As a Mom of 4 kids, I know how expensive it can be to have a houseful of kids. There seems to be no end to the amount of “things” they want and need and all of it can weigh heavily on anyone’s budget.
But, you can give your kids all the things they need and still not break the bank. With a little planning, a solid budget, and smart spending decisions, you can actually even save money while still providing everything they need.
Here are a few tips you can use to help save money while raising kids. These tips will also help you in the future as well as teach your kids for their future.
How to Save Money While Raising Kids
Undoubtedly, raising kids is one of the best experiences in life, but as we all know it can also be expensive. Of course, there are plenty of ways to save money while raising kids and still provide them with everything they need.
Keep reading because I’ll give you some practical tips and tricks that will help you reduce your expenses without depriving them.
So, let’s get started!
1. Keep Your Grocery Bills Down
Planning and adhering to a shopping list is essential to save money on groceries. Plus, making the most of these strategies can lower your grocery bills even more:
Minimize Junk Food
You can find alternatives at the store and a million recipes for healthy snacks on Pinterest. You might go through a gripey period but, they’ll eventually be fine with it, just stick to your guns. You’ll also feel great knowing you’re providing them healthier choices, too.
Shop Alone
Shopping with your children can be a nightmare – everything you don’t want them to have is literally jumping out at them begging to be asked for! lol.
Their power trick is to make enough of a commotion that you give in and buy it to keep all the eyes in the store off of you – lol avoid this at all costs by shopping alone.
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2. Consider Pre-Owned Items
Kids grow so fast, and their clothes may only be used briefly. Instead of buying brand-new clothes and toys, consider purchasing pre-owned items.
Second hand stores have some really great options at lower prices. There are online options, too, like ThredUp (<– click to get $10 to spend). You can sell and buy on ThredUp.
Consider Shopping at Consignment Sales or Thrift Shops
This is another way you can make money and save money. Sell your unwanted items at a consignment shop or thrift store and purchase there, too.
Trade Clothes
I went to a church once that had a “sale” like this. The people who attended all brought clothes to exchange. They set up all the clothes in a room and you got to go in 2 at a time and take what you wanted.
Swapping clothes with other Moms helps you both to save on new clothes.
3. Have a Budget When It Comes To Toys
It can be tempting to splurge on the latest toys, fancy birthday parties, and expensive gifts. But with good planning, you can create memorable moments without breaking the bank.
Ways to Save Money on Toys
Here are some tips for buying toys:
- Shop sales and clearance
- Shop second-hand or consignment stores
Ways to Save Money on Gifts
When it comes to gift giving, you can also save there, too:
- Make gifts
- Shop off-season
- Shop online for deals
- Use coupons or promo codes
- When you find a super good deal with coupons and promo codes buy a couple and make a gift closet, that way when a kid says there’s a party today…. you’re ready.
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4. Take Advantage of Free Activities for Kids
There are plenty of free activities available for kids, such as:
Indoor Activities
Kid’s activities can be expensive, but there are plenty of less expensive and free activities you can do with your kids:
- Go to the library
- Go to the community center – some offer sports, skating, swimming, and more
- Explore museums, galleries, or art exhibits
Get the Kids Outdoors
If your kids love the outdoors, it doesn’t have to be expensive most outdoor activities are free:
- Hiking or bike trails
- Visit local parks
- Attend community events
- Beach day or lake time
As parents, it’s important for us to make sure our children have everything they need, but that doesn’t mean we have to go into debt.
The tips above are a few simple ways you can save money while still giving your kids what they need.
Share your ideas and things you do to save money with your kids in the comments below.
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