SAHM's How do you cut corners?

Question

What are some unusual ideas for saving money staying at home with your kids? Not the usual "cut your phone services down" type of stuff- something new and different please!

Answer 1

Two things come to mind right off the bat...join a Moms club, they offer great resources for friendship and they usually have babysitting co-ops, which will save you money. You can trade babysitting with other couples for date nights with your husband. Also, join a free-cycle group in your area. It is an amazing resource!!!!

Answer 2

There are the "tried and true" like shop second hand (but I find that is usually just as cheap or more expensive as what I am going to say) or dollar stores...or a few more of the regular things but I am super cheap. Here is what I would suggest.
1. learn how to cook from "scratch". This will cut down on your grocery bill tones. Invest in a few books that teach you how if you don't know. One that is wonderful is the "make a Mix" series. It is by three ladies and it is out of print but you can ususally pick it up on EBAY or at a second hand store. (Eliason, Harward & Westover)
2. Shop lots of sales. Places like The Real Canadian Superstore (Lablaws) have really good sales when it is off season. Be willing to look at the sale racks. I get my boys pants and shirts for about $2 a piece (that is better than Value Village!)
3. Look for places that will subsidise you. If you have a YMCA membership they will pay for some of your fees...things like that. If you ask they will do it.
4. Don't be afraid to be a coupon cutter.
5. Don't see something that you want or you want a sale? Ask. Often there are sales that aren't advertised or are in the back.
6. Places like farms will give away their produce that is misshapen or slightly large/small. You just have to ask.
7. Be willing to work. If you want something for free it is usually done by working (like the farmers...).
That is all I can think of right now but basically it comes down to...Are you willing to be cheap?

Answer 3

well, eating out drains you. You know when you pick the kids up from school and then go shopping.. or when you run to the city.. or you are so hungry and the kids are grumpy.. Well that costs you 10-15 dollars per trip and that is for only one adult and one child. So here's what I do. I go to Costco. I can get a box of mini pizza's or waffles or frozen torlillas or any quick snack or meal. One box costs the price of one drive through...! and in that box is up to 15-30 meals (per person)


I shop for thrift store clothes (I pick out really new looking ones that no one would guess that are second hand). Also I am appreciative of hand me downs. I have been told that I keep getting them because I am so appreciative. I don't use the ones that look worn or not in style. Then with the money I saved, we go and get a few nice new clothes and have money for outings.. such as movies or swimming

dollar stores and garage sales

one tip that I have gotten away from... but REALLY helps alot with saving is this: NEVER buy anything that is not on your list. If you are in the store and you see something you need reallly bad, don't buy it. Write it down on the side of your list and when you get home, put it on your new shopping list. If I want to do some implusive spending.. I will put on my list $5 for kids each or $15 impulsive spending... at the bottom of my list. If you only buy what is on your list... you also cut down ALOT.

Answer 4

We buy our kids clothes from consignment shops and outlet stores, hit the sales and clearance racks. We also clip coupons and do our grocery shopping at 3 different stores. We have date night at home and only go out about once a month or less. Also, if we have something we want to get rid of, we try selling it on e-bay before we do anything else with it. Usually that'll give us a couple extra bucks.

Answer 5

Are the kids in yer family close? Meaning: when my 9 year old boy is done with his clothes the 7 year old gets it(also a boy). Check with family members who have kids near yers hand me downs sometimes arent that bad. Then when Spring gets here check,plan,map,and finally go to a HUGE group of yard sales and look for the bargins. If something doesnt look right for the price they offer haggle it down.Also check the used shops like Goodwill they got days where there are discounts. As for food Check to see if you have a local bent and dent store. Foods still good but because its no longer perfect for the major chains it gets sold there just watch expiration dates. Thatz where I usually go for my diapers pullups and sometimes the brand of shampoo or dish soap I like is discounted.

Answer 6

Buy mostly items on sale at the market or replace some brand names for generic. For example, there is no difference between Birdseye Frozen broccoli and the store brand but the price.

Answer 7

I do not go out and eat.......Go to the dollar store for cleaning things cause it is cheaper than wal-mart.
I do not go to a big grocery store either, i stick with save-a-lot.

Answer 8

Shop on ebay - you can get kids clothes, toys, and books in lots :)