Saving money at the grocery store is most likely your best bet when you are trying to budget especially for those with children. Do not go without coupons because it’s just too easy to use them and you save tons of money. Two websites that are full of coupons are coupons.com and another favorite is The Krazy Coupon Lady. She has a great blog as well as a huge database of coupons just about anything you are looking for. Another thing that is helpful is eating at home. You wouldn’t believe how much money you spend eating out. Try cooking every night to break it up and make it a little more fun. There are millions of websites that offer great recipes. Do a Google search and you will find so many and it will save you money each week.
If you do like to eat out, try these tips. Avoid alcohol beverages, they will increase your bill to a massive amount. Watch the appetizers and desserts as well. Ask your waitress before ordering about their specials. Go to lunch instead; the lunch menus are always cheaper. You get the same food for a lesser price. Check early bird specials or late night discounts. When you go with your children you can go places that offer free kids meals with a paying adult. Look for coupons for restaurants online as well.
Before buying clothes for your children check the internet for deals, coupon codes and sales. If you like shopping online there are coupons for everything. Join Ebates at it’s free to join and as a matter of fact you get a $10 gift card just for joining. Each month they send you a check for a percentage of what you spent. You can also save on clothes for your kids by going to consignment shops. They usually have great clothes that have hardly been worn.
Furniture is the same way. Go to Goodwill or hand me downs. If it looks rough put a coat of paint on it and it will look brand new again. You may like new furniture and you may feel like you are cheating your child out of new furniture. Your family and children won’t notice and friends and family members will be impressed by your craftiness and your thriftiness.
Go to discount stores for decorating your home or children’s rooms. Many times you can find great home decorations at the discount stores. Get ideas from department stores, websites or anyplace advertising decorations and recreate the look with items from thrift stores and discount stores.
Want to take the kids to a movie? Go to the matinée if there is one. Many times theaters have deals where if you buy certain size popcorn and drinks you can get free refills. Take baggies to put each child popcorn in and take the bucket back for refills. Drinks you can do the same thing. Some theaters offer courtesy cups for just this reason. Check with theater to make sure they don’t have a policy against it. Want discount tickets? Buy the Entertainer coupon books for your area. They always have great coupons. Search “entertainment coupon book.
Lots of tips and ideas, be sure to leave comments, questions or additions.