Struggling to keep family expenses in check? With the cost of necessities like groceries and other household expenses on the rise, you’ll need a plan in place for saving money on the things you use most while still making sure your kids have everything they need for both school and their extracurriculars. Here are five easy cost-cutting strategies to help you spend less on everything from school lunches to soccer uniforms, and more.
1. Create weekly meal plans and use cash-back apps
It’s easy to be tempted to swing past the drive-through to grab dinner. But you can trim big bucks from your family’s food bills—and eat healthier—by consulting weekly grocery store flyers and planning meals based on what’s on sale.
Your smartphone can be a great tool here. There are apps that allow you to browse sales or coupon offerings at multiple stores so you can score the best deals. We also recommend shopping with a list so you don’t load your cart with items that you don’t need–especially pricy prepared foods. Look for apps that let you scan your receipts to earn cash-back points in your account whether you’re shopping at the grocery store or online.
Read more: Learn how to manage your family’s spending
2. Get thrifty with second-hand shopping
From baby onesies and school supplies to sports gear and musical instruments, outfitting your children with everything they need adds up fast. If your kids play after-school sports, you may want to check out used equipment sales, where you can pick up everything from ice skates to soccer cleats. If you have a gymnast or dancer, you may be able to swap sizes with other parents and caregivers—giving a pair of lightly worn jazz shoes a second home. And if you have a budding musician, check online marketplaces or Goodwill’s online site for gently used guitars, drums and woodwind instruments.
When it comes to clothes, consider joining a local BuyNothing group: Members post what they need or want online and donate it to whoever wants it. You can also organize a swap meet where other families bring items their kids have outgrown or no longer need. It’s a great excuse to throw a neighborhood barbecue or block party.
3. Find frugal ways to have family fun
Most cities offer a wealth of free or low-cost activities so you can stretch your entertainment budget. In addition to lending out books, DVDs and toys, most public libraries host crafting workshops, movie nights and other activities for kids, while many museums offer free-admission days and educational programming for children throughout the year.
Explore your surroundings with a family hike on a nature trail or a bicycle ride through different neighborhoods. Check if your area screens movies outdoors during warmer months, and bring your own snacks to save even more money.
4. Shop for the holidays in the off-season
Get a head-start on shopping by picking up items during summer sales months in advance, or right after major holidays. Whether you need gifts, holiday-themed decorations or Valentines for your child’s classmates, you’ll scoop up major savings when stores need to clear their shelves of inventory.
Keep a running gift list throughout the year and install price-tracking apps on your phone or desktop so you can buy items when they’re most affordable. Then, check the gift off your list, and be sure to jot down where you store it to prevent having to dig through closets later.
5. Keep birthday parties simple
Make memories—not mountains of debt—celebrating family birthdays. It’s easy to blow your budget on expensive venues, party decorations and loot bags. Instead, get creative and host a fantastic lower-cost event. Invest in reusable birthday décor like brightly colored tablecloths and banners instead of disposable items. Celebrate at a local park, beach or host a movie night with pizza instead of holding the party at a pricey entertainment center. (Bonus: You can keep the good times rolling by making it a slumber party!)
If you want to splurge on activities like go-karting or laser tag, find out if you can book during off-peak times or team up with a classmate whose birthday is around the same time so you can split the cost of a joint party.
