Kids Ain't Cheap

But They Sure Are Worth It

Financial Ruin: 10 Financial Habits Keeping Parents Poor and Stressed

| Leave a Comment

Financial Ruin 10 Financial Habits Keeping Parents Poor and Stressed

123rf.com

Raising kids is expensive, but it’s often not just the cost of diapers, daycare, and dinners that drag families down financially. The real issue? Hidden patterns and poor money choices that quietly sabotage progress month after month. Many parents fall into financial routines that feel normal but are actually keeping them broke, anxious, and stuck in a cycle of stress. The good news is that awareness leads to change. If you’re ready to break free, start by recognizing these 10 financial habits keeping parents poor and overwhelmed.

1. Living Without a Budget

One of the most common financial habits keeping parents poor is operating without a budget. Without a clear plan, money tends to disappear into impulse buys, fast food, and monthly subscriptions. A budget doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to exist and be followed. It provides clarity, reduces stress, and gives every dollar a job. Knowing where your money goes is the first step toward taking back control.

2. Relying on Credit Cards for Everyday Expenses

Credit cards can be useful in emergencies, but relying on them for groceries, gas, or diapers is a red flag. High-interest debt adds up fast, and if you’re only making minimum payments, you’re digging a hole. This habit can quickly lead to chronic debt and constant financial pressure. If you’re using credit to cover basic needs, it’s time to reassess your income, spending, or both. Break the cycle by cutting back temporarily and building a cash buffer.

3. Ignoring Emergency Savings

Skipping an emergency fund may feel harmless—until your car breaks down or the water heater bursts. Without savings, emergencies often get charged to credit cards or disrupt the entire monthly budget. Even putting aside $20 a week can make a big difference over time. The key is to start small and stay consistent. Having three to six months of expenses saved offers real peace of mind for parents.

4. Keeping Up Appearances

Trying to keep up with friends, neighbors, or social media standards is one of the sneakier financial habits keeping parents poor. Overspending on trendy clothes, vacations, or kids’ parties can wreck your finances without improving your quality of life. Kids don’t need to be perfect; they need to be present. Learning to say no and live within your means can drastically reduce both spending and stress. Focus on your goals, not someone else’s highlight reel.

5. Overpaying for Convenience

Fast food, delivery apps, and subscription boxes might feel like lifesavers, but the costs add up fast. Parents are busy, and it’s easy to justify the convenience, but over time, these shortcuts drain your bank account. Cooking simple meals, packing lunches, or canceling unused subscriptions can save hundreds each month. Convenience is great in moderation, but overreliance can lead to long-term financial strain. Be mindful of where small charges become big problems.

6. Not Comparing Prices or Shopping Sales

Many parents fall into the trap of shopping out of habit rather than strategy. Whether it’s groceries, clothes, or household goods, not comparing prices is money left on the table. Apps, coupons, and bulk purchases can help stretch every dollar further. Planning ahead allows you to take advantage of deals instead of rushing into full-price purchases. Being intentional with your spending habits can help you stay ahead, not just keep up.

7. Putting Off Retirement Savings

When every paycheck is already spoken for, retirement can feel like a luxury you can’t afford. But not saving for retirement is one of the riskiest financial habits, keeping parents poor in the long term. Time is your biggest asset—starting early, even with small amounts, makes a big difference. Neglecting retirement planning often leads to playing catch-up later or relying on your kids financially. Treat it like a non-negotiable expense and adjust around it.

8. Underinsuring the Family

Many families cut corners on insurance to lower monthly premiums, but it can backfire badly. Inadequate health, life, or home insurance can lead to massive out-of-pocket costs during emergencies. The right coverage protects your finances when the unexpected happens. It’s worth reviewing policies every year to make sure they reflect your current situation. Good insurance is a safety net, not a luxury.

9. Overspending on Kids’ Wants

Every parent wants to give their child the best, but constantly buying toys, electronics, and designer clothes is unsustainable. Kids don’t need a new gift every time you go shopping or the latest tech just because their friends have it. Teaching children about needs versus wants benefits everyone financially and emotionally. Set limits and encourage gratitude instead of overindulgence. Your child will remember your time more than your purchases.

10. Avoiding Money Conversations

One of the most damaging financial habits keeping parents poor is avoiding tough money conversations. Whether it’s with your partner, your kids, or a financial advisor, silence allows problems to grow. Regularly talking about money goals, challenges, and plans builds teamwork and accountability. Ignoring finances doesn’t make the stress go away—it often makes it worse. Honest, consistent communication is the foundation of financial health.

Break the Cycle, Reclaim Your Peace

Most financial stress isn’t caused by one big mistake—it’s the result of small habits repeated over time. The good news? That means small changes can create big results. By identifying and replacing the financial habits keeping parents poor, you can take real steps toward stability, confidence, and freedom. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to start making different choices.

Which of these financial habits have you struggled with in the past? What helped you turn things around? Share your story in the comments!

Read More:

Why Your Kid’s Extracurriculars Are Wrecking Your Finances

15 Surprising Ways Your Daily Habits Impact Your Finances

6 Holidays Every Parent Should Spend With Their Children

| Leave a Comment

Family celebrating Christmas with a child playing near a decorated tree.
Image Source: Unsplash

Holidays with children are more than days off—they’re memory-makers. But between jam-packed schedules and sky-high gift lists, many parents feel more pressure than joy. In fact, surveys show nearly 60 percent of parents stress about holiday costs, and almost half lose sleep over gift budgets.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need elaborate trips or endless presents to create magic. By zeroing in on a handful of key holidays—and leaning into experience over expense—you can build traditions that anchor your child’s sense of stability and joy.

Below are six holidays worth circling on the calendar. Each offers a unique chance to bond, teach, and celebrate without draining your wallet.

1. Christmas (or Your Family’s Winter Holiday of Choice)

Winter holidays often serve as a family’s emotional centerpiece. Yet the average parent spends about $173 per child on gifts, with 16 percent topping $200, according to recent retail studies. If budgets tighten, shift the spotlight from presents to presence. Bake cookies, reread a beloved storybook, or stage a “lights tour” in pajamas. When children reflect on Christmas as adults, they’re more likely to remember twinkling trees and shared laughter than the exact toy under the wrapping. Your steady presence—and the rituals you repeat each year—create the real magic.

2. Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving revolves around gratitude and connection—priceless lessons for kids. Involve children in age-appropriate cooking tasks, from stirring mashed potatoes to writing place-card notes. Sharing “three things I’m thankful for” at the table builds empathy and emotional literacy. Because the holiday centers on family and food rather than gifts, it’s naturally budget-friendly. Even if travel or extended-family politics add stress, modeling grace and gratitude teaches resilience. Kids come to associate the day with warmth, reflection, and a sense of belonging.

3. Halloween

Sure, Halloween is candy-fueled chaos, but it’s also prime bonding time. Planning costumes, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating together spark creativity and adventure—without hefty price tags. Homemade outfits crafted from thrift-store finds or closet cast-offs often become neighborhood legends. Walking block to block in the crisp night air, flashlight in hand, is a sensory experience your child won’t forget. Plus, Halloween is low-stakes: expectations focus on fun rather than perfection, making it easier to be present and playful.

4. Birthdays

Not a national holiday, but to your child it might as well be. Birthdays are a once-a-year chance to make your child feel uniquely seen. Skip lavish parties every time and lean into personal rituals: a pancake breakfast in bed, a recorded video message recounting favorite moments from the year, or a DIY crown they wear all day. These intimate touches cost little yet build deep emotional deposits, reminding your child that celebration is about love, not extravagance.

5. Fourth of July (or a Local Summer Celebration)

Summer holidays like the Fourth of July are refreshingly low-pressure. Whether you picnic at a park, watch fireworks, or host a backyard water-balloon battle, the emphasis is on relaxed fun. Because stores aren’t pushing massive gift hauls, you can focus squarely on togetherness. Use the day to start a family tradition—perhaps a homemade flag cake or an annual photo in matching sunglasses. Your child will link summertime freedom with feelings of community and simple joy.

Decorative setup with a "Happy New Year!" note on a clipboard.
Image Source: Unsplash

6. New Year’s Day

Many parents overlook New Year’s as kid-friendly, but it’s ideal for family reflection and goal-setting. Hold a “toast” at noon if midnight is too late, and brainstorm hopes for the coming year on colorful sticky notes. Create a family time capsule: include one small toy, a scribbled note, or a favorite photo, then seal it to open next December 31. Discuss highs and lows of the past year to model resilience and gratitude. This practice helps children see life as a series of chapters they can shape, fostering optimism and growth mindset.

Why These Six Holidays Leave a Lasting Impact

What ties these celebrations together? They prioritize shared experiences over spending sprees. Research on family rituals shows that consistent, meaningful traditions bolster children’s emotional security, strengthen identity, and improve long-term well-being. When parents are present—truly present—kids feel valued. And when holidays are celebrated without financial strain, parents model healthy attitudes toward money and joy.

You don’t have to master every Pinterest craft or host cinematic parties. Pick the moments that resonate most with your family, involve your children in the planning, and protect the time on your calendar like any important appointment. Years from now, your kids won’t remember how much you spent—they’ll remember how you made them feel.

Which holidays hold the most meaning in your home? Share your favorite low-cost traditions in the comments—we’d love fresh ideas for family fun!

Read More

The Financial Trap of Parenting: What No One Tells You

| Leave a Comment

Hundred dollars and wooden chest. A black background. Beautiful illumination.
Image Source: 123rf.com

Raising children is a rewarding journey, but one aspect rarely discussed is the hidden financial strain of parenting. The unexpected expenses—from childcare to healthcare—can shock even the most prepared parents. Financial stress can ripple through family life, affecting both emotional well-being and long-term goals. It’s important to recognize these financial challenges to make informed decisions about your family’s future.

1. Childcare Costs Can Rival a Mortgage Payment

One of the first financial shocks in parenting is the high cost of childcare, which in many areas rivals a monthly mortgage payment. Daycare, nannies, or babysitters can all be extremely expensive, forcing families to reexamine their budgets. This pressure often forces difficult choices regarding work and career. Early awareness can prompt proactive planning and budgeting.

2. The Pressure to Keep Up with “Essentials”

Modern parenting often comes with the unspoken expectation to provide the latest gadgets, activities, and items for your child. This pressure can lead to unnecessary spending and financial strain. Parents may mistakenly believe that more spending equals better parenting. Understanding the difference between needs and wants is essential for financial stability.

3. Unexpected Medical and Educational Expenses

Even with insurance, unforeseen medical and educational costs can rapidly add up. Routine check-ups, emergencies, or additional academic support can create a financial burden. Many parents underestimate these expenses until they face them directly. Proactive budgeting and an emergency fund can help mitigate such surprises.

4. The Long-Term Impact on Career and Retirement

Parenting often requires adjustments to work schedules or even career sacrifices, which can impact long-term savings and retirement plans. Reduced working hours or career breaks to care for a child can significantly reduce income over time. This trade-off may lead to long-term financial challenges. Strategic planning and professional financial advice can help navigate these complexities.

5. Rising Costs of Raising Teenagers

Teenager girl sitting on stairs and pointing finger on something while doing her homework. Her schoomate sitting next to her.

Image Source: 123rf.com

The financial demands don’t diminish as children grow; they often increase during the teenage years. Costs such as school fees, extracurricular activities, and preparing for college can become overwhelming. Without careful planning, these expenses can strain family finances. Proactive financial management is key to navigating these challenges.

Smart Financial Planning for a Stable Family Future

Parenting is a fulfilling experience, but it comes with hidden financial traps that can catch families off guard. Awareness and careful planning can help mitigate these challenges and safeguard your family’s future. By understanding the potential pitfalls, you can make proactive decisions to ease financial stress. Informed financial planning is essential for long-term family well-being.

What unexpected financial challenges have you faced as a parent, and how did you overcome them? Share your experiences in the comments below so others can learn from your journey.

Read More: 

Motivating Teens with Inspirational Quotes: The Path to Financial Responsibility

5 Characteristics of a Good Parent for Raising Financially Savvy Kids

Supporting Adult Children: 8 Things Boomers Can Do Instead of Giving Money

| Leave a Comment

Supporting Adult Children 8 Things Boomers Can Do Instead of Giving Money

Many Baby Boomers find themselves in a position where their adult children seek financial assistance. While offering money can provide immediate relief, there are other ways to support your children that can promote long-term stability and growth. These alternatives can foster independence and self-sufficiency, helping your children navigate adulthood more confidently. Plus, these methods are less of a monetary burden on the parents, ensuring they don’t sacrifice their financial well-being along the way. Here are eight strategies for supporting adult children without directly giving them money.

1. Provide Emotional Support

Provide Emotional Support

Emotional support is invaluable for adult children navigating life’s challenges. A strong emotional foundation can help them build resilience in the face of adversity. Listening to their concerns and offering encouragement can make a significant difference in their mental well-being. Establishing a strong emotional connection helps them feel understood and valued. Regularly checking in and being available for meaningful conversations fosters a supportive environment.

2. Offer Practical Advice

Offer Practical Advice

Sharing your life experiences and knowledge can be more beneficial than financial assistance. Your insights can help them avoid common pitfalls and make more strategic choices. Providing guidance on budgeting, career planning, and personal development helps your children make informed decisions. Practical advice equips them with the tools they need to manage their lives effectively. By imparting wisdom, you empower them to handle challenges independently.

3. Help with Job Search and Career Development

Help with Job Search and Career Development

Assisting your adult children with their job search and career development can lead to long-term financial stability. Use your network to connect them with potential employers or mentors in their field. Review their resumes and offer tips for successful job interviews. Encouraging them to pursue further education or certifications can also enhance their career prospects. This proactive support can significantly boost their confidence and employability.

4. Teach Financial Literacy

Teach Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is crucial for managing money responsibly. Teach your children about budgeting, saving, and investing to help them make sound financial decisions. Discussing topics like credit scores, loans, and interest rates prepares them for real-world financial responsibilities. Financial literacy empowers them to achieve financial independence and security, as understanding financial principles can help them build wealth and avoid debt.

5. Encourage Independence

Encourage Independence

Fostering independence is essential for adult children to thrive. Encourage them to take on responsibilities and solve problems on their own. Supporting their efforts to find housing, manage bills, and handle daily tasks builds their confidence and self-reliance. Independence leads to personal growth and a stronger sense of accomplishment. By promoting self-sufficiency, you help them build a stable and fulfilling life.

6. Offer Non-Monetary Assistance

Offer Non-Monetary Assistance

Non-monetary assistance can provide valuable support without financial dependency. Helping with household chores, babysitting grandchildren, or offering transportation can alleviate some of their burdens. This type of support shows your care and involvement without directly giving money. It also helps them manage their responsibilities more efficiently. Your practical help can make their daily lives more manageable and less stressful.

7. Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Promoting healthy lifestyle choices can improve your adult children’s overall well-being. Encourage them to maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and prioritize mental health. Discuss the benefits of work-life balance and stress management techniques. Healthy habits contribute to their physical and emotional resilience. By advocating for a healthy lifestyle, you support their long-term health and happiness.

8. Support Their Goals and Dreams

Support Their Goals and Dreams

Supporting your adult children’s goals and dreams can inspire them to pursue their passions. Show interest in their aspirations and offer encouragement and advice. Celebrate their achievements and help them navigate setbacks with a positive outlook. Your support can motivate them to strive for success and fulfillment. Believing in their potential can give them the confidence to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

There Are Options for Supporting Adult Children That Don’t Involve Money

There Are Options for Supporting Adult Children That Don’t Involve Money

Supporting adult children without giving money involves offering emotional support, practical advice, and non-monetary assistance. Teaching financial literacy, fostering independence, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices are also crucial parts of the equation. Similarly, helping with job search and career development and encouraging their goals and dreams can reap dividends, further empowering them to reach new heights. These strategies not only provide valuable support but also help your children build a strong foundation for a successful and independent future.

Read More:

Toxic Grandparents: 12 Things Baby Boomer Grandparents Must Avoid

The Boomer’s Guide to Thriving in a Multi-Generational Workplace: 13 Tips

Parenting on a Budget: 8 Tips for Affordable Childcare Alternatives

| Leave a Comment

Parenting on a Budget 8 Tips for Affordable Childcare Alternatives

Parenting is a journey filled with joys and challenges, one of which is managing the high costs of childcare. As childcare expenses continue to rise, many parents find themselves seeking affordable alternatives that do not compromise the quality of care their children receive. Here are eight practical, budget-friendly childcare options for cost-conscious parents. Embracing these strategies can significantly reduce your childcare expenses without sacrificing your child’s well-being and development.

1. Join or Form a Babysitting Cooperative

Join or Form a Babysitting Cooperative

A babysitting cooperative (co-op) is a fantastic childcare alternative for parents looking to economize. In a co-op, a group of parents agree to take turns watching each other’s children, thereby eliminating the cost of hiring a babysitter. This not only provides free childcare but also builds a supportive community. Parents can feel confident knowing their children are under the care of trusted fellow parents. Additionally, kids benefit by interacting and forming friendships within the group. As a starting point, contact local parenting groups or neighbors to gauge interest in creating a co-op, as that can help you determine if this strategy is viable.

2. Explore Employer-Sponsored Childcare Programs

Explore Employer-Sponsored Childcare Programs

Many employers now recognize the value of supporting their employees with childcare needs. Some companies offer subsidies, on-site childcare, flexible spending accounts, or partnerships with local childcare providers at a reduced rate. Take the time to discuss available childcare support options with your HR department. These programs can significantly reduce childcare costs and offer the convenience of proximity and trust in services endorsed by your employer.

3. Utilize Community and Recreational Center Programs

Utilize Community and Recreational Center Programs

Community centers, YMCAs, and recreational centers often host affordable childcare programs, including after-school and summer camps. These programs are typically less expensive than private childcare options and provide a wide range of activities that promote physical activity and social interaction. Additionally, many of these centers offer sliding scale fees based on income, which can further help reduce costs for families parenting on a budget.

4. Rely on Extended Family

Rely on Extended Family

If you have relatives living nearby, consider arranging a childcare swap or simply asking for help a few days a week. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members often love spending extra time with the younger family members. This arrangement can provide a loving and familiar environment for your child, strengthen family bonds, and significantly cut down on childcare expenses.

5. Opt for In-Home Daycare

Opt for In-Home Daycare

In-home daycare centers are generally less expensive than larger daycare facilities. These operations are run from the provider’s home, offering a more personal childcare setting. Kids benefit from smaller group sizes and a homely atmosphere. When choosing an in-home daycare, make sure the provider is licensed and has good references. This option balances cost with quality care, often at a more affordable rate than commercial centers.

6. Investigate Government and Non-Profit Programs

Investigate Government and Non-Profit Programs

Government programs and non-profit organizations can offer low-cost childcare solutions, especially for low-income families or those experiencing financial hardships. Programs like Head Start provide early childhood education and care based on family income levels. Research local and federal government initiatives to understand the eligibility requirements and available benefits, allowing you to find options that may substantially reduce childcare costs.

7. Share a Nanny

Share a Nanny

Another effective way to manage childcare costs is through a nanny share, where two or more families employ one nanny and split the cost. This can dramatically reduce expenses while maintaining a high level of care and attention for your child. Nanny shares also allow for more flexibility in childcare hours and can be a more personalized care option than traditional daycare settings.

8. Schedule Work Flexibly

Schedule Work Flexibly

If your job permits, flexible working hours or telecommuting can help you manage childcare directly. Altering your work schedule to fit your partner’s can allow you to take turns caring for your child, thus reducing the need for external childcare services. This not only saves money but also increases the amount of time you spend with your child, fostering a stronger parent-child relationship.

Try Out These Childcare Alternatives to Make Parenting on a Budget Possible

Try Out These Childcare Alternatives to Make Parenting on a Budget Possible

By considering these affordable childcare alternatives, parents can find viable solutions that fit their financial needs while ensuring their children receive quality care. Each option offers different benefits, so evaluating what works best for your family’s specific circumstances is essential. Remember, the goal of parenting on a budget is not merely to save money but to make the best possible choices for the well-being and development of your child.

Read More:

14 Reasons Parents Should Consider In-Home Childcare

From Diapers to Downloads: 15 Staggering Financial Truths About Modern Parenting

Budgeting Tricks for Every Income

| Leave a Comment

Budgeting Tricks for Every Income

Creating a budget may seem daunting and sticking to it can seem rather limiting. While budgeting may have a bad connotation, a budget is really just a plan for your money. Budgeting can teach you financial responsibility by forcing you to spend your money with purpose. Having a financial plan in place can help you take back control of your money through organization.

How Does Budgeting Help Me?

Your budget is simply your visual financial plan–whether weekly, monthly, or yearly. Your budget can help you reach certain monetary goals you may have thought impossible before. Whether your goals include getting out of debt or saving for a house, a budget can help you achieve whatever financial milestone you want.

Budgeting Tips to Get Started

  1. Budget to $0 Each Month: This tip doesn’t mean that you spend all your income throughout the month. Rather, this means that you assign all of your income throughout the month. Your funds should have a specific allotment, whether it is your savings account or a monthly loan payment such as a title loan. Earmark every dollar towards something, so you can stop the endless cycle of “where did all my money go?” You know where. Look at the budget sheet. Knowing exactly where all of my money goes every month may reduce your stress because it takes out the guesswork.
  2. Remember Every Month is Different: Another important trick to remember is that every month will be different, so your budget plan may need to be adjusted. Some months you will need to budget for unexpected expenses like car maintenance or hospital bills.
  3. Make Your Debt a Priority: The longer you wait to pay off your debt, the more you will be paying in the long run. Making your debt a priority can help you save money in the long run and increase your appeal as a candidate for loans.
  4. Track Your Progress: It’s important for you to keep track of how you are measuring up to your budget. From time to time, check your budget plan and see how much you are saving throughout the month. Reward yourself for the small victories and stay motivated!
  5. Track Your Budget: Throughout the month, you should be evaluating your budget for flaws and inconsistencies. At the end of the month, be sure to look over your spending throughout the month. If you are overspending in any one category, it may be wise to readjust your budget to maximize your savings.
  6. Stay within Your Means: While you may be making your ends meet every month, it is important to make sure that you are not spending outside of your means. Overspending can mean a high car payment or a costly mortgage. Downsizing can mean refinancing your mortgage or trading in your car for something more affordable.
  7. Have Financial Goals: Whether your goal is paying off your student debt, or saving for a house, having financial goals can put your finances and your budget in a better position. Setting small financial goals for yourself can help increase your motivation for staying on track of your budget. Focus on your reasons for budgeting and keep yourself accountable.

Image source: 401(k) calculator, via Flickr.

Are Grocery Delivery Services Worth It?

| Leave a Comment

grocery delivery service
As the gig economy continues to grow, more and more services are being offered to provide you with the opportunity to never leave your house. One of the delivery services that continues to grow and is being provided by more and more companies is grocery delivery. Some of the top companies are Instacart, Shipt, and Walmart.  Thrive Market is a great organic option.

But the big question on our minds is – is it worth it?

Does Grocery Delivery Service Save Time?

Yes, it does.

Consider the time it takes to drive to the grocery store, plus park, grab a shopping cart, and walk up and down the aisles. Depending on the time you visit the store, you may have to stand in line, then walk back to the car, load up your groceries, and drive home.

With grocery delivery service, you need to spend a few minutes with your computer, selecting your items and putting them in your virtual cart. Thus, the time doesn’t decrease from 60 minutes to 0, but the savings are tremendous.

Does it Save Money?

The short answer is it depends. Considering it saves time, then yes, because time is money.

Yes, if you’re an impulse shopper. Having your groceries delivered can bring savings to your budget. Consider how often you’re going down the aisle and toss a few things in your cart. Each time you deviate from your list of groceries, you hike up the total cost — usually resulting in exceeding your food budget.

Where I believe a grocery delivery service does not save money is if you are NOT an impulse buyer and are good at spotting deals, shopping from the discount aisle (especially meat). Or, if you’ve got the time and the desire to shop multiple stores.

Also, any fees you pay for the service and any tips you give to your shopper will eat into your savings and possibly cost you more. In this case, it will be your decision whether the time savings, avoidance of crowds, and convenience factors make it worth it. At this point, it becomes a personal preference.

Because personal finance is personal.

An Alternative to Grocery Delivery Services:

If you love the convenience of grocery delivery services, but don’t want to pay the fee, or the tip, consider something similar – grocery pick-up services. Walmart, Target, and Harris Teeter all offer grocery pick-up service. Walmart and Target are free; Harris Teeter charges a nominal fee.

It follows the same concept as a delivery service – you order your items online and schedule a time for pick-up.

Pick-up is my personal preference as I’m an impulse shopper. Ordering online allows me to avoid purchasing things I don’t need, yet I still save time. I pick up my groceries while I’m in the area. Often there is a longer wait than I prefer, but I use that time to read a book or get some work done.

Do you use a grocery delivery service? Let us know in the comments below.

Read More:

The Average Grocery Bill for a Family of Four (and How to Save on Yours)

Meal Planning For A Family On A Budget

How to Become a Couponer: A Beginner’s Guide to Help Get Started

4 Expenses Your Family Can Start Cutting Today

| 1 Comment

If you need to save money in a hurry here are four expenses your family can start cutting today! These small changes can have a big impact.It wasn’t that long ago that we were living so close to the edge while I was on my (yearlong) maternity leave, that I was forced to have a good, serious, look at our spending. I knew there had to be areas to save but I didn’t know where to start. To save you some time I will give you five areas your family can likely start cutting today.

Beauty

One thing I was still doing was maintaining my short hair style, with a cut every six to eight weeks. I had long ago stopped coloring to save funds, now the time had come to evaluate my haircuts. I was spending almost $50 every two months to cut my hair. It wasn’t a terribly complicated cut, the truth was that I was friends with my stylist and enjoyed seeing her every few weeks. I sucked up her salon prices and continued.

It didn’t take me long to realize this was an expense we could, at the very least substantially cut down. I knew I would still want my hair cut just not for $50. I asked around to a few friends and family and found a lady who worked at a salon in the day but on weekends and evenings cut hair out of her house, for cheap. She’d cut my hair for $15. Done.

(Here are more ways to save on beauty.)

Clothing

I’ve never been a big spender on clothing but I still find ways to save. Unless it’s underwear or a staple like my husband’s undershirts or my tank tops, I almost always looking for second hand first. Between thrift stores and online classifieds I generally have quite a bit of luck (especially with woman and kids).

Food

This can be one of the hardest ones, but if done right it can be so beneficial.

Before we started budgeting, we really had no idea how much we were spending on food but I knew it was a lot. While I was on maternity leave we were forced to budget very well since money was tight and though we’ve loosened things up a bit in the years since, it was a great learning opportunity for us.

Transportation

If you have more than one vehicle, consider selling one. If possible, look into public transit or car share programs. Be conscious about how much gas you’re using. If you can carpool with someone maybe consider sharing costs. If you pay for parking and there are options around, look into parking options. I could park at work for $225/month but I can think of quite a few other things I’d rather spend that kind of money on, so I park at a free park and ride and take the bus the rest of the way in. The bus costs me $2 each way and saves on my gas and wear and tear. In the end, I’m only losing about 15 minutes by taking bus (vs driving the whole way).

Where, and how much, each family can cut will vary but these seem to be a few obvious ones most people can relate to and are a good starting point.

What areas has your family cut down or totally out to save money?

Winter is Coming, Time to Address Your Budget!

| Leave a Comment

The cold is coming and now is a perfect time to make sure you're on track financially. Here's why you should address your winter budget.It’s hard to believe that winter has either arrived, or in the process of coming for many parts of the world. Just this week I had some pictures from our summer vacation printed and now we’re making appointments to have snow tires placed on our vehicle.

With a change of season comes a perfect time to really address your budget. It’s so easy to set your budget on auto-pilot and forget to tweak it as needed. I was reminded of that this week. Speaking of winter tires, it was something I forgot to add to our budget when I did it up months ago. Thankfully it’s not a huge amount of money so I was pretty easy to ‘’make up’’ but still an annoyance. Had I spent a little more care going over everything as I should have, it would have been a non-issue.

Creating a Winter Budget

For this reason I like to spend time every season to make sure everything is accounted for, especially the winter when, for us, bills tend to get a little higher. I know our bills will get higher because I pay attention to our spending history. Without this I have no way of making predictions but I know, for instance, that our electricity bill will increase significantly because we have electric heat and live in a cold climate. It only took one $1,100 bi-monthly electric bill, right after Christmas, to make sure I did what I could to get established on the power corporations annual ‘’budget’’ which allows us to pay a monthly bill year-round based on average annual consumption, rather than face extremely high bills in the winter and extremely low bills in the summer.

For us, winter also means Christmas and quite a few important birthdays. If I’m not careful these can easily creep up on us and we’d get stuck making some tough decisions about how to manage the un-budgeted amount which, quite honestly is never a fun situation to be in.

With kids too, seasonal things have changed. Hubby and I, traditionally, don’t do anything for Valentine’s day. But, with a kid, as I look forward into my winter months, I know we will need to budget something for it. She will have a little Valentines party at her daycare, as well want to exchange cards with her friends, though it isn’t much it’s an expected expense coming up.

Winter has a higher potential for emergencies too, while we could manage without A/C in a vehicle for example, we couldn’t easily get by without heat. While I don’t like to think about emergencies and dealing with things such as a potential accident, the probability is definitely higher in the winter which means we need to take a good look at where our emergency fund is sitting. This is something I don’t do enough and get lazy about reimbursing it when an issue does arise that we may need it.

A budget shouldn’t be something that you set and forget. It needs to be continuously addressed and as we approach the New Year, it’s a perfect time!

P.s. some readers like this article because they want a recommendation for snow tires.  I can just say that Costco should be considered as part of your shopping list.  They have really excellent customer service and although their automotive section isn’t always as well rated as their food or consumer electronics, Costco sells good quality tires and batteries.  So check them out.

5 Ways to Keep Family Costs Down

| Leave a Comment

Let's be real - having a family is expensive! Here are five smart ways to keep family costs down.A family, as a unit, is expensive. There are a lot of expenses when multiple people are involved and the costs add up- quickly. If you’re not careful these costs can bust a family’s budget but with a little planning you can find a decent balance. There are a few areas that are more obvious when it comes to the question ‘’where is all the money going?’’ but since being aware of it is half the battle you can try to avoid the creeping costs all together.

Meal Plan

Food is a massive portion of a family’s budget and meal planning is the easiest way to avoid going over in the food category. If you’re looking to keep costs down, meal planning is a must. Involve everyone in the family to make sure everyone has a say. You can also involve the older kids in the cooking of the meals they help plan.

Prioritize Extracurriculars

Most people have interests, hobbies and extracurricular activities. If everyone did everything they wanted all the time it would likely be much too expensive. Sit down as a family and prioritize what is most important to everyone and come up with a financial plan to keep both family members, and budget- happy. It’s not fair if one kids plays hockey, soccer, piano lessons and takes art classes but you tell kid #2 you can only afford for them to play soccer because there isn’t enough money left in the budget. Things need to be fair for everyone!

Limit Vacations

Vacations, especially ones that involve airfare, are expensive. Rather than trying to plan a vacation every year take some time off and enjoy cheap fun around home. Save the larger trips for every few years (if even that frequent) and find cheaper ways to enjoy time off. When (and if) you do plan a larger trip shop around and capitalize on reward programs as much as possible to keep costs down.

Shop Used

Certain things can definitely be purchased used, especially children’s items like clothes and toys. You can save huge amounts money by shopping around and looking online and in second hand stores. The speed at which kids grow gives a large selection of gently used great quality clothes and toys to choose from.

Limit Eating Out

Eating out is expensive especially when multiple people are involved. There are ways to do it (like capitalizing on kids eat free nights) but the best way to save money is to do just that- save it and eat at home. Save eating out for special occasions only and everyone will enjoy it much more when it’s an anticipated treat.

Though having a family has more costs than being single or a couple there are ways to avoid letting the family costs consume all your money. It takes a little planning and awareness but it is possible to keep family costs down!

How do you keep family costs down?