Raising a family and running a household is costly. It makes sense that you want to find ways to live more frugally and keep more money in your pocket and bank account.
It’s possible and worth it to get the whole family involved in saving money and scoping out bargains to help you live well. No matter who you are or how much you make, it always pays to find ways to save money on family expenses. Check out how to cut back spending on family expenses and get your finances back on track.
Entertainment and Fun
You can’t always be hard at work and focusing on your job. It’s important to make time for fun and games with your family. However, entertainment can be expensive if you’re not careful. It’s wise to find ways to have a good time without breaking the bank.
Some ideas include:
- Checking out local community events
- Visiting museums on free days
- Watching free movies in the park
- Attending free festivals or concerts
- Partaking in free community and wellness events
- Keeping birthday parties simple and intimate
Remember, entertainment and having fun doesn’t have to be extravagant and expensive to be memorable and enjoyable.
Libraries and Book Swapping
Your kids likely enjoy reading but buying a lot of books all the time can add up. Consider checking out a book (or two) from the local library. There may also be book swapping stations or a Little Free Library set up in your neighborhood where you can share books for free with those in your area. You may also consider sharing and exchanging popular books with friends.
Focusing on Food Costs
Another important aspect when it comes to having a family is putting food on the table. It can be hard to work all day and grocery shop and cook for your loved ones, all while trying to stick within your budget.
The good news is that there may be opportunities to cut back your expenses and save money on food. It’ll help if you add some structure into your family’s eating habits such as making lists before you head out grocery shopping, meal planning, and determining in advance how often you’ll eat out each week.
Keep in mind many restaurants offer kids under a certain age free food or might do so on your birthday as well. It may help to use cash for grocery shopping so you aren’t tempted to run up the bill.
Clothing and Supplies
When it comes to buying clothing and supplies, waiting for the sales and discounts is crucial if you want to spend less. Watch for coupons and wait to make a purchase until the item is within a price point you can afford. It may help to shop at stores that offer the products you need in bulk too.
Also, don’t be afraid to give secondhand and consignment a chance. If you’re willing to dig a bit you can score some great finds. Save money on family expenses if your kids are involved in sports or extracurricular activities by buying used items. Buying and selling on online marketplaces is also an excellent way to save.
Research Freebies for Families
Take the time to research what freebies for families and freebies for deployed families exist. For instance, there are free days to visit the National Parks (did you know every kid in the fourth grade gets free access to all U.S. National Parks for a year?), rewards programs (or credit cards) to sign up for, freebies or trials that brands offer, and free samples and shipping offers to be on the lookout for.
As for expecting or new moms, you can get a lot of free samples and items on the internet, so don’t assume you need to buy all you need yourself.
Having trouble getting everyone on board with saving? It may help to get your kids involved in the conversation so you’re working as a team. Check out our fun ways and tips for teaching kids about finances and money.
Federally Insured by NCUA | 
Equal Housing Opportunity |