AfricaImages / Getty Images/iStockphoto
Raising a family on a budget is a daunting task. From infancy up to adulthood, kids are expensive, and it takes a lot of creativity and strategy to keep the finances in order.
Save More: Unplug These Appliances That Hike Up Your Electricity Bill
Read: Surprising Things You Can Buy With Food Stamps
GOBankingRates asked some of the top female bloggers and finance experts (who also happen to be mothers) for their best money-saving tips for staying on top of family finances.
Life Insurance Offer: The only term life insurance that never requires a medical exam – ages 18-60. Get your fast, free quote now.
1. Build Your Weekly Menu Around Grocery Store Sales
To combat one of the biggest expenses families face — food costs — take advantage of every bit of leeway your local supermarket offers. Jeanette Pavini, savings expert for Coupons.com, told us moms can get more control over their budgets by planning meals around sales. “By simply building their weekly meal menu around what’s on sale at the grocery store, using reward/loyalty programs and coupons, you can save up to 40 percent on your grocery bill,” she said.
Poll: Does April’s Stock Market Dip Concern You?
2. Be Financially Independent
Part of being a parent is accepting the huge responsibility of protecting your family’s financial future. According to Emma Johnson, founder of WealthySingleMommy.com, that starts with addressing your own personal finances.
“Never depend on anyone else for your financial security. Life can happen at any time — death, divorce, disability,” Johnson said. “It is your responsibility as an adult and parent to always take responsibility for the security of yourself and your family.”
Life Insurance Offer: Instant coverage upon approval. Get a quote in seconds and apply online in minutes. No medical exam ever – ages 18-60.
3. Make an Extra Mortgage Payment
Just one extra mortgage payment a year can get your principal down, allows you to pay off your home faster and saves you money on interest, said Debbie Andersen of Pineapples & Palm Trees. She used this strategy herself, telling us, “Our home loan was paid off years before its time and my husband thanks me constantly.”
4. Keep Your Pantry Stocked
Cooking a family dinner at the end of the day can be stressful, but a well-stocked pantry can make this task easier, healthier and more affordable. So just what is a “well stocked pantry”?
Culinary expert and cookbook author Holly Clegg explained: “Think of a well-stocked pantry as …….
Source: https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/family/money-saving-tips-moms-2/