Providing for a family can be tricky, so you need to take every opportunity to save a bit of money. If you are struggling to find a balance between giving and saving, there are a few ways you might be able to do both simultaneously.
Plan Your Meals
Some people enjoy cooking, but others do not like to think about planning several meals each week for the whole family. Although it is easier and quicker to just take a trip to a restaurant, the money you spend there will add up before you know it. The key is to plan frugal healthy meals in advance so you know exactly what you will have for the entire week, and each one will only cost a few dollars at most. You’ll have the bonus advantage of knowing what’s for dinner every night, and you won’t have to stare hopelessly into the fridge first.
Obviously, the most expensive component of any meal is the meat so it pays to stock up whenever you find a good deal on meat. This may mean your freezer is full so a separate stand-alone freezer will usually pay for itself in short order.
Reuse Items
Disposable things can be efficient and cheap, but those costs start to add up if you have to keep buying the same items regularly. If you find that your family uses a lot of a particular thing, consider investing in a reusable version of it to save money in the long run. You could try washable cloth napkins and wipes instead of buying paper napkins and towel rolls. If you like the taste of bottled water, you can buy reusable bottles with filters for the whole family instead of cases from the store.
Purchase Used Cars
Brand new cars look sleek and come with lots of bells and whistles. These modern conveniences can be nice, but they are not entirely necessary. They can easily lose 20% of their value the minute you drive it off the dealer’s lot. Soit is much more prudent to buy a car that has already been “driven off the lot” and save that 20% yourself. Many people only drive “new cars” and then trade them in every 2 or 3 years. If you can pick up one of these beauties you can get a vehicle with 25 to 50,000 miles on it and since vehicles easily can get 250,000 miles on them you can get the lowest cost per mile that way. You can find serviceable pre-owned cars at manageable prices that can work within your budget. There are many kinds of used vehicles available, and you can work with a dealer to find the right type or size that is suitable for your family.
Entertainment at Home
Everyone needs to get out of the house and have a break from the routine from time to time. However, a single night out for a whole family of adults and kids will put a hole in your monthly budget before you know it. Board games, crafting activities, or a family movie night will all be much cheaper options than going to a venue that provides similar services. If you absolutely need a change of scenery, consider a walk in a public park that allows everyone to enjoy nature.
The good news about saving money and still providing well is that you don’t have to take drastic measures. By implementing several small steps over time, the savings can begin to grow without a noticeable dip in quality. Reducing your stress can be worth this extra time and adjustment. Don’t forget to look for ways to reduce energy consumption in the home as another means of saving money.
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