Life is tough at the moment and it’s even tougher for people with families. Most families have been forced to adjust or make a budget to survive these hard economic times. However, figuring out how to save money while raising a family in a hard economy is no easy task especially when you don’t know where to start. Whether you’re expecting a baby soon or you already have children, there are ways you can adjust to save money.
Here are some tips to help you save as a family.
Make a Budget
A budget is essentially a process that helps you plan and track your income and expenses, so you can make informed decisions about how to spend and save your money. With a budget one can be able to prioritize necessities while leaving out luxuries or basically things that one can survive without like subscriptions. This enables one to save money by spending on only what is necessary.
Make a shopping list
Shopping can be stressful when you’re on a budget. However, making a shopping list helps you avoid buying things impulsively. It also helps you figure out what you need to avoid waste. Avoid going to the store with your kids as they are most likely to pick things that aren’t on the list. Additionally, shopping early in the week helps reduce stress since it’s less crowded.
Buy second-hand clothes
Children grow out of their clothes at a rapid rate. Therefore, it’s more economical to buy second-hand clothes than new ones. You can get good quality second-hand clothes for children of all ages both online and in thrift markets. If you’re not feeling thrift shopping, you can try looking for stores that sell new clothes at cheaper prices. However, you will have to compromise on quality if you go for cheap new clothes.
Avoid name brands
When shopping at the supermarket, many of us tend to go for the popular brand names even though they are more expensive than other brands. A good way for families to save money is to switch to cheaper brands. There are so many alternatives to the usual brands that work just as well. Additionally, you’ll be surprised how much that small difference saves you in the long run.
Look for discounts
When shopping, keep your eye out for discounts and promotional items. Some supermarkets have promotions all year round but you can wait for the holidays to get bigger discounts especially if you want to buy large items. You can also get exclusive deals on retail apps so make sure that you have the supermarket app as well.
Use public transport
Most people will agree that, with high fuel prices, it’s uneconomical to drive to work every day. yet, there are still many private cars on the road. Whether you use public or private transportation, you will still get to your destination. In fact, it’s more economical and less stressful to use public transport. So, don’t put unnecessary strain on yourself to drive every day when you can use public transport. Leave your car for the weekends when there’s less traffic.
Find cheap family activities
Family activities are necessary to catch up on each other’s lives. However, when you’re trying to save money, your options are limited. Try organizing more group activities with other parents as you’re more likely going to get a discount when you’re in a large group. You can also have fun in the comfort of your home. Game nights and movie nights are a great place to start.
Have a savings account
If you’re thinking about starting to save money, you should also think about where to keep the money. Experts suggest opening a separate account for the purpose of saving. It’s important to have a savings account as they not only grow your money but they are a lifesaver in case of an emergency. Most banks offer them and you can manage the account on the bank’s app.
Consider Homeschooling
From uniforms to tuition fees, education is one of the biggest expenses for many families. Parents feel the pinch every couple of months when their kids have to go back to school. Luckily, there are other cost-effective ways to give your child a quality education. If you’re academically gifted and have a flexible schedule, you should consider homeschooling your kids. Additionally, there are many resources available online to help you navigate homeschooling.
Keep celebrations simple
Just because you’re trying to cut costs and save money doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t celebrate important milestones like birthdays and graduations. However, you should keep them as simple as possible. A good way to save money is to reduce the number of guests and do your own catering if you can. Similarly, try to plan budget-friendly dates such as picnics and game nights.