Any advice about how to save money as a stay at home mom? We're living on one income and have one child. We are having trouble making ends meet. Thanks.
2006-12-27 13:27:24 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
As a stay at home mom, of one... living on one income, I feel your pain!
There are tons of options out there! These are just a few ideas, to get you started.
Start a monthly budget, if you don't have one yet. This should help you figure out how much money you have, and where it needs to go. :)
Keep track of what you spend! If you go out to eat more than once a week, try to cut back. My family has one 'treat' night, so I get a night off. :D
Decide what you can live without! If you're paying a ton on cable or sattelite, maybe you could cut back. There are plenty of options out there that make the 'movie' stations downright obsolete.
If you've got more than one car, I would get rid of one. Lord knows insurance can be a ton.
If you're in an apartment, see about moving to a slightly more economic apartment complex. I'm not talking in the ghetto, just more cost effective. Sometimes 'private' landlords are cheaper, and much better at addressing issues.
Join your local Freecycle! When ya need stuff, this can be SERIOUSLY helpful! I've gotten furniture, clothes, toys, you name it! I've also given quite a bit of clutter away!
If you want, e-mail me, and I would be happy to help you 'evaluate' your financial standing, and I might be able to find more options for ya. :)
I've always lived on a TIGHT budget, and I know it can be hard to make it some months, but... where there's a will, there's a way. :)
2006-12-27 14:03:23 · answer #1 · answered by reikagoth 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
plan your meals ahead of time and make a list of groceries from that, only buy that food
if you are breastfeeding, keep doing that-less chance of ear infections (medical bills) and don't have to buy formula
cloth diaper-just google cloth diapers and you'll see how easy it is, average savings for the first child is $2000!
don't eat out, it's just a waste
have your husband pack his lunches, use leftovers from dinner
babysit, tax free money!
find a work at home job, even if it's a few hours a week-I know how to sew, so when I lived on base I sewed patches for a few dollars here and there.
2006-12-27 14:06:56 · answer #2 · answered by me 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
do not eat out
eat fresh food, not packaged.
eat what is in season.
food is a very elastic part of the budget.
you could move to a cheaper place.
you could give up your car if your family has two.
reduce heat/air and utilities.
don't buy things like clothes and books etc.
do not shop. live with what you have.
do babysitting for other kids in your home to make extra $$
2006-12-27 13:32:00 · answer #3 · answered by Sufi 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Coupons, cutback on luxuries, shopping sales, yard sales or thrift stores. There's many places where you can save money but you do have to know how to control spending I recommend paying cash (or debit) for everything credit just increases your debt when you're tight on money.
2006-12-27 13:34:15 · answer #4 · answered by MELISA 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do child care for others at your home. It pays well and your kid gets to have playmates.
2006-12-27 13:29:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋