Finding clever ways to stretch the family budget allows for fun activities without breaking the bank. The Web site www.miserlymoms.com contains a wealth of ideas for how to make frugality a lifestyle for the entire family. Here are some of the site's tips that over time will help you and your family save money without sacrificing the things that are most important to you.
Family Time
Some of a family's most enjoyable experiences are the ones that cost little or nothing. Look for inexpensive and interesting activities such as:
♦ Take a hike through a park and watch the sunset. Take a loaf of bread and feed the
ducks or pick wildflowers to bring home. Press the flowers and use in bookmarks or gift cards.
♦ Look for free tours at interesting places such as factories and museums. You'll have fun while you learn. Find children's museums or centers with interactive displays. Many are educational (but the kids still have fun).
♦ Have a contest for the kids - let them be creative. Try an egg-drop contest, in which you build something that keeps a raw egg from breaking when dropped.
Family Vacation
Traveling is a great way to spend time with the family and create memories that will last a lifetime, but it doesn't need to be expensive.
♦ Find hotels with free airport pick-up. This can save you $100 per person. Utilize any complimentary breakfasts or happy hours with hors d'oeuvres.
♦ Ask the local hotel for local attraction deals. Ask if the local grocery store chains are offering any 2-for-1 coupons.
♦ Instead of emptying your wallet to fill your tank, use a rebate credit card to earn rewards or save money.
Family Meals
Often we are so busy we end up eating out or buying convenience foods, which can be costly and unhealthy. Cut your grocery bill by changing how you shop and cook. Here are some simple changes that can save you money:
♦ Limit your use of coupons. Coupons usually apply to name-brand items - which cost more than lesser-known brands - and convenience foods. Use a coupon if the item is on sale - or you were planning to buy that brand anyway.
♦ Plan your weekly menu around the sale items on the grocery fliers. This one step can trim 35 percent off your grocery expenditures.
♦ Cook several meals at once and freeze them. Batching reduces your tendency to eat out when you're busy, and will save preparation time and money when you buy groceries in bulk.
These simple solutions will help you enjoy huge savings. As you try out these tips, you'll find that you can still have a blast as a family while staying on a budget.
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