Single moms are not the only ones
who need to save money. We all need to
cut back on unnecessary things (which we most often think are necessary) and use our
money wisely. There are a number of ways to cut back on your expenses. These
are simple ways but can amount to huge savings!
First step is to set a savings
goal. Establish an amount that you want
to put in your bank account, invest in a home or car, reward your kids with a
vacation, anything; but set a specific amount that you want to save. I suggest that you start with a savings goal of 10% of your
monthly income. You are probably
thinking that this is not possible because your monthly income, more often than not, is not even
sufficient to cover your expenses. Hear
me out and read the following suggestions.
I guarantee that these steps are easy and that you will be encouraged to
aim for a higher savings goal in the succeeding months.
Use coupons and stock-up on grocery
sale items.
While reading your newspaper or browsing the internet, pay attention to coupons and on-sale grocery items. Stock-up on canned goods, laundry items and toiletries. Even cereals, pasta, rice and beans can be kept for several months. Just be cautious of the expiration date. Look for promo items like buy 1 take 1 or free items/samples. Not only will you save money on these grocery items but you will save time and effort in running to your grocery store more frequently.
While reading your newspaper or browsing the internet, pay attention to coupons and on-sale grocery items. Stock-up on canned goods, laundry items and toiletries. Even cereals, pasta, rice and beans can be kept for several months. Just be cautious of the expiration date. Look for promo items like buy 1 take 1 or free items/samples. Not only will you save money on these grocery items but you will save time and effort in running to your grocery store more frequently.
Check your grocery list; buy only
the essentials.
Kids love junk foods. But junk foods are not only nutrient deficient, they are also expensive. Encourage your kids to eat healthy and advise them against junk foods. Kids are enticed to junk foods because they love to munch and dip. Instead of munching junk food, introduce your kids to carrots, celery and other vegetables. Clean, cut and store these vegetables in your refrigerator for ready munching. Keep a supply of apples and bananas so when your kids get hungry they will be able to snack on healthy foods.
Kids love junk foods. But junk foods are not only nutrient deficient, they are also expensive. Encourage your kids to eat healthy and advise them against junk foods. Kids are enticed to junk foods because they love to munch and dip. Instead of munching junk food, introduce your kids to carrots, celery and other vegetables. Clean, cut and store these vegetables in your refrigerator for ready munching. Keep a supply of apples and bananas so when your kids get hungry they will be able to snack on healthy foods.
Cut back on meats.
Use meat extenders. Substitute part of the meat with grain or beans. Add oats and crumbled wheat bread to extend a meatloaf or meatballs. Use more beans and less meat in your chili. On occasion, prepare spaghetti with shreds of chicken and meatless sauce.
Use meat extenders. Substitute part of the meat with grain or beans. Add oats and crumbled wheat bread to extend a meatloaf or meatballs. Use more beans and less meat in your chili. On occasion, prepare spaghetti with shreds of chicken and meatless sauce.
Avoid
eating out.
I know you are a busy single mom, but it pays to cook your meal instead of eating in a fast-food store or ordering a take-out meal. Browse the internet for quick and easy to prepare meals. You can even cook more servings and store the extra in your freezer. Try to plan your meals for the week to keep your kids from getting tired of the same foods every day.
I know you are a busy single mom, but it pays to cook your meal instead of eating in a fast-food store or ordering a take-out meal. Browse the internet for quick and easy to prepare meals. You can even cook more servings and store the extra in your freezer. Try to plan your meals for the week to keep your kids from getting tired of the same foods every day.
If
you can’t avoid to be out of your house during meal time, pack some sandwiches
instead of dropping by a fast-food store.
Spend your leisure time at home.
If your kids love to watch movies, rent DVDs instead of going to the movie house. Popcorn prepared at home is cheaper than popcorn bought from the movie house. Encourage your kids to play in your backyard instead of going to the mall. Make your home entertainment friendly for your kids and their friends. Occasionally, it will be wise to feed their friends with sandwiches and juices instead of your kids spending money buying these stuff in the mall.
If your kids love to watch movies, rent DVDs instead of going to the movie house. Popcorn prepared at home is cheaper than popcorn bought from the movie house. Encourage your kids to play in your backyard instead of going to the mall. Make your home entertainment friendly for your kids and their friends. Occasionally, it will be wise to feed their friends with sandwiches and juices instead of your kids spending money buying these stuff in the mall.
Toys need not be expensive. Check garage sales for good bargains for your little ones. Be practical; you can even buy branded clothes for your kids for almost nothing. Kids grow fast so these 2nd hand clothes could have hardly been worn.
Plan your shopping. Clearance sale is a good time to shop for gifts, toys and clothes for your kids. After the Christmas season, most stores would mark down their prices to as low as 50% to make room for spring inventory. Be sure to stash these good finds for your kids' birthdays or next Christmas.
There you have it! These are just some simple yet effective ways to save money for a rainy day. Compute how much you have saved and aim for more savings in the succeeding months.
No comments:
Post a Comment