After reviewing your income and the impact the loss of it will have, you have to take an extra step to really round out the picture. You have to consider the possibility that your “household expenses”could increase if you don’t have a plan in place to control them.
First and foremost…start shopping “centsably“!
Depending on your current budget and savings you already achieve through sales/coupons this could save you an average of $400 a month!!
Being home with your children gives you a lot of extra time to do things but it’s really important to remember that the things you do outside the home don’t have to cost money (or much money!)
Cutting back on Entertainment expenses is easy and has little impact on the enjoyment you will get out of the time spent together!
Does your family eat out often?
- Find out where kids can eat free
- sign up for newsletters online from your favorite restaurants (they’ll send you coupons!)
- find a way to get the “eat out” atmosphere without spending a lot of cash!
- eat dinner at home and go out for dessert and coffee
- Do what my friend Laura does: order your food to-go (save on the tip and drinks)
Do you go out to activities requiring admission?
- Many churches and schools sell movie passes for a bit less than the rate at the theater, buy these up when you come across them and save $ down the road!
- You can also buy an Entertainment guide (better yet, split it with a friend or neighbor) or become a member of “Entertainment Rewards” and order tickets for a few dollars less than the full price at the theater. If you make a point to take advantage of their other offers you’ll save more than the monthly membership fee.
- they have discounts available for many restaurants, theaters, museums, even local shops and events
Museums/Entertainment Centers offer annual passes in a variety of family sizes, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE!
- you will be happy to have some place to go for a day when everyone needs to get out and spending money is not on the agenda!
- you will make your money back in just a few visits
- We purchased a Science Center membership for 4 for $80 in November. We’ve been 2x (once as a family and once just me and the kids) in 2 months and have accumulated $57 towards the $80. If we only go ONE more time as a family this year we will save $12.
- Last year we purchased a membership at a local children’s center (indoor, educational and fun activities for baby, toddler on up to adult). The annual pass for a family of 4 was $119. Admission to the center for the kids and I was $17! When the weather was too hot or cold or rainy or whatever, we could go hang out and have a ball! We went a couple of times a month all year. We saved $276 by purchasing that pass!!!
- many museum memberships offer reciprocal membership at museums across the country so you can save on vacation activities, too!
- you can almost always bring lunch/snacks with you to these places so you don’t get caught paying the high price for “cafe food”
- Join a local Moms support group like Mom’s Club International, MOP’s, etc…
- they are really good at finding, coordinating and communicating the cheap/free events around your community.
Are you and your family media hounds?
- Cut back on media purchases (DVD’s, music, movies, magazines and books) where you can a reasonable substitute at a great discount! Many local bookstores offer resale books and magazines (current issues) or check books, DVD’s, CD’s and magazines out at your library! It creates less clutter in your home and you are being green by recycling and reusing!
Remember that your children will find more fun in a walk around the neighborhood than you ever imagined!
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