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Being a mom is challenging in so many ways, especially when it comes to balancing work, home, and all the expenses that come with them.
But being a mom doesn’t have to mean living on a tight budget and scrimping for the rest of your life. Moms are resourceful, clever people who find ways to cut costs and save money wherever possible.
Whether you’re working towards financial independence or just trying to get by on one income as a mom, learning how to budget like a mom will help you manage your money better and start saving more. It might seem daunting at first but getting started is simple!
Here are some tips on how you can start living frugally as a mom.
Know where your money goes
One of the best ways to start budgeting using a budget journal like this and saving money is to understand where your money goes at the moment. Spending Tracker is a great app that allows you to see where your money is going and provides a detailed breakdown of your expenses so you can see where things are going wrong. This way you can see where you can cut back and start saving more money.
By knowing where your money goes, you can easily see where you can make changes that will save you money and put more back in your pocket each month. Plus, it’s easier to save money if you know how much you have left after paying all your bills and expenses each month.
Consolidate your credit card bills
If you’re struggling to pay off your credit card bills and looking for ways to save money, try consolidating them. Whether you have one or two credit cards, you can call your card providers and ask if they offer any kind of debt consolidation.
If so, you can have all your credit card bills lumped into one payment which will make it easier to pay off your debts. This can help you save money in the long run as you won’t have to pay extra on those monthly payments. There are many ways to save money when you have debt. Credit cards are great for buying things you can’t afford upfront, but they can also lead to debt problems if you’re not careful.
Utilize rewards and cash back apps
If you shop online a lot (especially on big shopping websites), see if they offer any kind of rewards program. Amazon, eBay, and even Netflix offer rewards programs that give you free stuff just for shopping with them. This is a great way to save money on things you were going to buy with or without rewards programs.
If you’re a loyal shopper with a certain store, see if they have any kind of rewards program. Many grocery stores and gas stations offer cash back for purchases made with their store credit cards. This is a simple way to save money and it doesn’t require much effort on your part.
Maintain a basic shopping inventory
If you have young kids or you’re just a messy person in general, you’re going to need to start a shopping inventory. This will help you keep track of what food you have in your cupboards and fridge, especially when you have a baby on the way.
You can keep a shopping list on your phone or notebook and tick off what you purchase so you know what’s left in your fridge and cupboards. This makes grocery shopping and restocking your kitchen way easier and cuts down on the chance of you buying items you already have.
Install a tax extension
If you’re unable to get your taxes done in time and getting a tax extension, you can cut down on the money you have to pay by 10%. You can do this by installing a tax extension. This is a simple way to save money on your taxes, and if you’re lucky you could get away with paying a lot less than you would have to otherwise.
Ditch the big brands
Big brands like Tide, Charmin, and Tide have been around for years and people swear by them. However, many of these products are made by the same company and are just rebranded for different retailers. You can save money by ditching the big brands and purchasing generic brands instead. With some basic research, you can find out which items can be swapped out for their generic counterparts.
This will help you save money while still getting the same results and products as you would with the more expensive brands. These are easy ways to save money while doing regular grocery shopping. Along with these tips, you can also save money by clipping coupons, eating at home more often, and shopping at sales and clearance racks.
Have a no-spend week once a month
If you’re looking to get your finances in order and start saving money, try having a no-spend week once a month. This will give you a chance to review your finances and see where you can cut back and save money.
During this time, you should avoid making any purchases above $5 and try to see if there are ways to cut back on utility or food bills. Having a no-spend week will force you to really evaluate your spending habits, and it’ll help you identify areas where you can reduce your expenses and start saving money. It can be difficult to get your finances under control, but having a no-spend week can make the process much easier.
Bottom line – be frugal by habit
Making small changes to your everyday habits can add up to big savings over time. For example, start by unplugging your appliances when they’re not being used and avoid taking too many short showers. These small changes can help you save money on your electricity bill and water bill every month which can add up quickly. If you want to live frugally, you have to make it a habit.
Small changes like these can help you save money over time so you can start saving more money. Moms are busy people, so making time to shop around, clip coupons, and avoid impulse buys may seem impossible. But with a little effort and a few helpful tips, you can make it happen!
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