| Your Frugal Tips | |
Here are some frugal tips that other stay-at-home parents have shared with us.
From Loli:
My 10 year old son and his best friend are both summer babies. For the past 4 years, his mom and I reserve a picnic area in one of the city parks, it's free. We let each boy write up their guest list. It often is 25-30 boys and girls. This gives them an opportunity to play baseball, soccer, basketball, or whatever games they want to play and they get to see their friends they may not normally see during the summer. We provide a boom box, cake and ice cream, and a goody bag. Clean up is easy, we dispose of it in park recepticals. Our houses and yards aren't torn apart, and no one's feelings are hurt because the guest list is so large. Amongst their friends, it is usually the event of the summer!
From Susan:
It seemed my Middle School son always wanted to have brand named "cool" clothes. I put him on his own budget for back to school clothes for the entire year. I shopped with him and he found "cool" sneakers on sale, some very hip brand name shirts. The budget includes underwear and socks also. He hasn't lost any socks in the wash. He is learning the value of a $ and is much more responsible for his things. Miracles do happen! I am going to try an amended version with my 10 year old daughter.
From Allison:
When I get a hole, stain, or other mishap to my clothing, instead of throwing it out, I keep it. I can cut the "bad" stuff away, and make baby clothes out of the good material left. I have sewed some cute two piece outfits using one shirt of mine.
From Brenda:
I have been a stay at home mom for 7 years now, my kids are 6,7 and 8- 3 in 34 months.
Planting a garden and not only using fresh but freezing your vegetables is a wonderful way to save money. The kids get in on it too now. In fact, this year I only planted the carrots and made the rows, they did all the rest and loved every minute of it! My mom always said for every bag of vegetables you put in the freezer, give yourself a dollar. You don't need much room really, a small flowerbed set up properly could give you 20-30 bags. I freeze beans, peas, corn, carrots, turnips, and parsnips. The only veggies I buy year round are fresh tomatoes(I can tomatoes from my garden as well), lettuce, and the odd treat of cauliflower and broccoli. I try to get 50 bags of each at least. I also do grated carrots for soups and muffins etc. You can also do celery and onions this way. A garden is a lot of work yes, but good exercise, and a great stress reliever!!!
From Trish:
I too am a stay at home mom. Here is a tip that has saved me a bundle in the year or so I have been doing it. Shop at auction sites online. I purchased a complete summer wardrobe for my son of nice, name brand clothes for $50 this year. You can also get name brand sneakers for $15-20. You can also get videos, home products, kitchenware, home decor, and etc. The possibilies are endless. I still go to yardsales, but not as often, because you save money on gas when you shop online. Especially if you live 20-30 miles from town like we do. A tip for the auctions: always ask the seller the shipping cost before you bid, because when you add in the shipping cost, you might get a better bargain from a store. You can save money, you just have to bid wisely. Also, use the auction sites to make money from your old stuff. I recently sold a partial set of dishes I wasn't using, they were taking up space, and a collector bought the 9 pieces for $41. This will work for you too once you get the hang of it.
I want to thank everyone for their tips and hints, and please keep them coming!
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