There isn't a mom around that doesn't wish she had an unlimited supply of money. It is hard enough sometimes just to make ends meet let alone have enough money left over to do something fun with the family on the weekends. So, here are some ways to pinch those pennies that you may not have thought about.
1. Shop Bargain/Bulk Stores.
Not saying that they will be your one and only place to shop, but you should make them your first! Here's why. When you shop places like the Dollar Tree you will find all sorts of things that don't need to be "name brand" like plastic storage containers with lids, glassware, cards, wrapping paper, helium filled balloons, cleaners, kitchen gadgets like colanders, graters, spoons- you name it! (even off brand Mr. Clean Magic Erasers that work just like the real deal!) They have these HUGE resealable vacuumed sealed plastic storage bags that go quick and you can use them for all sorts of things! Just go and browse before you go to the "big" store! If you shop at Goodwill you can buy picture frames, household items, furniture that you can give some TLC and really make your own, and clothes! Another go-to place for budget conscious moms is thrift stores and stores like Big Lots, Burlington Coat Factory, Goody's, Marshals, TJMaxx and the used baby stores for the kiddos. Also, for groceries, try stores like ALDI before going to the big stores and visit Gordon Food Service for some really great deals on food and kitchen items without the bulk store membership! You will be amazed and wonder why you haven't shopped this way before! And for even more unique savings, try the online yard sales on Facebook and Everything But the House for some amazing deals! If you get creative, you can really stretch the family dollar! Ha. Get it?
2. Make Your Own Cleaning Products.
Making your own cleaning products is kinda the new thing. No, really. Moms all around are realizing that if they can use a simple, cheap cleaner to scrub the crud off the toilet and scum off the tub, they would be crazy to want to pay four times as much for the cleaners at the store. They are mostly water anyway. Look around online and search for some really quick recipes for everything from homemade toothpaste to making your own laundry soap! Seriously easy stuff. For example, put white vinegar and a few drops of dish liquid in one of those sponges with a refillable handle and in less than two minutes you have a really good shower and tub cleaner in a ready-to-go scrubby! You can make all sorts of cleaners- the sky is the limit! So, look around. Chances are, YOU can make that fancy-shmancy cleaner you love and save yourself money that you could put to better use on something very important. Like date night!
3. Budget in Family Fun!
Have you ever considered budgeting in a family fun night? There are many creative things you can do on a very limited budget. Home Video Night, for example is a favorite! The kids love to see themselves when they were little, especially when they were born! There's always lots of giggling from the kids and parents love the walk down memory lane. Past vacations are fun, birthday parties and even the old wedding video! Backyard Camp out Night is tons of fun for kids! They really don't care if it's just the backyard; the thought of something different is exciting enough. If you have a fire pit or barbeque, roasting hotdogs and smores is an added element of fun and doesn't cost much or take much planning. Dessert Night Out- cook dinner at home and then surprise the kids for dessert out! Either to a favorite ice cream shop if its warm out or go inside for some warm apple pie, or even hot chocolates and coffee! It gets even better if you orchestrate this with friends and meet for dessert out and conversation! Movie Night In is a cool idea for busy moms who want to something fun but don't really have much time to plan. This one involves going to Redbox and picking out a movie for $1 and then popping some popcorn in the microwave and maybe picking up a couple of drink mix packets for 10 cents at the dollar store and voila, movie night! Mom's done! If you want to take it up a notch, you could make some brownies from a box for less than $2. The library even has movies you can check out for free. Star Gaze, the night where you all go outside with blankets and look up at the stars. If you have a nice open yard its even better. Listening to the night sounds and taking a nice break from electronics is always a good idea!
Friend Potluck, where you invite a friend and their family over for a grill out/potluck and let the kids play and the grown ups can enjoy fellowship, too! It's super wallet-friendly and no one has to care about leaving a mess for the buss boy or leaving a tip as big as the bill...Free concerts and movies thanks to your local park districts. Many times during the summer there are all sorts of different concerts from various music genres. Even plays! It's kinda fun!
4.Kids Eat Free!
If you google kids eat free in your area you will come up with many great starting points. I went to several websites and never once saw our favorite Skyline on the list, so you will still want to call your desired restaurant and ask for more details. The more you inquire about kids east free the more places you will find that offer it. Be on the lookout for the times though, as they can start at 4pm some places and not till 5:00 at others. Many restaurants offer kids eat free on Mondays, Tuesday and Wednesdays, but there are some places that offer it every night. A family of 4 can eat for about $20! With the economy and gas prices we need all the help we can get!
5. 30 Day Rule.
The 30 Day Rule is quite simple. You make a list of things you want/think you need to buy and then wait 30 days. This gives you time to see if you really need the item you want to purchase as well as give time for the urge to "buy it now" go away. If after 30 days you find that you still really need that item, then go buy it. But most of the time people realize that they didn't really need that item as much as they thought they did. So by waiting, they end up not purchasing something they didn't really need. It is also more wise to keep that list in your head and not on paper. In my opinion, this allows you to let the unimportant items you think you need to be forgotten and by not writing them down, you aren't reminded of what you "need". Trust me, if you need it, you will not easily forget about it!
