The economy is affecting every aspect of our lives from gas prices to the price of bananas, here are a few ways our family has been keeping a few more dollars in our pocket.
- Use hand-me-down clothes. No need to buy new right now.
- Eat in.
- If you do eat out, order just waters – the soda, teas and lemonades can run your bill up!
- Purchase foods that can stretch, like pasta and rice.
- Pack sandwiches instead of eating from the concession stand.
- Carpool whenever and wherever you can.
- Stay up on your bills as not to incur any interest or late fees.
- Use less laundry detergent.
- Make a lemonade at home and put in reusable bottles to take on the go rather than purchasing individual bottles while out.
- Buy in bulk.
- Use coupons or be aware of special savings when you do need to make a big purchase.
- Use your leftovers.
- Plan your meals. You have a tendency to spend less money when you do.
- Use towels when you can, rather than overusing tons of paper towels.
- Don’t wash your towels as frequently.
- Use the oven and bake a few things while it’s already heated up.
- Use the library to get new books, movies and even music rather than buying new or renting.
- Have leftovers for lunches the next day to school
- Having many kids can be a plus. our elementary school offers a 4 kids go there, the 5th one free.
- Have older kids work-pay for their own books, phone bills, gas ect., they also give to charities
- Apply for any and all scholarships for college – high marks on ACT come in handy for Bright Flight (for example, any school in Missouri for free)
- Have temp in house set appropriately
- Turn off lights all the time
- Share meals when eating out.
- Share popcorn (buy huge refillable bucket at theatre, take water cups and divy out to everyone.)