Things You'll Need:
- A mom (a dad is nice too!)
- a child or children
- a family budget
- ideas for cheap (or free) family fun (some are in this article)
- ways to save money (this article is a good starting point)
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Step 1
Think of things you can do yourself rather than hire someone else to do it, or rather than buying it already made, to save big bucks fairly quickly.
Here are some ideas to get you started (pick and choose the ones right for you):
*CUT your kid's hair yourself (your spouse's and your own too,if you are that brave)
*COLOR your own hair if you want it colored, and feel confident in doing it yourself.
*SEW clothes for the children and yourself, maybe even your spouse, if you can sew well.
Children just need simple clothing, so even if you can't sew much more than a straight line, there are many super easy patterns out there for beginning sewers.
*Check out the Dollar stores~~~ They have incredibly nice gift items as well as everyday items for a dollar each. This is a great place to buy so many things, and some are at deep discounts! Check it out for yourself!
*GIVE HANDMADE GIFTS to friends and family for Christmas or birthdays. Knit or crochet a throw or a scarf, bake cookies, brownies, or some other delicious treat and give in a festive tin, or make a personalized gift basket.
You could also make your own gifts with many other crafting skills. A visit to a large craft and hobby store will inspire creative juices very nicely.
*GROW your own garden fruits and vegetables.
*MOW your own lawn, or get the kids to do it.
*CLEAN your own house (get help from the kids on this one too.)
*WASH your own car(s).
*GIVE yourself your own manicures and pedicures.
*BAKE your own bread and/or your own desserts and baked goods rather than buying pre-made, or frozen or from the grocer's bakery, which usually costs considerably more. Make your own soups, salad dressings, and meals from scratch when possible.
*WASH all your own laundry~~ buy easy care clothing, and skip the dry cleaners and their high costs.
*MAKE your own greeting cards with card stock and some nice stamps, glitter, embossing supplies, etc. Invest in a few of these items in the beginning, and the savings will add up over time. -
Step 2
Look for unexpected or forgotten ways to save money. Here are some ideas:
*RE-USE bath towels after showering or bathing, (each person re-using their own towel of course, once or twice~~ after all, you are supposed to be clean when you used it...!) before throwing in the dirty laundry pile.
* Keep house temperature set at level that is not too warm or too cool, just enough to stay comfortable.
* Turn off lights and computers and TVs when not in use.
* Open the freezer and fridge door only when necessary, for a minimum amount of time, not to stare at it 20 times a day (kids do this often).
* Run the dishwasher or clothes washer with full loads only.
* While driving around town, do multiple errands, saving gas. Also, share rides when possible.
* Try to plan meals so that there is only enough left over to actually get eaten, before it spoils and must be thrown out.
*Give your younger children the best quality hand-me-downs from the older children (but draw the line at shoes, and underwear). Note: Be sure you do get them some of their own brand new, never-worn clothing as well, to avoid resentment and angst of your younger child.
*Make your own large pitchers of drinks such as iced tea or lemonade, and keep in the fridge, rather than pricey individual drinks.
*Clip and use coupons whenever possible, for anything you can.
* Always check the clearance racks first at clothing and shoe stores, and buy clothes in off-season. Try to get in the habit of buying clothing, shoes, and jewelry on sale at least 75 percent of the time.
*Frequent the discount stores and outlet malls, where the prices are lower than regular retail.
*Use things up and wear them out before tossing~~ this saves tons of money. If something tears or breaks, repair with glue, or fix if possible. Don't throw away if you can fix it.
*Only wear full make-up when you are going out of the house or expecting company, since it runs out pretty fast if used daily, and is expensive to replace. -
Step 3
Here are some family entertainment money saving ideas, and the larger the family, the more these will help you save money!
*Use the library to borrow and read books rather than buying them outright. If you must buy, go to a discount bookstore or website and buy used in excellent condition, which is much less costly than new.
*Rent movies rather than buy them, or borrow from friends that own them (Be sure to give them back!). If you must own it, buy it at a discount.
*Go to the movie theater at the discount times rather than full price showtimes.
*Eat at nicer restaurants during their lunch discount times.
*Use the dollar menu at the fast-food restaurants.
*Go to theme parks and zoos on discounted days, or with discounted coupons.
*Search out free museums and activities (such as fireworks on the Fourth of July) or free outdoor concerts, petting zoos, historical sites, or places to see, either at home, or while traveling around on a family vacation.
There are always some interesting places and things to do and see for free or a minimal fee. Go online to search your city or area for ideas, or ask long time natives of the area about some places they would recommend. -
Step 4
Of course, there are many other ways to save money on a budget that are not listed above.
Keep looking for ways to spend less in your daily routine that you can live with, and it will be easier to keep the budget under control while still having lots of family fun in the process!
