Is it Possible for a Frugal Mom to Save MORE?  Absolutely!

If you are a mom, you know a budget is very important. More so than a budget, the ability to make something out of nothing is a skill every mom learns sooner or later. Frugal moms are known for couponing and using all resources they can find to save money. For our already frugal moms, here are some ideas to save even more money than you already are.

Find Free Events or Set-up Playdates

For some families, paying for museum visits, concerts, the fair, and other events and entertainment is a way of life. For a frugal mom, this is an area where some finances can be freed up. Instead of paying to go to the zoo, check your local newspaper for free community events. Usually, libraries hold free story time and even playtime for kids. If you want some company for your kids, ask friends or family members with kids to set up playdates at the park.  Summer brings lots of free programs as well — check with your local rec centers, libraries, and community centers.  

Borrow Books and Movies from the Library

You are definitely saving on the cost of your cable bill with your subscription to Netflix and Hulu. However, it’s time to get your family familiar with your local library. Libraries usually have a copy of all popular movies and are free to borrow. You can even download many of the ebooks for free while at home or on vacations. This can result in movie nights for the kids and even a stay-in date night for mom and dad.

Make Your Own Baby Food

Baby food is expensive, especially if you have more than one child. You can achieve this by using foods you normally buy from your local farmers market like squash, carrots, blueberries, raspberries, and more. The food should be pureed and frozen individually in order to make mealtime easier and faster. This method is not only cost-effective but healthy as well.

Use Websites That Help You Earn Gift Cards

Although most moms have a busy schedule, the intentional and smart use of downtime can help make money and shave dollars off of grocery bills. During naptime or when kids are at school, use websites that allow you to create a free account and play games in order to earn gift cards. If your kids are old enough, let them play for a half hour or so a day. This can get you $5 or $10 gift cards to sites you shop on daily, such as Amazon. [See 10 Legitimate Ways to Earn FREE Gift Cards]

Shop Ahead

Getting things on sale (or better yet, clearance!) and having a selection of gifts on hand will save you tons of time and stress on party day, but most of all, it will save you money!  Buying those last minute gifts usually means you pay more.  [See How to Stock a Gift Closet] Also hit up the post-holiday sales for cheap wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, bags, cards, etc.

Cleaning with Items That You Already Have

You may be cleaning your house with regular cleaning supplies, but there is a way to slash even your home cleaning bill. Using natural ingredients or things you already have at home can help reduce the money spent. One tried and true formula is vinegar mixed with baking soda; this solution can clean most surfaces and costs a fraction of popular brand name items.  There are a LOT of homemade versions of cleaning supplies you buy if you look around for recipes.  We have a lot!  for example, See How to make Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent

If you are a frugal mom who wants to save more, it can be done, even for those who manage the tightest budget. These tips will help you and your family save more without looking like total penny pinchers.