Sometimes that old Dire Straits song "Money for Nothing" sounds pretty good (..get your money for nothing and your chicks for free..). Obviously, it's sexist and it has Sting singing back-up vocals, which is enough to make any self-respecting person crash her mini-van. But sometimes, with the way things are going in our economy, free money and free love sounds fabulous.
Translated into budget conscious parenting this can simply mean spending less on food, stuff for your kids, and gasoline.
Here are 5 quick ways to save on all three categories:
1. Don't buy fast food - It's quick, easy, convenient, and pleases most palates..but it can really add up!
2. Drive a nerdy but fuel efficient car - A used one that you can pay cash for and relive your high school wonder years.
3. Take the bus or other public transportation - which if you live in a big urban center is no big deal. If you're in most other places, it is quite an undertaking, what with busses running only every hour... Seriously. On the other hand, with gas prices going up and up and up, I'm going to make the extra effort while the weather is nice to make a bus trip part of a fun summer adventure with the kiddies.
4. Use coupons- Many stores park them right by the front door as you walk in. So with very little effort, you can reduce your grocery bill. It also helps to stick to the store's perimeter (where most of the fruits, veggies, meats, and dairy items live) and away from the inside aisles where those unplanned processed purchases can really add up.
5. Give the gift of time - As gaggy and Hallmark-y as this sounds, kids these days mostly have more stuff than they can use. Rather than a gift for an occasion, try giving them an adventure or an outing. And if this idea falls flat with the under-10s, try it with your partner. Most women will enthusiastically embrace free time as a substitute for flowers any day of the week. Most kids will also enjoy some time rather than another crappy plastic lead-filled toy. And some men might prefer some time alone in the man cave to another dumb tie.
