You CAN Save Money as a Stay At Home Mom
Supermarket 101: Know your prices!
Deciding to stay at home as a mom is huge undertaking and not one taken lightly. Many are just not able to accomplish it financially, and not everyone wants to, but if you are already a SAHM or think you might want to be and may possibly be able to swing it financially, consider that there are quite a few ways to save money.
In my career, I have been a full-time worker, part-timer, and freelancer, and I’ve also been a SAHM, too.
Here are some of my tips to help you save money:
Shopping
Plan to spend some time planning to shop. Every time I plan out exactly what I will purchase and do my homework by staking out the best deals at the stores, I save money. You can learn a lot of stuff just browsing circulars and websites. For example, did you know that Toys R Us has a “Price Match Guarantee” that not only says if you find an item cheaper at another store, they will match that price, but also if you find it cheaper on ToysRUs.com or BabiesRUs.com, they will also match.
Think Ahead. Last-minute shopping equals paying more nearly every single time. When I was working full-time, I lost a lot of money that way. Now that I freelance, I have more time to pick and choose and plan ahead for every holiday and occasion. It also helps to get those reward store cards, even if it’s a pain to fill out the application for them. The next time you visit that store, you’ll already have the card and be on your way to earning reward points. Another tip? If you buy a blouse, shirt or bag you love, ask yourself if anyone on your birthday or holiday gift list would also like it. Then buy another at the sale price. Even if the birthday is months away, you save money. And when shopping online, before you place any order, Google the word “coupon” and then “code” along with store’s name. 8 out of 10 times, I’ll find a code that allows free shipping or a percentage off my order.
Groceries
Supermarkets these days can eat your money like no other type of store. When that weekly circular comes to your door, mark off what is on sale and stock up. Note the fine print, however, because sometimes, it will say you must buy 3, or 4, or 5 of the item to get the deal. Buy things you’ll always need in bulk but if you only need one of the item for the next six months, it doesn’t make sense.
Cook more, plain and simple. When I was working full-time, there were many nights where I’d get home late and we’d order out. Huge money eater! Also by planning a week’s worth of dinner on Sunday night (while perusing your supermarket circular and tailoring the dishes around the sales), you will save. Small grocery savings tips? Buy a long-term traveling water bottle for your child, instead of weekly juice packs and refill at night. When it comes to buying meat, buy the thicker cut pieces and slice and dice at home. Thinner cuts cost more.
Extra Income
If you have the time to task on additional tasks and are looking for some extra income, chat it up at your child’s school. Often, working moms are looking for someone local to pick up their kids and watch them for a few hours each day. If you like to write or are good at technology, a quick daily perusal of Mediabistro just might result in a gig here and there. There are many of these out there now, especially in blogging and social media.
Consider the Instant Savings
Even if you don’t gain an extra income, just think about all the money you are saving from the daily keep up when you were working. From daycare costs and clothing and dry cleaning to lunches, dinners, and coffees out (not to mention guilt gifts for the kids), you may be saving more than you think. Some moms report that when they factor in the costs it takes to work outside the home, they almost negate the costs of staying home. And that’s where the above supermarket and shopping tips come in handy!
A big thanks to Citi for sponsoring this campaign. Click here to see more of the discussion.
Image: iStock
Read more: When To Splurge As A Parent: Items That Are Worth It!
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thanks, for this it’s really helpful! i’m a working mom right now, but am considering becoming a sahm when my second child is born… if i do i will definitely keep these tips in mind!
Love this! I do all my meal planning on Sunday nights and then all our shopping on Monday mornings. I also cook or prepare as much as I can in advance so mealtimes are a breeze.
I work full-time and was going crazy when I had to feed my kids mac-n-cheese at least once a week to cook a dinner that did not take most of my time when I got home in the evenings. I just finished planning the meals for next week, at my lunch hour. Then scanned the grocery store circular to find the items I need for my dinners next week (not much, I already had most of it at home) but I am also buying bnls breast on sale for future meals. I cook all week dinners on Sunday and I cook extra so I can take lunch to work everyday. I spend between 2-3 hours every Sunday, cooking, instead of cooking everyday. I used to cook my kids baby food and I did not want them to eat prepacked food, just because I have to go to work. By cooking our foods I can make sure we eat clean. It has also helped me with my lifestyle change. I have lost 55 pounds so far. I also make pizzas, bread and biscuits and freeze them. It helps me save money and time.
This shopping advice is so true! People wonder how I get such good deals…you just need to look around.
This is excellent advice. For me being organized at the grocery store is huge.