20 Simple Tips on Saving Money While Still Enjoying Your Life

Moms live busy lives, and sometimes we thrive on convenience. Those conveniences, however, cost a lot of money – money we could use elsewhere. Not to get all drab and boring, but we can’t forget about the reasons to save money – emergencies and retirement. Let’s be honest, saving money while still enjoying your life can be tiresome when you first get started.

Even if retirement seems eons away and you feel pretty lucky that you haven’t had any ‘true emergencies’ yet, you should always be prepared.

If you’re like most people, the thought of saving money makes you squirm. To you, it means sacrificing, giving things up, and not having fun.

What if it were easier to save than you thought? What if you could save money and live better?

It’s possible, and here are 20 ways to learn how.

1. Swap Clothes

Kids grow so fast, find a friend or two with kids a size above your kids, and trade clothing when your kids outgrow them. It’s a great way to get your kid’s new clothing without spending money.

2. Buy Generic Food

We all go for the brand-name because we recognize the label. Generic food (or shopping at Aldi) is the same food, just in a different brand. Why pay for fancy packaging when you could get the same food at a lower price?

3. Have a Meatless Day

Meatless Monday is trending and not because everyone is going vegan. It’s a great way to cut the grocery bill down. Have fun with it and try new recipes – there are plenty of ways to get protein without eating meat. Eggs and beans are in thousands of meatless recipes, and it’s a great way to live better.

4. Pack lunches

If your kids go to school, pack their lunches. Not only is it healthier, but you can also save money every week. Pack leftovers from the night before or make ‘fun’ lunches, so they don’t feel like they’re ‘missing out’ with school lunch.

5. Meal plan

Make a meal plan weekly or monthly using the ingredients you have on hand (shop at home first). Then choose recipes from the ingredients on sale that week. This limits the food you buy at regular price and may even limit how much food you buy since you’ll use up what’s at home first.

6. Don’t grocery shop when you’re hungry or bored

You’re much more likely to overspend and/or buy things you don’t need. Shop when you’re focused on your list and not hungry. You’ll buy less and stay healthier, allowing you to live better.

7. Sign up for Ebates or Swagbucks

If you shop online (or even in-store), download Ebates or Swagbucks and earn cash back for your purchases. This could potentially put cash back in your pockets. If you shop in person, don’t forget to save the offers and follow the instructions to earn your cashback.

8. Use GasBuddy to save on gas

If you’re always driving the kids to activities or drive far to see family, use the GasBuddy app to see who has the cheapest gas on your routes. Even if you don’t drive a lot, some gas stations charge much less than others.

9. Trade services with friends

Need a babysitter for a day? Trade service with a friend. Maybe you cook them dinner or babysit for her another day. Babysitting rates are high, so it’s worth finding a friend willing to do this to save money.

10. Look for coupons before you shop

Before you make big purchases, look for coupons online. Check out sites like RetailMeNot or the actual store’s website for reputable coupons.

11. Make your own coffee

I know, Starbucks is trendy and DELICIOUS, but it’s not worth the money. Learn to make your own lattes or fancy coffees at home for a fraction of the price.

12. Cut the cord

Kids need TV, and so do you, but don’t overpay for it. Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu are a fraction of cable’s price and may even have better shows. Binge-watching is only possible with a streaming service, after all!

13. Pay yourself first

Set up automatic transfers to your savings account each month. Even if it’s only $50 – every dollar adds up. Before you know it, you’ll have a rainy day fund, gift fund, or emergency fund available.

14. Get rid of ‘salesy’ emails

If you are tempted by every sales email or Facebook post with the ‘hottest deals,’ ditch them. You’re likely spending unnecessary money. Stick to what you need, and a frill here and there, but not an impulse buy, and you’ll live better.

15. Stop using the dryer

Do laundry when you know you have time to hang dry the clothing. Not only will you avoid shrinking the clothes and creating those annoying balls on the fabric, but you’ll save money on energy costs.

16. Use the library

Reading is excellent – please encourage it, but you don’t have to spend money on books. Use the library – the options are limitless there. If you want to ‘own’ the books, consider swapping with a friend or shopping discount bookstores.

17. Join loyalty clubs at restaurants

If you enjoy eating out, join loyalty clubs at your favorite spots, so you hear about deals or eat only on ‘Kids Eat Free’ nights.

18. Stick to discount stores

If you don’t have time for coupons and cashback apps, shop discount stores like TJMaxx, Marshalls, and Burlington for deals.

19. Stay out of debt

Don’t buy it if you don’t have the cash for it. Credit card interest only eats at your budget and becomes a never-ending cycle. If you want something and don’t have the money, save for it.

20. Watch YouTube or Pinterest

Don’t pay for expensive repairs when you could learn most things online today. YouTube and Pinterest are great for DIYers.

It’s not hard for moms to save money! Make a few simple changes in your lifestyle, and you’ll be amazed at how much you save, and it won’t feel like sacrificing. Check out your favorites and keep adding to the list until you’re saving more money than you thought possible.

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Mompreneur Danielle