Whether it’s trying to stash cash for the future or add to the family travel fund, figuring out how to save money is a move in every parent’s playbook. From simple hacks like keeping a change jar to money-saving apps, we’ve got some awesome tips just for you. Keep reading to see them all.
Budgeting
Keep a Change Jar: This has to be one of the easiest money-saving tips! Drop your spare change in at the end of each day and watch your savings grow.
Always Use Cash: Avoid using your card whenever possible. Fact: Using cash allows you to see how much you’re spending and keeps you accountable.
Time Big Purchases: Save all of your big purchases for the end of the month to get the best deals. If a salesperson is trying to make month-end goals, she might be willing to work with you on the price.
Shopping for Supplies
School Supplies: When it comes to school supplies, the earlier you shop the better. You’ll find more options and more savings.
Buy Themed Supplies After the Fact: Always purchase plates, cups and napkins on sale after holidays like Halloween, Fourth of July and Easter are over. You can stow away to use the following next year.
Money-Saving Apps
Groupon: This is definitely one of our favorite money-saving apps! Discover great deals for all types of events and products for your family.
SnipSnap: Ever wanted a money-saving app to keep you organized? This is the ultimate place to store all of your printed coupons right on your phone.
Honey: Install Honey on your browser and it'll automatically search the internet for all the coupons being offered for the website you're shopping on. It applies the savings at checkout.
Coupons: Do you miss clipping all those paper coupons? Check out Coupons, where you can sift through tons of digital coupons. You might have to print out some, but many can be used via your smartphone.
Checkout 51: This cash-back app saves you money at grocery stores, gas stations, drugstores and more. Checkout 51 adds new items every week, too.
Eco-Friendly Options
Cloth Diapers: Babies go through diapers like crazy, and if you're searching for money-saving tips that will help you save the planet, cloth diapers are the way to go. Here are our favorites.
Wool Balls in Your Dryer: Forget that chemical fabric softener, and throw a wool ball in your dryer instead—they can be used over and over with ease.
Create a Non-Toxic Cleaner: If you want to stop using harsh chemical cleaners, you can actually keep your family healthy and save cash by making your own cleaner in a snap.
Shopping Smart
Shop Unique Sales: No need to obsess over department store sales. Look out for sample, garage and consignment sales for everything from clothes to toys.
Do Specific Searches: No more aimless scrolling! Avoid impulsive purchases by searching for the specific products you’re looking for when you shop online.
DIY Fun
Grow & Plant Your Food: It takes a bit of extra work, but growing your veggies and planting your own trees can be a fun activity that will save you quite a bit of money in the long run.
Skip the Coffee Shop: Brew your own coffee at home and save $5-$7 every day!
Baby Food: Making your own baby food is actually surprisingly easy. Follow simple recipes to make yummy and healthy options for your little one.
Tech Money Making & Savings
Check Your Bills: Take an in-depth look at your cell phone and cable bills to make sure you’re not paying for features you don’t use.
Retail Me Not: Ever wanted to find out how to save money when you're shopping? Get paid to shop at your favorite stores by signing up with Retail Me Not.
Neighbor: Make money by renting out a spare room, garage or closet as storage space for others by downloading and registering for Neighbor.
Grocery Savings
Shred Your Own Veggies: Don’t waste money on pre-cut or shredded fruits and veggies. Making your own is easy and so much cheaper.
Buy Generic: Forget about name brands and buy generic or store brand products whenever possible.
Go Meatless: Consider adding a Meatless Monday to your recipe rotation. A study published in the Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition found that vegetarians save up to $750 a year by going meatless.
Save on Travel
GasBuddy: On the road and need gas ASAP? Use this money-saving app to find the cheapest gas closest to you.
Hotel Tonight: Have an unexpected stop on your vacay? Find low price hotels your family will love (You can also use this app to get great deals in advance!).
BestParking: Going on a cool adventure to a new city? This money-saving app will help you find parking that won’t break the bank.
Open a Travel Credit Card: Many credit cards (especially airline cards) offer extra points and incentives if you spend a certain amount of money within the first few months of opening an account. Some even offer double points for travel-related expenses, so take advantage of this perk and charge away.
Buy Themed Gear Ahead of Time: Your kid will want to represent her favorite character anyway, so why not buy it and bring it along for the trip? You'll save tons by avoiding marked-up resort prices.
See other money-saving travel tips from the web's savviest travel bloggers here.
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