if the item you are searching for is available in store brand, compare the two and perhaps give the store brand item a try!
I really like the Up & Up (Target) brand diapers. They are quite a bit cheaper than the bigger brands and I actually like the quality better than some of the more expensive diapers as well. I've heard so many moms say that they are fans of these diapers.
3. Take Advantage Of "Kids Eat Free" In Restaurants
Prior to having kids I was not aware just how much our dining out bill would increase. Two kids later, we've found that it has nearly doubled. Kids plates in restaurants are typically less expensive, but often still pricey and can add up quickly. A once $30 meal out is now easily $50 with kids in tow. Typically, many restaurant chains will offer a "Kids Night" (or even day depending on the place), where children eat free one day a week! There are a number of web sites on the web where you can search your city to see which restaurants offer free kids meals and on which days. A quick Google search could save you a nice chunk of change!
4. Establish A Budget And Stick With It
This is such a simple idea. Each week we have a set amount of money that we are prepared to spend. Money set aside for food, gas, and other expenses that may come up. We print out a sheet, stick it on the fridge, and every single time we make a purchase, we write it on our sheet and deduct it from out budget. So simple. It helps with accountability to see exactly where your money is going, how often, and to what. Such an easy way to keep track of what you are spending.
5. Sell What You No Longer Use
Especially items that your children outgrow. These are items that people are constantly looking to purchase, and if it is sitting in your home taking up space and you can do without it, sell it. If the highchair in your attic is collecting dust and you are absolutely positively never going to use it again, try selling it and putting the money towards something your child may need now (new shoes? big kid furniture?). You'll de-clutter your space and make a little bit of money while you're at it! Win win.
These ideas are all very basic, but when you put them all together, and really give them a try, you will be surprised at the money you are saving!
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