Tips Every Frugal Mama Needs to Know RIGHT NOW Nathania, July 16, 2023August 28, 2023 Raising children is undoubtedly expensive, but with some practical tips and a frugal mindset, parents can provide for their children’s needs while also saving money for the future. Create a Budget and Stick to Your PlanWhen I first started making my big girl money, I did not use any budget. I would just mindlessly double-click for Apple Pay and then check my account at the end of the week to see $137.98 after just having over $1,000 a couple of days ago. It was truly horrendous. A couple of months ago, I decided that I wanted to buy my first home by December 2024. This gave my anxious mind a goal to hyper-focus on, which in turn gave me the vision I needed to better manage my money. The first step was creating a budget. Initially, I made a full budget plan in Excel, but I would forget to update it daily. Then I started updating my Good Notes calendar on my iPad, but I needed a paper version. So I started the cash envelope system, and that was the best thing for me. I decided how much I would put towards my new home and then allocated the remaining funds to categories like apartment expenses, groceries, entertainment, parenting costs, etc. When I made my budget, I realized how wasteful I truly had been with my money, and realized areas I could cut back in to make better choices. Shop SmarterWhen it comes to shopping for your family, there are tons of ways to save money.You can buy generic store brands. The majority of the time, they’re the exact same quality at a lower cost. For example, Dollar Tree’s scent boosters are Downy’s scent beads that didn’t form as a full circle! Save that money and wash with those semi-circles that get the exact same result. Using coupons and cashback apps can also make a major difference in the amount of money you spend on groceries and other random necessities like clothes, diapers, blankets, etc. I personally love honey, but I don’t think it’s much different from any other cashback and couponing app. Shopping Sales and Clearance is a very basic level frugal tip. Shop winter clothes in the summer and vice versa. Stack up your pool supplies in the fall and stock up on non-perishables when prices are low.Buy Secondhand when and if you can. Consider buying gently used clothing, toys, and baby gear from thrift stores, online marketplaces, or consignment shops. I, personally, am not a huge fan of doing this because my anxiety would just run rampant. But, if you don’t mind it, go for it!Photo by Jack Sparrow – pexels.comMeal Planning and Cooking at HomeEating out can be expensive, and it’s usually not as healthy as home-cooked meals. Plan your meals, create shopping lists, and cook at home as much as possible. This not only saves money but also promotes healthier eating habits for you and your family.Admittedly, this is something I struggle with sometimes. There are weeks when I am great about meal prepping and setting things up where we eat home-cooked meals consistently. Then, there are some weeks when I order out 3x. The point is to try your best to avoid spending more money on food in whatever way works for you. DIY and RepurposeTap into your creative side and tackle do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Whether it’s sewing, home repairs, or crafting, embracing DIY can save a substantial amount of money. Also, consider repurposing items you already have to serve new purposes.Education and Entertainment on a BudgetProviding quality education and entertainment really and truly can break the bank. Childcare is damn near a frigging mortgage! Here are some things that can help stretch the education and entertainment budget.Utilizing Public Libraries and taking advantage of free access to books, movies, and other educational resources. Exploring Free Activities in your neighborhood, like outdoor movie picnics, music festivals, art classes, etc., are great experiences for your little ones to learn more about the world around them in an authentic way. Sharing childcare with friends and family to reduce the overall cost is a great way to save money. If you have other parents in your village that you trust and can depend on, consider going this route. Some people also negotiate for flexible or remote work to minimize the need for daycare altogether. Photo by cottonbro studio – pexels.comSave and Invest WiselyAllocate a portion of your income to savings and investments, even if it’s a modest amount. Take advantage of tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans for education and IRAs for retirement. It doesn’t matter if you feel like it’s too late to build any real wealth in this way. Still do it. Just get started and be consistent. All in AllFrugal parenting is about finding a balance between providing for your children’s needs and securing your family’s financial future. It involves careful planning, smart shopping, and prioritizing experiences over material possessions. By embracing these money-saving strategies, parents can navigate the challenges of raising children while building a stable and prosperous future for their families. In doing so, they not only set a positive example for their children but also create a more financially secure and fulfilling life for themselves. Motherhood