Hey there, money-savvy, mama! We all know that being a mom is filled with lots of love and laughter, but let’s be real – it can also be expensive! From diapers to groceries to endless school supplies, the costs can quickly add up. But I’ve got some tips and money-saving hacks that will help you stretch your family budget without sacrificing the fun and joy in your lives.
Many moms are constantly seeking money-saving hacks and frugal living tips to make their hard-earned dollars go further. With some smart budgeting and strategic planning, you can effectively manage your family finances and still enjoy the things you love. Let’s dive into some practical strategies and mom-friendly money saving tips that will help you become a budgeting pro and gain financial independence!
There are so many practical money-saving hacks for moms. But one of the first and most boring steps to saving money as a mom is creating a family budget. Budgeting for moms requires you to analyze your income and expenses, and then determine how much money you can allocate to different categories. By tracking your expenses and setting spending limits, you gain better control over your finances. Consider using budgeting apps or spreadsheets to make this process easier and more organized.
And don’t worry, cutting expenses doesn’t mean sacrificing everything fun! It’s all about smart spending and finding budget-friendly ideas that work for you and your family. Frugal living is a skill that many moms master over time. Embrace thrifty living and incorporate frugal hacks into your daily routine. A few small adjustments can add up to significant savings over time.
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Let’s take a look at some of my favorite money-saving tips!
1. Couponing
Let’s start with a classic money-saving hack – couponing! Clipping coupons may sound old-school, but trust me, those pennies can add up. Gather your scissors, raid your mailbox for those valuable coupon inserts, and scout for digital coupons online.
One of my favorite things about using coupons is it forces you to sit down and plan out your shopping in advance. Creating and shopping from a list is a great way to prevent excess spending in the store. It is so easy to walk up and down the aisles and grab everything that looks good in the moment, but this is how your grocery bill racks up! Shop with intention and self-control. And never go shopping while you’re hungry!
2. DIY
When it comes to saving money, embracing your inner DIY wizard can work wonders. From homemade cleaning products to crafting your own gifts, there’s a world of savings waiting for you. Plus, getting creative can be a fun and bonding experience for you and your little ones.
Some of my favorite cleaning products can be made at home – they are eco-friendly cleaning supplies and so much cheaper than all of the chemicals you can buy at the grocery store or from specialized cleaning companies!
One healthy all-purpose cleaner that you can make at home is a simple vinegar-based solution. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can effectively clean various surfaces in your home. To make the cleaner, mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like lemon or lavender for a pleasant scent.
Another option is to create a citrus-infused cleaner using citrus peels. Save the peels from oranges, lemons, or grapefruits and place them in a jar. Fill the jar with white vinegar and let it sit for a couple of weeks. The vinegar will absorb the citrus oils from the peels, resulting in a fresh-smelling cleaner. Strain the liquid and dilute it with water before using it as an all-purpose cleaner.
Baking soda is another versatile ingredient for making a homemade all-purpose cleaner. It is effective at removing stains and deodorizing surfaces. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste and use it to scrub surfaces like countertops, sinks, or stovetops. You can also add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to enhance the scent.
Just make sure you don’t combine your vinegar and baking soda in the same cleaner because their chemical reaction can neutralize their cleaning properties. Choose either a vinegar-based cleaner or a baking soda-based cleaner for your DIY cleaner.
3. Meal Planning
Meal planning is not just a practical way to ensure your family is getting proper nutrition, but it’s also a fantastic money-saving hack. Sit down with your favorite recipe book (or Pinterest board) and plan your meals for the week. Make a detailed grocery list and stick to it (don’t forget the tips in #1!).
By avoiding impulsive grocery store purchases, you’ll be amazed at the savings you’ll rack up and the number of healthy meals you can make for your money. Plus, the more you eat at home the less you eat out!
The average cost for a family of four to eat out at a mid-range restaurant can range from $40 to $100 per meal… If you just cut out one restaurant trip a week that could be an extra $2000-$5000 in savings each year! They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but for us money-savvy moms, it’s the heart of our savings! So, put on your apron and get ready to whip up some delicious meals while keeping your wallet happy. Just don’t forget to keep an eye out for those sneaky leftovers hiding in the back of the fridge – they’re little money-saving surprises!
4. Thrifting
Who says fun has to break the bank? Embrace the world of thrifting and second-hand treasures. From clothing to furniture to toys, you’ll be amazed at the gems you can find at a fraction of the original cost. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces are your new best friends. It’s like a treasure hunt where you get to save money and score unique items – a win-win situation!
We have a local thrift store up the road from us that supports a high school, and I cannot tell you the number of baby items I have bought there for a fraction of the price that I would have spent at Target or Amazon. Plus, it’s a fun excuse to get out of the house – I get my shopping fix in and normally leave with a bunch of goodies for less than $10.
You can also see if there are any giveaway groups near you on Facebook. A good mom friend of mine introduced me to this. There are “buy nothing” groups all over Facebook that you can join to get/give baby and kid products for free. You have to find one in your area as they only let members within a certain radius join, but this is an awesome way to fill in those gaps from your baby shower without breaking the bank. Speaking of Facebook groups, be sure to join our Flawed and Fearless Mom Group to get connected!
5. Budgeting
We mentioned budgeting above, and I know… creating a budget may sound about as exciting as watching paint dry, but trust me, it’s a game-changer for your finances. Sit down with a cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage) and map out your monthly income and expenses. Down to the penny! You should know where every dollar is each month. Identify areas where you can cut back and set realistic goals. With a well-planned budget, you’ll be in control of your money and better equipped to save for those special moments and future dreams.
My husband and I have spent years following Dave Ramsey. He can be a bit harsh and offensive at times, so he is not for the weak at heart, but man does he have some tips for finances that are life-changing. If you are serious about getting out of debt and having financial freedom, you’ve got to give him a listen.
6. Swap, Trade, and Borrow
Embrace the power of community and the art of sharing. Connect with fellow moms and organize clothing swaps, toy exchanges, or even a book-borrowing club. Not only will you save money by sharing resources, but you’ll also build strong bonds and create lasting memories. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to save a buck! Gather your mom tribe and get ready to swap those superhero capes, Barbie dolls, and bedtime storybooks. Remember, sharing is caring, and saving money is a superpower!
7. Embrace Free Fun
Entertainment doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Explore the world of free activities and events in your community. From local parks and playgrounds to community festivals and outdoor movie nights, there’s always something fun happening without draining your bank account.
These are some of my favorite places to find free events near you:
- Eventbrite: Eventbrite is a widely used platform that allows you to search for events based on location and category. You can filter the results to find free events in your area, such as workshops, concerts, festivals, and more.
- Meetup: Meetup is a platform that brings people with similar interests together. It offers a variety of groups and events based on different topics and locations. Many meetups are free to attend and provide opportunities to socialize, network, and explore shared hobbies.
- Facebook Events: Facebook has a dedicated Events section where you can discover local happenings. You can search for events near you, filter by date and category, and even see which events your friends are interested in or attending. Many local organizations and businesses promote their free events on Facebook.
8. Negotiation
Channel your inner negotiator when it comes to big purchases or services. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts, compare prices, or negotiate better deals. Remember, you have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain. They say a penny saved is a penny earned, but a penny negotiated is like finding money in your couch cushions!
9. Eliminate Monthly Subscriptions
Think about it – those monthly subscriptions may seem innocent at first, but they can quickly add up and take a hefty toll on your budget. By cutting them out, you’ll have more cash in your pocket each month to put toward your financial goals, whether it’s building up an emergency fund, paying off debt, or saving for that dream vacation. Plus, freeing yourself from the clutches of subscriptions means more time to explore other budget-friendly activities, like enjoying a picnic in the park, trying out new recipes at home, or taking up a hobby that sparks joy without the recurring cost.
Take a look at these common offenders and call them up today to cancel – no hesitations!
- Netflix
- Peloton (fitness membership)
- Birchbox (beauty box subscription)
- People Magazine (magazine subscription)
- Blue Apron (meal kit delivery service)
- Spotify Premium
- Stitch Fix (fashion subscription box)
- Winc (wine club)
- The New York Times (newspaper subscription)
- SnackCrate (monthly snack box)
- Hulu
- Disney+
- HelloFresh (meal kit delivery service)
- Allure Beauty Box (beauty subscription)
- Audible (audiobook subscription)
- Fitbit Premium (fitness app subscription)
- Dollar Shave Club (razor and grooming products subscription)
- Ipsy Glam Bag (beauty subscription)
- BarkBox (dog toy and treat subscription)
- The Honest Company (baby and household products subscription)
- Glossybox (beauty subscription)
- POPSUGAR Must Have Box (lifestyle subscription)
- Hello Bello (diaper and baby products subscription)
- Scentbird (fragrance subscription)
- Freshly (prepared meal delivery subscription)
- Ipsy (beauty and makeup subscription)
- BoxyCharm (beauty and makeup subscription)
- FabFitFun
- Fabletics (workout clothing subscription)
- Love Every (baby toy subscription)
- YouTube Premium
- OwlCrate Jr. (kid book subscription)
10. Pay off Your Debts
Small changes made with consistency have a HUGE impact. Let’s say you typically get lunch out once a week, and you pick up a Starbucks for yourself and the kids once a week. Maybe for you those numbers should read more like two or three or four times a week (ouch). Being conservative, that’s roughly $30 a week on Starbucks and lunch. Or $1500 a year. If you are one of those mama’s who gets Starbucks and lunch more like 3 times a week, make that almost $5000 per year. How much debt could you start to tackle if you cut that habit?
Paying off your debts is not a fun way to spend your money. But it pays off. Just take a moment and imagine how much extra money you would have each month if you didn’t have any debt. Go back and look at that budget you made… is debt a large portion of your expenses? Mama, you might be able to laugh at an article like this in the future if you have no debt! If you are living debt-free, you might be in a position to get that Starbucks every day, shop at Target to your hearts content with no nagging guilt in the back of your mind and throw the coupons away when they come in the mail each month. A debt-free life may take some work now, but the financial freedom reaped, later on, is indescribable and empowering.
As a mom, it’s important to remember that financial well-being goes beyond saving money. It’s about making informed and intentional financial decisions and having a solid understanding of your family’s financial situation. Seek financial tips for moms to learn about investing, saving for college, or planning for emergencies. By being proactive and knowledgeable, you can ensure a secure financial future for your family.
Moms, you are financial superheroes! And being a fun and engaged mom doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. By implementing these money-saving hacks, you’ll be stretching your family budget like never before. Remember to have fun along the way, embrace the joy of saving, and celebrate your frugal victories. With a little creativity and a dash of mom ingenuity, you can rock the world of frugal living and enjoy the rewards it brings without the unnecessary financial stress. Your financial success starts with small steps and a positive mindset. So, go forth and conquer those savings and strive for debt-free freedom, one clever hack at a time!
Happy saving!
Jess
