Whether you’re new to saving or just want to find more ways to whittle down your budget there’s always something new to learn.
If you’re looking for savings tips to kick off the New Year with a bang here are seventeen ways for moms to save money. I’m sure not everything on this list will appeal to you but hopefully you’ll walk away with at least a couple new savings ideas.
Stop and Think Before You Buy
Instead of mindlessly throwing items in your shopping cart, stop and think before you buy something. It sounds simple but this one trick can save you thousands of dollars per year.
Track Your Spending
If you’ve never tracked your spending, I promise, this exercise will blow your mind! Start tracking your expenses very closely and you’re going to see little places where money seems to fall through the cracks.
The last time I tracked my expenses for thirty days I was completely surprised where some of my money was going. (And how seemingly small purchases were making a big impact on the budget.)
Leave Your Money at Home
If you’re going to the park, library, or even tagging along on a shopping trip, leave your money at home. If you don’t have your money with you, you can’t spend it.
Automate Your Savings
Don’t leave saving money up to willpower. The truth is nobody has willpower. Those who are successful savers do it automatically.
Create a Weekly Menu Plan
Planning out your family’s meals for the week can save you time and money. Start by making a list of your family’s favorite meals and then rotate them.
Buy Off Brands
Off brand items are often identical to the big name brands. (Especially when it comes to things like medicine.) Swap out your name brand products for off brands to see some quick savings.
Use a Budget Binder to Track Your Overall Financial Picture
Use a budget binder to keep track of your finances. Or if you prefer to go digital use an app like Personal Capital or You Need a Budget.
Buy Clothes Secondhand
Buy clothes secondhand from a place like Thredup.com (my favorite,) a local consignment shop or thrift shop. You can find high quality clothes for such a bargain if you’re willing to buy used.
Visit the Library for Free Entertainment
There are so many amazing resources available at the library. Beyond just checking out books (which my kids love to do) see what kind of programs and events you can get your kids into for free.
Cook from Scratch
Cooking from scratch used to intimidate me so much that I didn’t even want to give it a try! Now that I’ve been at it for a while it’s become very easy. Stop buying as many processed foods and ease your way into cooking from scratch. You’ll save money and your food will taste much better.
Grow a Garden
There are many ways that living a more self-sufficient lifestyle will save you money. Gardening is one of those ways. (And probably the easiest.)
Can Fruits and Vegetables
If you get a good yield from your garden can the excess so that you can save on food costs all year long.
Start Your Christmas Saving and Shopping Early
If Christmas is one of the events that throws you for a loop each year make this Christmas different. Start saving money now and buy items all year long as you see good deals. (Just be sure to diligently track what you spend so that you don’t go over budget!)
Stock Up On Extra School Supplies During Back to School Sales
It’s inevitable – halfway through the year kids have used up most of their school supplies and you have to go and purchase new things at full price. This year buy enough extra supplies to make it all the way through the year.
Maintain Your Possessions
Yes. Take care of what you have. Don’t skimp on maintenance (especially on big things like vehicles) or push it off.
Take good care of the possessions that you already have so that they last longer.
Buy Quality When You Do Buy
If you need to purchase something go for quality. I had to learn this lesson the hard way. Buying cheaper might make you think that you’re saving more money but it’s really costing you in the long run.
(You can find quality secondhand.)
Most Important – Just Don’t Buy It
The thing that’s going to bring you the most savings is to simply not buy what you don’t need.
What other tips would you add to the list?
Alexa Mason is a freelance writer and wanna be internet entrepreneur. She is also a newly single mom to two beautiful little girls. She chronicles her journey as a single mom trying to make it big at www.singlemomsincome.com.