It can be a challenge to begin living on a budget, but there are definitely some great ways that it can improve your health in the process. As we continue to change our view of money, we can quickly learn that we are making choices that also make us healthier. This result is unexpected but very much welcomed!
You will be eating more healthy food.
When you're living on a budget, you are most likely not going to be eating out very often. This means your fast food habit that's bad for your health won't be a problem anymore. In fact, cooking more meals at home for your family almost always ends up with healthier eating habits. You may still have some not so great foods in your menu on occasion, but the bulk of your meals can easily be nutrient-dense healthy foods.
Budget friendly entertainment often brings you more exercise.
Instead of going to amusement parks or movies all the time, you'll be spending more time doing things like playing games, going for hikes or even playing sports as a family. Budget friendly entertainment often takes you and your family outdoors to explore, walk and play. Family exercise is a great way to spend time together and improve your health in the process.
When your budget is in place and you aren't creating more debt you have less stress.
One of the biggest causes of stress in most families and relationships is due to financial strain. When you are living on a budget, you are able to pay off debt, stay out of debt and possibly even have an emergency savings fund. This is a huge stress reliever. Added stress really can lead to anxiety issues, depression and even physical challenges like high blood pressure or chest pains.
You have more money to spend toward a gym membership or equipment.
Living on a budget can help you to save for that gym membership, or even the walking treadmill desk you've always wanted in your home office. A budget isn't just for paying off debt or managing on one income. It can also be all about saving money to invest in things you really want to improve your life in all areas.
You become more aware of how your poor spending habits hurt relationships.
Did you realize that your family relationships are affected greatly by your financial situation? How does this change your health? More stress between yourself, your spouse and your children can easily lead to poor relationship health, and even physical health as mentioned above. Living on a budget improves the health of your relationships as you see your need to change spending habits, focus more on family time and less on outside splurges. Paying down debtcan also make a huge difference in your marriage relationship as there is less stress for both of you to deal with.
Living on a budget can help you to improve your health and is great for any family to work toward. Your health is more important than any fancy car, designer hand bag or special meal out at a restaurant. Just by making a few financial changes, you can easily improve both your physical and mental health.
Do you love to craft and get creative? Then chances are you have a whole craft room worth of supplies. And even if you do have a whole room dedicated to these supplies, you might be wondering how you can add to that craft stash for less. Take a look below at how to find deals on craft supplies so you can continue to let your creativity flourish. 😉
How to Find Deals on Craft Supplies
1. Download store apps/look for coupons.
Did you know Michael’s Craft stores have a free app that gives you easy access to coupons and savings? Their coupons can also be found on their website or in their weekly flyer.
2. Check out Kijiji/Craigslist/Facebook.
I've seen many craft supplies for sale on second hand sites like Kijiji, Craigslist and even Facebook buy & sell groups. In fact, I just sold some old sewing patterns and fabric the other day so I know others are looking and selling!
3. Know where the clearance aisle is.
Most craft stores have a whole aisle dedicated to clearance items. Ask an employee where you can find these deals if you aren’t sure where they are. Chances are, you can find some items at deep, deep discounts! Especially after a holiday is over, like Christmas or Valentine's Day.
4. Browse Amazon.
Amazonhas TONS of crafting supply items at excellent prices. Find yarn, fabric, embellishments, soap supplies, candle supplies, and so much more. The market is vast and you can search for prices that fit your budget. Plus, your purchase might qualify for free shipping!
5. Check out Etsy.
Etsyis a crafter’s paradise! Many sellers offer crafting supplies both new or leftover from their own projects for a great price. Like Amazon, you can browse by price so you can be sure to find something in your budget.
6. Visit local thrift stores.
I am amazed at how often I find leftover crafting supplies at thrift stores. I also find fabric, yarn, knitting needles, and items I can re-purpose like picture frames and pottery. It is always worth browsing your local thrift shop to see what they might offer. Selections are always changing!
7. Dollar stores.
Dollar stores are still one of the best places to find budget friendly craft supplies! Search for wood craft sticks, pom poms, pipe cleaners, glue sticks, googly eyes, craft foam, stickers, mason jars, and everything in between. Your selection may also include holiday themed items. For just a buck, you can’t beat the price.
If you are itching to get crafty, keep these tips for how to find deals on craft supplies in mind!
Now that spring has sprung, the annual spring cleaning of your home is inevitable. But do you ever think about spring cleaning your car? Today you can’t help but notice the signs announcing the high price of gas. It's almost enough to make you feel guilty about using your car.
If you want to run a car efficiently it needs to be properly serviced and you need to be aware of what you can do to help reduce the cost of running your vehicle.
Spring is a good time to take control of your car expenses. Using cars more efficiently and even leaving it at home sometimes will help to reduce your gas consumption and wear and tear on your vehicle.
Here are some road-worthy tips on how to Spring Clean Your Vehicle to Save Money. Therefore taking control of your gas consumption.
Maintain your vehicle
Keep the tires properly inflated and if you need a tune-up then pay the money if you can afford it. We have found a reliable "backyard" mechanic to do any tune-ups that we may need for our vehicles. I also keep my eyes open for coupons for oil change places. With regular maintenance, your vehicle will run at its optimum performance, thus saving gas.
Remove your snow tires
These tires are designed to work best during the cold weather months. Once the warmer temperatures hit switch to your regular tires, this will help with reducing your gas consumption.
Fill up the tank
Don’t buy ten dollars at one station and then ten dollars at another a few days later. Locate the cheapest gas and fill the tank and then don’t go back until the tank is a quarter full. If you keep topping off the tank then your car is burdened by the extra weight and not as fuel efficient.
Stop driving
Okay, not literally but maybe you can take public transportation or ride your bike to the grocery store once in a while. Think of ways you can keep your car in the drive way. Another option may be to select a day during the week that everyone carpools together to work and rotate the driver each week.
Slow down
If you can’t stop driving then slow down. Many people speed off at a green light and operate their vehicles at high rates of speed. There is no reason; do the speed limit. Also, when you see a stop sign or red light coast to a stop; don’t keep your foot on the accelerator.
What are some of the ways you try to save money on vehicle gas costs?
A new baby often means you are in need of some quality tips to make ends meet. Whether you are struggling to make sure you get everything needed for the new arrival, or have decided to not go back to work and now need to focus on being a one-income family, these frugal tips for new baby expenses are going to help you easily make your dollars stretch.
Buy second hand.
I think this first tip has saved me the most money overall! Gently used baby clothes and baby gear are a great investment when you can buy second hand. You'll be paying at least half the price. Most of these items are in excellent condition since they aren't used for long. Clothing, bassinets, cribs, strollers and toys are great items to find second hand. Car seats should never be purchased second hand as you don't know their history and they can be a safety hazard. Things like breast pumps can easily be cleaned and most second-hand options are high quality and safe to use. Double check any toy or piece of nursery furniture or equipment ahead of time to make sure no recalls have been placed before purchasing.
Cloth diaper.
Many will debate about whether this is one of the best frugal tips for new babies, but I do believe that cloth diapering can save a lot of money, depending on the child and individual family. If you will be a stay at home mom, it is much more practical and financially feasible to cloth diaper. If your child will be in a daycare situation, it may be best to stick with disposable diapers. Weigh the pros and cons for your family and decide what is best.
A new baby can be exciting and make you really want more fun and cute items, but the reality is, you need very little for the first few months. Sleepers, onesies and warm blankets are about all you need for a newborn. A few (5-6) nicer outfits for going out and about in are great, but really, a simple sleeper is going to be the standard until they are a bit older. Don't invest in hundreds of outfits in small sizes. Wait to see how fast they grow to see what works best for you.
Breastfeed.
I'm a firm believer of the saying "a fed baby is a happy baby", but if possible, breastfeeding is one of the best frugal tips for a new baby. If you can't for any reason, then consult with your pediatrician about a healthy formula alternative. Remember, you are an excellent mama no matter how you feed your baby!
Buy or borrow a breast pump.
Quality breasts pumps can cost upwards of $200. Many hospitals, pediatrician offices and Le Leche League affiliations will allow you to "check out" or "borrow" a breast pump for a small fee each month, or no charge at all. However, technology has come a long way since I've had babies and there are many great affordable options available that make purchasing one way more cost effective!
Utilize free classes.
Many areas offer free Le Leche League as well as Lamaze classes for pregnant or postpartum moms. Don't pay out of pocket when you can find assistance for free through your local hospital or physician's office.
Ask for coupons.
Many companies from all over the world will mail you coupons of some sample items for your baby. Everything from formula to diapers and even lotions or snacks can be found for free using coupons or special forms on various company websites.
Buy all-in-one items.
Things like a convertible playpen that has a bassinet included can work great for next to your bed when the baby is small, then work as a fun area for them to safely play as they get older. Stroller and car seat combination sets are also often much less expensive than buying each piece separately.
Make your own baby food.
Instead of buying brand name baby foods, choose organic produce and create your own purees to feed your baby when the time is right. Carrot, sweet potato, peas, apple sauce and even prunes are all so easy to whip up! I loved these Baby Cubes for freezing the purees.
Buy unisex items.
Unisex items are easier to use down the road for a future sibling should the need arise. This is savings for now and later!
These frugal tips for your new baby expenses are easy to follow and work for any situation. A new baby is such a joy! Don't let finances trouble you. Use these practical tips to save money for your future and their future.
I'd love to know how you save money on new baby expenses?
Practical Penny Pinching Tips for Single Income Families
Everyone needs a few penny pinching tips on occasion to help make ends meet, but especially those families trying to live on a single income.
We work hard to get great deals and work on ways to save, but there may still be some days when there is too much month at the end of your paycheck. These penny pinching tips are designed to help you realistically save money and make ends meet even when it seems impossible.
Use simple frugal meal plans.
I mention meal planning all the time, but it really is a huge way to save money on your grocery budget. Generically I can tell you that a meal plan will save money, but let's look at some real facts about how it can.
If you plan, you will be using things from your pantry, fridge and freezer that you have bought already. When I get lazy with meal planning, I find I throw away much more rotten produce than if I were to take a few minutes to plan some meals around the produce (and other items) that I bought.
Planning what you will have each day will help you to use things like leftovers for lunches, or help you to use a large pot roast for not just one meal, but two or three. Turn that roast into stew, soup, beef dips, or even tacos.
Eating out for a family of four can cost $20-$50 easily. $20 twice a week is already $160 a month. The same $160 can feed your entire family for more than a week with your meal plan in most cases. Over the course of a year, you can save over $2000 just by not eating out twice a week.
Using free or low cost items from your pantry that you have bought with coupons or on sale, can work easily into your meal plan and save even more money.
$5 Meal Plan
If you find meal planning to be a struggle, I suggest you take a look at$5 Meal Plan. It happens to be my favorite meal planning service. It’s just $5 a month (the first two weeks are free!), and you get menu plans sent straight to your email along with the exact shopping list you need in order to create the meals. Each meal costs around $2 per person or less. This service allows you to save time because you won’t have to meal plan anymore, and it will save you money as well! If you are interested in joining for free, click here.
Evaluate your housing situation.
Where you live is important for many reasons, but there are a lot of single income families that can easily downsize. It's one of the hardest penny pinching tips out there. But putting aside the idea of a bigger home for a time so you can focus on saving that extra money for paying off debt or putting into savings can be beneficial. Here are some easy ways to make a smaller home work for your family:
Have kids share a bedroom to save space
Consider selling larger furniture pieces that aren't needed or make your space feel overcrowded.
Declutter any items you don't use regularly that can easily be replaced. (gym equipment, guest room furniture, clothing, toys, electronics.)
Use attic and garage space for storage.
Change how you view necessities.
I've also talked about this a lot, but this tip is vital to financial success for anyone who is really trying to learn some penny pinching tips.
What you feel you have to have, is not always a true necessity. For example, do you really need Netflix? Could you watch shows on YouTube instead?
Look at your budget, your regular expenses and how you spend your money. There are many things you may be able to cut out, make on your own or even replace with something less expensive, even temporarily.
Grow your own food.
A backyard garden or even raising chickens, may seem crazy, but it can save you tons of money.
A garden is a smaller investment way to have your own food available. It can be a family effort and learning experience for everyone. Along with your garden bounty, you may want to venture into canning and freezing your excess produce so you can enjoy it all year long!.
While you may not have a farm for raising animals, you will find that many areas have farms that sell a side of beef at a much lower price per pound than your grocery store. It's a large up front investment, but the overall savings is significant enough to really be worth your money.
When it comes to following basic penny pinching tips, you really have to look realistically at what you are spending, and then find unique ways to change the costs. Whether it's stopping the spending habit all together, or finding something new to replace it at a lower cost, it's vital to your ultimate financial success.
If you're a single income family, what are some ways that you have changed your family's finances for the better? I'd love to read in the comments below!
Whether you are preparing for your first baby or additional babies, this ultimate new baby checklist is a must have! Every mom and dad need a few reminders of those items to have on hand with a new baby. From the classic things like diapers and wipes to the often forgotten first aid kit items, this list is a great place to begin with your new baby shopping.
The Ultimate New Baby Checklist
Diapers – At least one or two packages of the first three sizes. Babies grow fast so you will need more of larger sizes than small.
Wipes – There is no limit to how many to get, but try to avoid fragrances as they can irritate some sensitive skin.
Baby Wash & Baby Lotion – Stick with a sensitive skin formula at first then move on to others as you run out. I really like this Aleva Naturals Sleep Easy wash.
Diaper Cream – There are a number of quality brands but Penaten, Boudreaux's Butt Paste and Coconut Oil are the most popular.
Nasal Aspirator – This Hydrasense nasal aspirator came in handy quite a few times when my daughter was little.
Thermometer – A rectal, forehead or ear thermometer are the best choices for infants. This Etekcity one on Amazon seems to be highly rated!
Cotton Balls or Q-Tips – For the first week or two you will need these to help clean the umbilical cord area between diaper changes and baths with water.
Infant fever reducer – While you hope your baby doesn't run a fever, it's best to have an infant ibuprofen or acetaminophen on hand.
Bassinet or Playpen – A crib is great for when they are a bit older, but a bassinet or playpen with a built in bassinet is ideal for beside your bed in the first few months.
Receiving blankets – Thin and soft receiving blankets are the best for layering your baby to keep them warm. Heavier blankets can be a bit too much. You'll want a few of these on hand in case they get dirty. Muslin blankets seem to be the go-to these days.
Sleepers – The classic baby apparel. Get at least a few in the first two sizes available for the early days.
Onesies - Boys and girls alike are going to be comfortable wearing these. Perfect for layering underneath sleepers if your baby is born in the winter or for wearing alone in the hot summer months! I happen to love this style of onesie when they're tiny.
Pants – Depending on the season, pants or shorts are needed to cover little legs when getting in and out of cars, etc. for appointments. A few pairs will be enough to get them through the first few weeks.
Socks – Several pairs of baby socks are needed to keep their feet warm, but don't fear if they kick them off. Many babies don't like their feet being covered. Just cover with a blanket instead.
Hats – These are great only if you are going to be out in the cool air or hot summer sun and want to protect their head. Otherwise, most babies don't like wearing them.
Car Seat – This is a must-have for every new parent. A quality highly-rated car seat like a Britax is recommended.
Stroller – While not everyone will be taking their baby out and about, a stroller is almost always must on the new baby checklist.
Bouncy Seat – These are great for helping soothe a fussy baby. There are many versions out there. Just make sure you put them on the floor and not on a high surface where they can bounce off.
Bottles – Even if you intend to breastfeed, there will be an occasion when pumping and letting someone else feed with a bottle will come in handy. Try a few of different styles until you find one you like.
Breast Pump – For those who plan to breastfeed this is a must have. The Medela and Ameda pumps are typically the best brands for pumps.
New Mama Bottom Spray - Not much needs to be said about this, but new mamas will be so thankful for this perineal spray
This new baby checklist is the ultimate list to give you everything you need to prepare for your new addition to your family.
Did you know that Amazon offers a Baby registry? It’s free to sign up and you get to choose items from the earth’s biggest selection. They have over 270,000 baby items! Plus, they offer easy 45 day returns.
