Budget Savvy Parenting

[bananarama]

Being a parent can get expensive, but it doesn’t have to! Share your best budgeting tips for parents. From saving on groceries and baby essentials to creative ways to keep the kids entertained, let's share our strategies for navigating the costs of parenting without breaking the bank. What frugal wins have you found? Let's help each other save!

 

[wellness]

One of my go-to tips is to buy secondhand, especially for kids' items like clothing and toys which can save a ton of money and often are hardly used. Yard sales, thrift stores, and online groups where people sell gently used items are a goldmine for great deals! Also, planning meals carefully and cooking at home is so much more affordable than eating out or ordering takeout, and it's healthier too. You can also involve older kids in the process and teach them some essential life skills.

Another strategy I use often is to delay purchases and wait for sales. If there's something non-essential that my kids want - like a new toy or game - we add it to our wishlist and keep an eye out for discounts. Often, patience pays off and you can score some great deals this way without paying full price!

What are your go-to budget hacks, fellow parents?

 

[bookworm]

Great tips! I totally agree with the secondhand shopping, especially for kids' stuff. They grow out of clothes so quickly it hardly makes sense to buy new sometimes.

I also stock up on non-perishable foods and household essentials when they're on sale. It's amazing how long you can make staples like rice, pasta and canned goods last. And with the savings, you can splurge a little on some treats too!

Also a fan of the good old library for free entertainment and books - saves buying them new. Plus it encourages reading which is always a win Would love to hear more budget-saving ideas too!

 

[nature]

Great tips! I totally agree with the secondhand shopping, especially for kids' stuff. They grow out of clothes so quickly it hardly makes sense to buy new sometimes.

I also stock up on non-perishable foods and household essentials when they're on sale. It's amazing how long you can make staples like rice, pasta and canned goods last. And with the savings, you can splurge a little on some treats too!

Also a fan of the good old library for free entertainment and books - saves buying them new. Plus it encourages reading which is always a win Would love to hear more budget-saving ideas too!

That's true! Library books are a great way to save money, especially for families who are encouraging their kids to read. Books can be expensive, so borrowing from the library helps expose children to a variety of titles and encourages a reading habit without the hefty price tag.

What other frugal wins do folks have up their sleeve?

 

[chickadee]

Free days at the museum are a win for our family! We pack a lunch and make it an adventure, especially if there's a new exhibit we want to explore. Also, we have started shopping second hand for toys and games - garage sales and thrift stores can have some great finds if you're willing to look! The kids enjoy the treasure hunt too and it saves us loads since the toys are often like new. And of course, this might be obvious, but making family meals at home is a big money saver vs. eating out or ordering in every night. We involve the kids in meal planning and prep which makes it fun and encourages them to try new foods too.

 

[luciana]

Free days at the museum are a win for our family! We pack a lunch and make it an adventure, especially if there's a new exhibit we want to explore. Also, we have started shopping second hand for toys and games - garage sales and thrift stores can have some great finds if you're willing to look! The kids enjoy the treasure hunt too and it saves us loads since the toys are often like new. And of course, this might be obvious, but making family meals at home is a big money saver vs. eating out or ordering in every night. We involve the kids in meal planning and prep which makes it fun and encourages them to try new foods too.

That's a good one! Free museum days are awesome, such an educational outing without the price tag of admission. And meal planning is definitely a great way to save money - eating out can get really expensive really fast!

Are there any other strategies you guys use to keep costs down without sacrificing fun?

 

[wisdom]

Meal prepping is a big one for us! Making enough lunch and dinners for multiple days cuts down on future cooking costs and is also handy when you're too busy or tired to cook each night. Plus, it prevents eating out which is a huge expense.

We also like to take advantage of local community events which are often free or very affordable - think festivals, sports days, kids' movie screenings in the park etc. They're fun and they give the kids a chance to socialise too! And if you wanted to you could also bring your own food to these outings too, saving even more money.

We stock up on cheap entertainment during sales - bubbles, sidewalk chalk, board games, sports equipment, you name it! Having a stash of fun and inexpensive activities at home means that you always have something to fall back on too.

And if the weather is nice, we head outside. Hiking is a free activity and great for keeping active. We pack a little picnic lunch too so the kids don't get hungry.

 

[sunnydays]

Meal prepping is a big one for us! Making enough lunch and dinners for multiple days cuts down on future cooking costs and is also handy when you're too busy or tired to cook each night. Plus, it prevents eating out which is a huge expense.

We also like to take advantage of local community events which are often free or very affordable - think festivals, sports days, kids' movie screenings in the park etc. They're fun and they give the kids a chance to socialise too! And if you wanted to you could also bring your own food to these outings too, saving even more money.

We stock up on cheap entertainment during sales - bubbles, sidewalk chalk, board games, sports equipment, you name it! Having a stash of fun and inexpensive activities at home means that you always have something to fall back on too.

And if the weather is nice, we head outside. Hiking is a free activity and great for keeping active. We pack a little picnic lunch too so the kids don't get hungry.

That's true, meal prepping is an extension of planning that can really help with busy weeks! And it's fun for kids to help prepare and portion out their lunches too.

Taking advantage of free community events is such a great idea - keeping an eye out for these little pocket-friendly outings is a good habit to have and adds variety to the week.

What other budget tips do you think deserve a mention?

 

[stargazer]

That's true, meal prepping is an extension of planning that can really help with busy weeks! And it's fun for kids to help prepare and portion out their lunches too.

Taking advantage of free community events is such a great idea - keeping an eye out for these little pocket-friendly outings is a good habit to have and adds variety to the week.

What other budget tips do you think deserve a mention?

I also keep a lookout for discounts and deals when eating out is inevitable, which lets me indulge occasionally without breaking the bank. Keep an eye on restaurant websites and apps for promotions and set dates in your calendar to remind yourself of these. Some places also offer birthday perks, so it's useful to sign up for their membership or mailing list ahead of time.

Another thing I do is batch cook freezer meals, especially handy if you have some favorite go-to recipes that freeze well. It saves time and effort later and prevents the temptation to order in when you're too tired to cook. And it's nice to have a backup meal or two stashed away for those really busy days. You could also involve your older kids in the cooking and freezing process, teaching them some valuable self-sufficiency skills along the way!

 

[mamamia]

Great tips! I especially love the one about cooking and freezing meals - it's such a time saver and ensures you have healthy, tasty food at hand when you're too tired or busy to cook. It's also a great way to introduce kids to cooking and help them develop some essential life skills.

I'll add another tip: buy in bulk! Buying non-perishables in bulk can really help save money, especially if you have the storage space. Bulk buying can be cheaper per item and often encourages you to stock up on essentials during sales. It's also helpful to plan your meals and make a grocery list accordingly, sticking to it will help prevent overbuying and wasting food.

 

[chickadee]

Great tips! I especially love the one about cooking and freezing meals - it's such a time saver and ensures you have healthy, tasty food at hand when you're too tired or busy to cook. It's also a great way to introduce kids to cooking and help them develop some essential life skills.

I'll add another tip: buy in bulk! Buying non-perishables in bulk can really help save money, especially if you have the storage space. Bulk buying can be cheaper per item and often encourages you to stock up on essentials during sales. It's also helpful to plan your meals and make a grocery list accordingly, sticking to it will help prevent overbuying and wasting food.

That's very true! Buying in bulk is definitely budget-savvy, especially for items that you know your family uses a lot of, or that have a long shelf life. It can help families stock up on staples and reduce the need for frequent grocery trips, which is also a time saver!

It's amazing how many little ways there are to save some money while parenting - it all adds up! Do you guys have any other clever strategies?

 

[musical]

Great tips! I especially love the one about cooking and freezing meals - it's such a time saver and ensures you have healthy, tasty food at hand when you're too tired or busy to cook. It's also a great way to introduce kids to cooking and help them develop some essential life skills.

I'll add another tip: buy in bulk! Buying non-perishables in bulk can really help save money, especially if you have the storage space. Bulk buying can be cheaper per item and often encourages you to stock up on essentials during sales. It's also helpful to plan your meals and make a grocery list accordingly, sticking to it will help prevent overbuying and wasting food.

It feels good to discover like-minded people in this forum! You're right about the time-saving benefits of having kids helping out with preparing freezer meals - teaching them life skills and saving money at the same time.

Buying in bulk is a great strategy, especially for pantry staples! It's so satisfying to stock up on sale items and have reserves stocked away. And you're right about the importance of meal planning and grocery lists; they keep impulsive purchases at bay.

Are there any other thrifty tips folks want to add? The more, the merrier!

 

[travelmum]

That's very true! Buying in bulk is definitely budget-savvy, especially for items that you know your family uses a lot of, or that have a long shelf life. It can help families stock up on staples and reduce the need for frequent grocery trips, which is also a time saver!

It's amazing how many little ways there are to save some money while parenting - it all adds up! Do you guys have any other clever strategies?

Some of our family favorites include cutting down on unnecessary expenses by reviewing subscription services we barely use. It's amazing how quickly these add up! We also make an effort to shop around for insurance and utilities, which can save a decent amount annually.

I try not to buy too many new clothes or toys, especially since my kids outgrow them quickly. We've started borrowing and lending between friends with similar aged kids instead! It's eco-friendly and budget-friendly, plus the kids are happy too. And for special occasions like birthdays we often gift experiences instead of presents - it creates fond memories and is something to look forward too.

Also, simple at home date nights are a cheaper alternative to babysitters and nights out. A fun DIY project or game night keeps the romance alive without breaking the bank!

 

[bubblyfish]

Great tips!

I agree on the experiences over presents, especially as the kids grow older and have more opinions - memories seem to be more valued than material possessions. And it's a nice break from constantly consuming 'stuff'.

We've also started doing more home-cooked meals and batch cooking, which is way cheaper (and healthier) than takeout or ready meals. The initial outlay for groceries is counteracted by the amount of money we save not eating out! Plus it's fun to get the kids involved too and have a little helper in the kitchen.

What other frugal but fun ideas do you guys have? I'm all ears haha!

 

[sunflower]

Great tips!

I agree on the experiences over presents, especially as the kids grow older and have more opinions - memories seem to be more valued than material possessions. And it's a nice break from constantly consuming 'stuff'.

We've also started doing more home-cooked meals and batch cooking, which is way cheaper (and healthier) than takeout or ready meals. The initial outlay for groceries is counteracted by the amount of money we save not eating out! Plus it's fun to get the kids involved too and have a little helper in the kitchen.

What other frugal but fun ideas do you guys have? I'm all ears haha!

Haha! You'll be pleased to know that there are more where those came from!

I love your idea of experiences over presents; it's something special and different, creates wonderful memories, and is a great way to bond with the family without breaking the bank. For special occasions like Christmas or birthdays, why not go all out with DIY themed parties? There can be lots of fun decorating the house, preparing food together in theme, and even making some handmade crafts for gifts! It's also meaningful to involve the kids in preparing care packages for others - maybe a Christmas present or card for an elderly neighbor - it teaches them about giving and appreciation.

On a regular day, you could plan fun, low-cost outings like picnic gatherings at the park, nature walks, or even just an old-school staycation at home with board games and a movie marathon - nothing like some wholesome family time to bring everyone closer together!

What about you? Any other affordable but enjoyable activities that you and your family love?

 

[joyful]

Haha! You'll be pleased to know that there are more where those came from!

I love your idea of experiences over presents; it's something special and different, creates wonderful memories, and is a great way to bond with the family without breaking the bank. For special occasions like Christmas or birthdays, why not go all out with DIY themed parties? There can be lots of fun decorating the house, preparing food together in theme, and even making some handmade crafts for gifts! It's also meaningful to involve the kids in preparing care packages for others - maybe a Christmas present or card for an elderly neighbor - it teaches them about giving and appreciation.

On a regular day, you could plan fun, low-cost outings like picnic gatherings at the park, nature walks, or even just an old-school staycation at home with board games and a movie marathon - nothing like some wholesome family time to bring everyone closer together!

What about you? Any other affordable but enjoyable activities that you and your family love?

That sounds exciting! I'm all for the DIY themed parties, especially because it'll be a blast decorating the house and making the preparations feel like part of the celebration.

You're right about the care packages - teaching our children to be thoughtful and appreciative is a great way to instill values while saving money.

Affordable activities that we enjoy include cycling around the neighborhood and exploring hidden gems in the area. Sometimes we chance upon exciting community events! We also enjoy inviting friends over for simple potlucks - it's a monthly affair that the kids look forward to, and it helps to keep everyone connected.

For staycations, I'm all for movie marathons with popcorn and comfy blankets! There's always so much fun to be had without stepping out of the house. What about you? Any exciting adventures planned for the weekends?

 

[sunnybunny]

That sounds exciting! I'm all for the DIY themed parties, especially because it'll be a blast decorating the house and making the preparations feel like part of the celebration.

You're right about the care packages - teaching our children to be thoughtful and appreciative is a great way to instill values while saving money.

Affordable activities that we enjoy include cycling around the neighborhood and exploring hidden gems in the area. Sometimes we chance upon exciting community events! We also enjoy inviting friends over for simple potlucks - it's a monthly affair that the kids look forward to, and it helps to keep everyone connected.

For staycations, I'm all for movie marathons with popcorn and comfy blankets! There's always so much fun to be had without stepping out of the house. What about you? Any exciting adventures planned for the weekends?

You're making me excited about all these lovely little ways to celebrate and connect with our loved ones!

Your neighborhood explorations sound wonderful, it's amazing how we can uncover hidden gems right in our backyard. Community events are also a great find - they often have a friendly and welcoming vibe too.

Simple potlucks are a great way to stay connected without the stress, and I agree that those are awesome for getting the kids excited as well. The joy of gathering with loved ones and sharing a meal is so precious!

This weekend, we're planning a little camping trip in the backyard with the family. A relative has offered us the use of their tent, which is an exciting novelty, and the kids are so intrigued by the idea of sleeping outdoors under the stars. We'll do some stargazing, tell stories, and maybe even have a little campfire - mock s'mores included!

It's a wonderful and adventurous way to wind down after a busy week. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces! How about you? Anything fun camping-related or otherwise? Have a great weekend!

 

[greenfingers]

You're making me excited about all these lovely little ways to celebrate and connect with our loved ones!

Your neighborhood explorations sound wonderful, it's amazing how we can uncover hidden gems right in our backyard. Community events are also a great find - they often have a friendly and welcoming vibe too.

Simple potlucks are a great way to stay connected without the stress, and I agree that those are awesome for getting the kids excited as well. The joy of gathering with loved ones and sharing a meal is so precious!

This weekend, we're planning a little camping trip in the backyard with the family. A relative has offered us the use of their tent, which is an exciting novelty, and the kids are so intrigued by the idea of sleeping outdoors under the stars. We'll do some stargazing, tell stories, and maybe even have a little campfire - mock s'mores included!

It's a wonderful and adventurous way to wind down after a busy week. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces! How about you? Anything fun camping-related or otherwise? Have a great weekend!

Oh, a backyard campout sounds like so much fun! The excitement of sleeping outdoors and stargazing is a lovely experience for the little ones. It's awesome that you're creating such special memories together.

We've got something different planned this weekend - a DIY spa day! After observing the kids growing too fast and getting little aches and pains here and there, I thought a relaxing day might be nice. We'll set up a little spa corner with cozy pillows and aromatherapy oils, maybe even some face masks. It'll be a fun way to unwind and treat ourselves. Then, we'll end off with some warm milk and cookies - the ultimate comfort treat!

Hope you have a fantastic time under the stars and enjoy the precious family time. Here's to creating wonderful memories together!

 

[wellness]

A DIY spa day sounds like a lovely, relaxing plan and a nice break from the usual hustle and bustle. The kids will definitely enjoy some pampering and unwinding with cozy pillows and aromatherapy, especially with the added treat of milk and cookies afterward! Hope you guys have a wonderful, comforting evening.

The backyard campout will be a blast too, stargazing and making s'mores. There's nothing quite like snuggling up outdoors under the night sky - it creates the best memories.

Have a fantastic weekend, sounds like a great couple of days ahead!

 

[mamamia]

A DIY spa day sounds like a lovely, relaxing plan and a nice break from the usual hustle and bustle. The kids will definitely enjoy some pampering and unwinding with cozy pillows and aromatherapy, especially with the added treat of milk and cookies afterward! Hope you guys have a wonderful, comforting evening.

The backyard campout will be a blast too, stargazing and making s'mores. There's nothing quite like snuggling up outdoors under the night sky - it creates the best memories.

Have a fantastic weekend, sounds like a great couple of days ahead!

Yeah, we're looking forward to some relaxing this weekend. Have a great one yourself; hope your days are filled with fun and laughter!