Guest post from Liz of The Quick Journey
As a momma to four kiddos and one handsome hubby, I am always on the lookout for ways to stretch our money and still live well. Many people think that giving up the “two-income” lifestyle means that everything else goes with it.
Sure, you’ll probably need to pare down some, but life doesn’t need to be boring and stifling. I have found 5 tried and true ways to save our pennies and still enjoy a good life:
1. Set Goals
It is so important to set goals for your family. When you have goals in place, it makes it easier to save those pennies because you get to dream about the reward at the end of the journey.
Goals also add resolve when things might get tough. Remember, pennies add up to dollars and dollars to hundreds of dollars. So every penny counts toward your family goal!
2. Find Free Family Fun
Instead of spending a lot of money going on expensive family trips, find ways to enjoy each other without spending the money. Some great ways to “stay-cation” would be to gather around a campfire and roast s’mores with the fall season coming up. Or, go to the park for a family picnic.
Then, when you do get to experience a “true” family vacation, it will be well appreciated and the experience will be much sweeter.
3. Eliminate Desires:
It is simple: the less I see, the less I want.
When we transitioned into a one-income family, I had to eliminate desires from our home. That meant eliminating TV so commercials didn’t create the “I want” effect for both my husband, myself, and the kids. The less we saw, the less we wanted things.
I also limit my time on Pinterest and websites that drive my desires. When I go shopping, I avoid those areas that encourage me to spend on things I don’t need.
4. Limit Shopping Trips:
The more I go to the store, the more I buy. Because of this, I only go to the store twice a month to prevent extra buying opportunities.
I also go with a list and stick closely to the list. Not only does this help with “little” purchases here and there, but it saves on gas!
5. Utilize Bargain Shopping:
Aldi has been mentioned here on the blog many times. I love shopping Aldi and reaping the rewards that go along with that!
I also think a great way to purchase products is second-hand. Whether it be thrifting or garage saling, it saves money and still allows the shopper to enjoy “new” items without breaking their budget!
These are simple ways to pinch pennies and not feel too restricted. They have worked great for our family and I hope they work for yours as well!
What would add to my list?
Liz is a stay-at-home, homeschooling momma to four precious kiddos. She finds joy in the little moments and enjoys spending her evenings snuggled up with her handsome “high school sweetheart” hubby. Liz blogs at The Quick Journey where she shares her journey through motherhood.
In a section of my upcoming book, I’m going to be talking about the struggles one can often encounter when trying to build a business.
If you have started a business or tried to start a business, what struggles have you experienced in growing your business? What are the biggest lessons have you learned in the process?
You can leave a comment answering this question or shoot an email with your answers to crystal @ moneysavingmom.com.
As always, any comments left on this post or emails sent in will be considered for publication in my book. If you would prefer to remain anonymous or do not want your comment or email published, please let us know.
Thanks so much!
Health Food Store
3 Grapefruit – $0.89 each
2 (3 lb) bags Gala Apples – $1.99 each
Total with tax: $7.12
Aldi
1 gallon Milk – $2.40
1 carton Half & Half – $1.69
1 Frozen Orange Juice – $1.29
1 dozen Eggs – $1.40
1 loaf Bread – $0.99
1 bag (3 lbs) Frozen Chicken Breasts – $5.99
1 Honey – $5.29
1 can Refried Beans – $0.79
1 Cucumber – $0.69
1 bag Tortilla Chips – $1.19
1 Rice Cakes – $1.29
1 bag Chocolate Chips – $1.59
1 bag Tortillas – $1.19
1 bag Baby Carrots – $0.69
Total with tax: $28.37
Dillons
1 Brawny Paper Towels – $1 each, used 2 $0.55/1 coupon from the 9/7 RedPlum insert – $0.45 each after coupons
1 half gallon Dillons Milk – $1 (I bought Aldi milk before I knew Dillons milk was on sale this week. I hated to pass up such a great price so I went ahead a got a half gallon.)
2 Angel Soft Facial Tissue – $1 each, used 2 $0.50/1 printable - $0.50 each after coupons
2.19 lbs Bananas @ $0.59/lb – $1.29 (PLUS I received $0.25 back from Checkout 51!)
1 Kroger Pineapple Tidbits – $1.09
1 Cottenelle Bath Tissue – $5.99, used $1/1 e-coupon - $4.99 after coupon
2 Kroger Shredded Cheese – $2 each
1 bag Kroger Brown Rice – $1
1 Romaine Lettuce – $0.99
2 Flipz Chocolate Covered Pretzels – $1.25 each, used $1/2 printable - $0.75 each after coupon (PLUS, I received $1 back from Ibotta!)
2 Horizon Mac & Cheese – $1.25 each, used $1/2 coupon from Mambo Sprouts coupon booklet – $0.75 each after coupon
2 Ramen Noodles – $0.20 each
1 Mission Tortillas – $1 (These were such a great price I went ahead a bought a package even though I’d already purchased some at Aldi. They will last a couple of week so I will be using them for next week’s menu as well.)
Total with tax: $22.13
Total for all stores: $57.62 (PLUS $1.25 back in rebate cash!)
Menu Plan for This Week
Breakfasts
Cereal x 2, Scrambled Eggs & Juice x 2, Smoothies, Oatmeal
Lunches
Cheese Quesadillas, Quiche, Mac & Cheese, Apples & Peanut Butter with Carrot Sticks, Peanut Butter & Jelly on Rice Cakes
Dinners
Hawaiian Haystacks, Homemade Applesauce
Leftover Chili from last week’s cooking, 30 Minute Rolls, Veggies
Savory Crescent Chicken Pockets, Steamed Peas, Grapefruit
Salad Bar, Homemade Bread
Homemade Pizza, Tossed Salad
Dinner with friends (we are bringing a salad)
Dinner with family
ALL YOU magazine is on the hunt for America’s Smartest Shopper! Of 834 videos submitted, they’ve chosen the top 10. Now it’s YOUR turn to decide which of the 10 semi-finalists deserve to win the title of America’s Smartest Shopper.
You can vote daily for your favorite shopper at the ALL YOU website here. You’ll also be able to enter to win great daily prizes just for voting! The prizes including gift cards from Netflix, Target, Home Dept, GooglePlay and more.
The three finalists will receive cash prizes and will be flown to New York City to appear on the TODAY show in advance of Black Friday later this fall. The winner will be crowned America’s Smartest Shopper on live television.
