For many moms, having a baby is the greatest catalyst for saving money. Suddenly, you have another human being to feed, clothe, and shelter. I thought I was already being frugal 3 years ago when I had Ashton. But now that he’s about to go to school, the next wave of shock came which is school fees.
Running is free and healthy
This isn’t to say we were not prepared but as Ashton grew, I wanted to spend even more time with him and ensure 500% that he will be provided for in the years to come. Enter the principles of simple living, minimalism, and frugality. Some people say these practices restrict life that is meant to be enjoyed, but for me –
1. Simplicity allows us to simply live, worry less, and marvel at the simple things in life i.e. spending more time as a family
2. Saving money also allows me to have “planned” expenses or “rewards” i.e. hotel staycations
3. Since practicing our frugal tips, we enjoyed even more adventures and discoveries around us
4. Finally, simple living encourages us to be more creative in everyday living
Below is a list I started writing on a piece of paper. I will continue to add to more as I discover even more ways to save money. So please re-visit regularly. Everyone is free to add to it, just leave your marvelous tip via comments.
Saving Tips for Moms
1. Bring your own water and use the drinking/water stations in food courts
2. Service water instead of bottled water, juices, or soda in restaurants and fast foods
3. Discover cheaper food in food courts
4. Outside the mall, try food stalls, carinderias, or jollijeeps – always check for hygiene and best to bring your own drinking water
5. Bring your own food if possible and cook simple food
6. Bring your own rice if possible
7. Commute if you can and leave early to avoid unplanned expenses
8. Don’t buy if you can borrow
9. Don’t buy new if you can buy old
10. Repair broken or damaged items i.e. clothes, shoes, appliances
11. If you don’t need it, sell it
12. Ask for discounts and negotiate
13. Ask for samples and try before buying. Take your time.
14. Discover your neighborhood bakery, here bread is a lot cheaper but fresher
15. Try hot water instead of coffee. Especially if you’re acidic like me!
16. Use loyalty cards, earn points, and get rewards
17. Plan how to spend your points, rewards, or GCs well
18. Freeze anything
19. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other events at home
20. Find free entertainment online i.e. documentaries or webisodes on YouTube
21. Buy fresh produce from your neighborhood store or green-thumbed neighbor
22. Bring an eco bag everywhere you go, if eating out – containers for leftovers
23. Collect, sell and recycle junk – paper, cans, plastic bottles, bottles, etc.
24. Take advantage of free activities – parks, sports centers, public playground, etc.
25. When going out, bring a toy for your child instead of buying i.e. ball to play with in the park
26. Have a picnic more often instead of dining out
27. Don’t leave packed catsup, sugar, coffee, creamer or any condiments that goes with your order – use this for your own kitchen
28. Always have loose change so you’re never shortchanged by stores, drivers, and taxi drivers
29. Try store brand products, they are 50% cheaper than normal brands
30. Use and stretch meat by adding more inexpensive ingredients
31. Pork instead of beef, and chicken instead of pork
32. Ground beef or pork over solid meat cuts. They are more flexible and you can use it for more recipes.
