Money Saving Tips for Mum & Dad

I know I’m a bit early but planning to save money in the New Year for me is important, so I’m sharing some money saving tips you can use to save too.

1. The biggest saver for me has to be not eating out, to avoid nights of “there is nothing to eat”, I like to make a few meals that can be easily frozen and defrosted. Have what I need to hand to make pizza dough and to make sure I have a meal plan for the week.

2. Start your own herb garden- the only cost is the start up but in the long run it will save you a lot of money and the plus side is- nothing beats fresh herbs. The kids will also have a great time setting it up and caring for it.

3. Once a month cooking- I am yet to try this but having a day of bulk cooking to freeze meals for the month will save you hassle and money. I personally double meals like spaghetti bolognaise to freeze

4. One a month cooking part 2- I got this idea from a local parenting group I’m in, they have monthly meet ups which they meet at someone’s home and cook up a storm and each of them get to take meals home for their families. Bulk cooking that helps everyone! Maybe you and your friends could do this?

5. Baby food- those of you with babies, cooking your own baby food will save you so much. I used ice cube trays to freeze my baby’s food. Even when out and about I was able to put a couple of cubes in a small container for bubs to eat on the run. Buying jar food really does add up

6. Baking for School- my son loves our Sunday school baking day, we cook muffins, cookies, cake ect Like most schools his school is a “Nut Free” school and most package foods contain nuts so this way I know what is going into his school foods and we both have fun together baking them

7. School lunches- don’t have to be just a sandwich- spice things up and save on bread by cutting up some raw carrots, celery and cheese

8. Cheap snack idea is Nutrigrain or Cheerios in a snap lock bag when on the go for hungry little toddlers.

9. Cloth diaper- the day of terry cloth squares is over; Modern Cloth Nappies are amazing and save so much money. This might not be for everyone but I used MCN on my middle & youngest, I wish I knew about them when I had my first! Saves a lot and you can also make your own baby wipes too

10. Ok ladies cost of our monthlies- swap to a Cup or mumma cloth. This also isn’t for everyone but since swapping to a cup it has saved not only money but pain and discomfort.

11. Taking the kids to the library to borrow not only books but movies. Also check to see if your local area has a toy library. My little ones really enjoy swapping toys and books. Also check for free events, craft days, book readings you can take the kids to

12. Going to the Movies- I can’t be the only one who does this! I stop by the supermarket to buy snacks that are on special, you could even make popcorn at home to bring with you

13. Magazine subscriptions are so much cheaper than buying your favourite magazine monthly

14. School holiday entertainment doesn’t have to cost a fortune or anything- take the kids to the beach, park, airport, botanical gardens, bush walking, museums that are all free and you can even bring your own picnic lunch

15. The internet is the best place to find free pintables for the kids to colour in and Pinterest for craft ideas to do at home on a budget

16. A group of friends all take turns weekend babysitting so one of the friends get to have a kid free weekend and it doesn’t cost them a thing! I personally haven’t done it but I see the bonus of it. It doesn’t even have to be the whole weekend, just a few hours to get things done or have a much needed Date Night

17. Find a 600ml coke bottle and only fill with $2 coins, by the time its full you will have saved $880!

18. Set up a rewards box for the kids, have a sticker chart and when they do a chore or are well behaved they add a sticker. Once they reach the number of stickers to get a surprise, have a box with cheap $2 toys from Kmart they can picked from. Saves on pocket money

19. I read this one online ages ago and I think it’s such a great idea, with your weekly shop buy a $10 gift card to put away for Christmas or even emergencies

20. Op shops- you can find some really great items and save money not only on homewares but kids clothes and toys

21. I do my Christmas shopping at the July sales, Lay-by and pay off

22. Go through your kids toys, old baby stuff and clothes- you can list on EBay or Gumtree and make a few extra dollars

23. Most councils offer 1 free roadside rubbish pick up a year, saves a trip to the dump and helps clear up some space in the shed of unwanted items

24. Get home internet- we are saving so much money since we stopped buying IPad sim credit and just using the wifi at home- we pay $69 a month for home internet and home phone

25. Save your cans and bottles- In SA we get 10c per can, once every 3 months take your cans to the depot to make some extra cash

26. A few friends have chickens- I really want to get some to save on the cost of eggs

27. Pay an extra $10 a week rent, by the time Christmas comes you should have a week or 2 rent paid so you will have plenty of spare cash for a wonderful Christmas

28. Set up payment plans with your electricity and Gas Company so you don’t get any nasty at the end of the month or 3 monthly bills. Paying weekly or fortnightly agreed to amount has saved me a lot of stress

What are some of your money saving tips? Comment below