This morning on "The Morning Blend," we decided to tackle a topic that is being talked about by moms (and dads and just about everyone else) all over the Milwaukee area. With the state of our economy and so much uncertainty, how do you cut back your family budget without feeling like you're making huge sacrifices?
In our MilwaukeeMoms.com discussion boards, moms offered up a lot of tips for those looking to spend less. Put all, or even most, of these ideas to work and you could save your family hundreds of dollars each month.
MilwaukeeMoms.com Top 20 Money Saving Ideas
1)
Replace brand name cereals, canned goods and other
items with generic.
2)
Make your coffee at home rather than buying it.
3)
Clip coupons and shop on double coupon days only if
your local grocery store offers it.
4)
Do a big grocery trip at the beginning of the month
and try to go during the month as infrequently as possible. More trips to the
grocery store means more possibilities for impulse buys that you don’t need.
5)
Use tap water rather than bottled water.
6)
Make your own baby food.
7)
Eat at home and pack lunches for school and work.
8)
Visit resale shops for bargains on clothes.
9)
Buy children’s clothes in the next size up from the
clearance rack at the end of each season.
10) Make your
own household cleaners.
11) Take your
own family photos or ask a friend to do it for you rather than paying to have
it professionally done.
12) Switch one
or all of your cell phones to those that use pre-paid cards.
13) Cancel
your magazine subscriptions. Read them at the library or recycle from a friend
instead.
14) Make an
agreement with your spouse to make a special homemade meal or treat rather than
buying birthday or holiday presents for each other.
15) Call your
credit card companies and ask for lower interest rates.
16) Install a
programmable thermostat.
17) Turn off
lights when no one is in the room.
18) Save up
your laundry and dishes for full loads; don’t run multiple small loads.
19) Drop your
gym membership and work out at home.
20) Leave your
money and credit cards at home when you go out if you don’t want to be tempted
to spend! Take only what you really think you’ll need and no more.
