Money…
Its not a subject that many SAHM Bloggers talk about! Its an incredible sacrifice to become a one-income family, especially if you originally planned to be a two-income family! However, you do what you have to do and make it work.
Since we are on a mission to do better with our money I will share our tips on what we are doing or have done to save money…
Early Date Nights…
If you go out earlier (if you have a sitter) you can catch Happy Hour prices or Half Off Appetizers prices (this is also available for late night dining). Also there are many restaurants that now have Happy Hour prices available on Saturdays (take advantage of them)!
Check out the first movie of the day they are usually priced at a discounted rate. Some movie theaters also have days that you can see any movie for discounted rates (our day is Monday)…check with your local theaters.
Use What You Have…
My husband and I went through stuff we had to see what we have and what we needed. For example I went through my hair products and the products that we have from Darricks job and honestly I didnt need ANYTHING!!! I had a ton of shampoo, conditioner, and much more…granted they arent my absolute favorites but they are getting the job done. Why go buy more when you have some that already works!
Same with food…there are recipe sites (if you run out of ideas) that you can put your ingredients in and it will give you a recipe. And hey…we all know Pinterest is AWESOME for recipes and ideas!!!
COUPONS, COUPONS, COUPONS!!!
I cant say it enough…use coupons! Now everyone isn’t an extreme couponer, however, every little bit counts. Use double coupons in the grocery store if they let you! Also planning out your trips to the store helps you stay on budget, from clothing stores to grocery stores plan it out!! I also sort my coupons based on the stores I go to and put them in a labeled envelope (ex. Enveloped labeled Target-has a list of items I need at that store and coupons based on that store only), this was Darrick’s idea (GO HUBBY)!!! Also, pay attention to sales ads when you are planning your trips to the stores, usually Darrick goes through the ads and I write the list and gather coupons!
Check Online Coupons too!!!
Clearance Racks
Always check Clearance Racks for items that have a long shelf life! There are MANY times we have gotten diapers on clearance because the packaging is changing…nothing else just the package! And use those coupons on clearance items! Some of bigger stores (Walmart, Target) you can use coupons on clearance items!
Carpool…
When it is possible take one car! If you know you are going to be out and about all day until your husband gets off work, ask him if its okay to drop him off at work. And by the time you are done with your day it will be time to pick him up! Or if you have Mommy events and there are other Mommies in the area, ride together…pack those kiddies up (as long as all the car seats and seat-belts are available) and go together! Same as family events…if you can ride together go for it!
Blogger Events…
Signing up for Blogging Events has helped me tremendously!!! I have been able to take Emma to events like the Barnum and Bailey Circus for free! All I had to pay for was parking! This gives me a chance to expose Emma to different things but at a discounted rate or for free! Network with companies, they are looking for Mommy reviewers…and they usually willing to help you out in return!
Buying in Bulk…
Every couple of months or so Darrick and I stock up on everything we can in bulk! We are BJ Wholesale Club shoppers and this is due to them carrying the Pampers and Huggies brands! At BJ’s we are able to use their store coupons along with manufacture coupons! We primarily buy Emma’s Lactaid from there because its the only place that sells the gallon for less than $5! So we usually stock up on 5-6 at a time, we also buy bottled water from there because we always have some with us (probably could save more by using water bottles…hmmm there’s a new idea)! And we stock up on some of our paper products and food! And I even catch some of my spices there so I just refill the smaller bottles!!!
If you don’t shop in bulk…you should check it out!!! Im partial to BJ’s but another one work better for you and your family!!!
Blogger Events…
Signing up for Blogging Events has helped me tremendously!!! I have been able to take Emma to events like the Barnum and Bailey Circus for free! All I had to pay for was parking! This gives me a chance to expose Emma to different things but at a discounted rate or for free! Network with companies, they are looking for Mommy reviewers…and they usually willing to help you out in return!
Buying in Bulk…
Every couple of months or so Darrick and I stock up on everything we can in bulk! We are BJ Wholesale Club shoppers and this is due to them carrying the Pampers and Huggies brands! At BJ’s we are able to use their store coupons along with manufacture coupons! We primarily buy Emma’s Lactaid from there because its the only place that sells the gallon for less than $5! So we usually stock up on 5-6 at a time, we also buy bottled water from there because we always have some with us (probably could save more by using water bottles…hmmm there’s a new idea)! And we stock up on some of our paper products and food! And I even catch some of my spices there so I just refill the smaller bottles!!!
If you don’t shop in bulk…you should check it out!!! Im partial to BJ’s but another one work better for you and your family!!!
What have you done as a SAHM to save money?
Or what tips can you give on how to use your funds more wisely?
I am not ashamed to admit that I am still learning this whole SAHM process!!!
