Family Finance Tips to get you back on track

Family Finance Tips to Help You Get Back on Track

If you’re tired of carefully managing the family budget only to realize that you’re still coming up short each month, you’ll need to take steps to minimize your expenses whenever possible. Raising a family is expensive, and it can be incredibly frustrating to practice discipline and still barely scrape by from paycheck to paycheck. When you’re ready to take control of your finances and start building up a nest egg, consider the following tips.

Get a Membership to a Wholesale Store

If you find yourself going to the store every few days, you’re probably spending more on groceries than you’d like. When your family is growing and you’re looking for ways to save a few bucks, it’s usually advisable to sign up for membership at a wholesale retailer. Wholesale stores like Sam’s Club and Costco are easy to find in most states, and the savings will most likely be well worth the cost of membership. For everyday household staples like disinfectant wipes, shampoo, and over the counter medications, you’ll be hard pressed to find better deals at traditional retailers.

Switch to a Different Insurance Company

Finding the right insurance policy for your needs can be time-consuming, so many couples opt for the first company that jumps out at them from a commercial. While your insurance policy might not seem like a pressing issue in your budget, it’s always helpful to pay the lowest rate possible for a fair policy that covers your basic needs. When you’re on the search for affordable insurance, check with a local insurance agency.

Avoid Purchasing New Cars

You want the best for your family, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend more than you can afford on a brand new vehicle. Many couples race out to a dealership shortly after discovering that they’re expecting a baby, hoping to trade in their sedan for a new SUV or minivan. If you need to get a family-friendly vehicle while still adhering to your budget, skip the new car and opt for something used, but still safe and reliable. In addition to saving on the initial purchase price, you’ll also be able to save on taxes and insurance.

Plan All Meals

If you’re a working parent, you probably find yourself swinging through the drive through several times per week because you’re just too exhausted to make a nutritious dinner. While it won’t make a dent in your wallet to eat out every once in a while, routine trips to restaurants can have a huge impact on your budget. To feed your family healthy meals while sticking to your budget, sit down and spend a few minutes to plan your meals for the week.

Start a Garden

When you’re determined to make sure that your family eats a healthy diet, you might be tempted to splurge on organic food at the grocery store. While it should absolutely be a priority to make sure that your family is eating well, there are plenty of ways to cut costs while still meeting your goals. If you have a backyard or an area on your patio to store planters, you’ll be able to grow a few low-maintenance crops like beans and summer squash.

Get Rid of Cable TV

To live below your means, you might have to find creative ways to reduce your cost of living. If you’re the parent of young children and you’ve noticed that you’re spending less time watching TV and instead playing the same kids’ movies on repeat, it might be advisable to cancel your cable subscription. Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu are known for having a wide variety of kids’ shows available on demand, so you’ll be able to keep your kids entertained for less than 20 dollars per month.

You can see more articles like this on my site. Here’s one on saving $345 on getting salon color at home!  Setting your kids up for success with money is another good one. Ways to save $500 for the upcoming holidays by planning now.

Don’t forget to check out the 10 things the rich do to stay rich and you can too.