As your family continues to grow, so do your everyday expenses. From groceries to entertainment it can start to add up. Here are some tips to keep some of that money inside your wallet.
1. Use Cash Back Apps
These apps help you to earn rewards when you make a purchase. These rewards usually consist of cash or gift cards. Some apps let you earn cash right in-store, others allow you to receive it online. Cashback apps are a convenient way to make extra cash right from your phone.
Here are some of the different types of apps to look into:
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Ibotta
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Fetch Rewards
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Rakuten
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Dosh
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CoinOut
2. Plan Your Grocery Meals Around Deals
Before making meals for the week, do some preparation. This can save you money and time later in the week. Research and figure out the upcoming deals at your local grocery store. Look into couponing sites, such as The Krazy Coupon Lady. Also, use online sites such as My Grocery Deals to compare prices across multiple stores.
Here are some other grocery store comparison apps you might want to download:
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Basket
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Flipp
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Grocery King
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Grocery Pal
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Instacart
3. Order Online
Ordering groceries online can help to curb any impulse buys. If you get the groceries delivered, it can save you time within your busy schedule. It can also save you money on gas.
If you’re planning to shop online, here are some tips to keep in mind:
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Order early
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Know how the store or app works
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Choose preferred replacements
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Keep your phone handy
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Get to know your shopper
4. Cook at Home
Cooking meals at home can reduce the cost of dining out. It can also be healthier for your family. The dinners you eat out often contain higher levels of salt and fat.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some healthy family meals to consider trying out:
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Raspberry salmon
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Make-your-own tacos
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Ravioli alfredo
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Poached chicken with vegetables and herbs
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Penne with vodka sauce and mini meatballs
Also, when you cook, you can make just the right portion size for your family. You can also customize the meal to your child’s taste preferences. This will help prevent you from overspending on a dinner your kids only eat half of.
Cooking does require some meal preparation. Try to plan out your meals at the beginning of the week to save yourself some stress. If you’re close with your neighbors, consider creating a cooking group. Have each family cook for the group one night a week. This way, you have a few nights off from preparing food.
3. Stock up on Birthday Gifts
Toys usually go on sale at the beginning of the year. So, take advantage of this to stock up on various birthday gifts. Then, throughout the year, be on the lookout for any deals and add these presents to your stockpile.
Then when it’s time for the birthday party you can save money by shopping right from your house. Also, life can get busy. Having stored gifts ensures you’re always prepared.
You may even want to consider having your kid’s handwrite cards. It saves you money and makes the card even more special. Making cards gives your kids a fun arts and crafts project to do.
4. Become Self Insured
A self-insured plan is when employers set aside money for the fixed costs. These costs usually include administrative fees and stop loss premiums. So, the employers are paying for health care issues as they arise.
The stop-loss insurance reimburses the employer for any claims above the predetermined level. This helps save costs. Self-insured also allows significant savings for years with low claims.
5. Cut Your Cable Bill
Your cable bill can take up a significant portion of your monthly bills. There are so many streaming sites available. You can easily find all your family’s favorite movies and tv shows. First, you will need to purchase a streaming device, such as an Amazon Firestick. Then decide which tv subscriptions you want to add to your device.
Here are some streaming platforms to consider:
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Hulu
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Netflix
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Peacock
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Disney Plus
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HBO Max
6. Shop During the Off-Season
As your child begins to outgrow certain clothes, your bills can start adding up. In 2018, people spent up to $50 per month online shopping for clothes and accessories.
To help get the best deals, shop in August for next summer’s garments and the end of February for next winter. Purchasing items during the off-season allows you to beat the seasonal rush. You can then enjoy your summer with less stress.
7. Plan Out Your Travel
Traveling on the weekend can be more costly than during the week. Although, Wednesday tends to be the most cost-efficient day. So, keep these dates in mind when booking your trip. It will save you money on tickets and make for a less crowded flight.
Another thing to consider is booking your flights early. Start planning family trips as soon as you know your kid’s school schedule. This can help you secure better deals. To find even more savings consider using Groupon.
To reduce costs on hotels, consider doing a home swap. This when two parties temporarily exchange homes. A home swap can cut costs and allow you to live like a local. Online websites, such as Home Exchange can help match you with the right family.
How to Save Money for Your Family
With prices on the rise, saving is essential now more than ever. There are multiple daily expenses to consider, from groceries to clothing. Follow these tips to help put some cashback in your wallet!
