20 money saving tips for big families

If you have a big family then you know the struggles of saving money. You try and try to keep your bank account smiling but it’s just too hard. Now is not the time to give up! You are so close to finding that perfect tip that fits just right into your life, and hopefully one of mine will do the trick.

All throughout my life but most predominately these past 2 years (since i’ve been saving for college), I have really focused on spending less. Yes there are times when I do splurge a tad on shopping but that’s fine because everyone needs that once in a while. What I am talking about is cutting down on things that in the long run saved me hundreds + dollars, something we all want. So, I sat down and made a list of my top 20 money saving tips that I use on the daily. But here’s the catch. Not only will my hacks help just you, they will also give advice to larger families on how they can cut costs! What could be better than that. 🙂

ENJOY 🙂

---

1. Make a grocery list and stick to it.

When you only buy what you need from your list you won’t spend money on unnecessary items.

2. Hand me downs

I wear hand me downs. There’s no shame in wearing them. They look just as nice as brand new clothes but for a fraction of the cost of new items.

3. Cook from scratch

Prepackaged foods usually cost more than buying the ingredients and making macaroni, soups and other dishes. Take out some pots and pans, buy a cook book, start cooking! 🙂

4. Skip paper products

Minus toilet paper there’s no need to have 6 rolls of paper towels when you can use rags instead. At home we use dish cloths to clean off our hands and the counter tops. Added bonus: you’re saving the trees!

5. Purchase cost and energy efficient appliances

When buying a washer and dryer or any other appliances, make sure they are cost and energy efficient so you are not hemorrhaging money when you can easily control it.

6. Plan your meals ahead of time

This goes in direct correlation with ‘making a grocery list’. When you plan your meals at the start of the week you will know the exact ingredients which you will need to buy so you won’t be spending money on unnecessary products.

7. Stretch meals with beans and rice

If you need to add more substance to a meal but don’t want to spend the money on extra foods then make the simple beans and rice dish. This will add volume to any dish and the best part, it costs next to nothing to make.

8. Be-friend a sewing machine

I learned basic sewing skills in Middle School and they have come in handy along the way. My #1 rule: Mend what you can and chuck the ones that are too far beyond saving.

9. Bread and potatoes

Along with adding beans and rice to add volume to a meal, the same thing goes for bread and potatoes. It’s simple and big family friendly.

10. Eliminate sodas and opt for water instead

Don’t waste 1/4 of your spending budget on sodas and snacks. Instead have the kids drink water and munch on healthier foods that are the same price if not less than those cheddar bunnies you’ve been eyeing. 🙂

11. Downsize to a smaller house

Unless it’s needed, there’s no need to give each kid their own room. Yes it would be nice for them but not nice for your bank account.

12. Be meatless for a day

Instead try mac & cheese, spaghetti, bean tacos, or other non-meat meals. By eliminating meat for one day a week you could save up to $20 + dollars a month.

13. Cook with the idea of leftovers

When you are prepping dinner for that night keep in mind to double it so your family will be able to feed off of it for another day if not more.

14. Reuse ziplock bags

There’s no need to throw out a perfectly good ziplock bag when you can easily wash it out and use it again.

15. Reuse plastic utensils

Use plastic utensils or just have a party? There’s no need to throw them in the trash when you can easily clean and reuse them again.

16. Pay cash

Always pay cash. Most places will even give you a discount if you pay with cash verses a credit card. Not paying with a credit card = no possible late fee charges or interest charges.

17. Grow a garden

Don’t buy veggies when you can easily grow your own for half the cost.

18. Electronic bundles

Most phone and internet companies give discounts when families join them. Make sure that your family is on one of the family plans because you could easily save 100+ dollars a month by switching.

19. Record your spending

This can be a pain but once you see where every cent out of your pocket is going you will have a better understanding of how you can save. You will see that you spent $50 on coffee – alternative being to make it at home. Or 100 dollars on eating out every week- alternative being to eat at home and try going out once a month instead of every week.

20. Skip the brand names

Most store brands are just as good if not better than the premium brands. When I shop for foods I mostly always buy the Hannafords brand sugar and other items instead of domino sugar or Prepridge farm cookies.

Which hack was your favorite? Leave a comment below telling me.

Are there any other hacks that you use which weren’t included in my post? Drop a note below because I would love to read them.

---

Thanks for reading today’s post. If you have any questions feel free to reach me either by leaving a comment below or via my ‘contact’ tab.

Have a great day!