A Stay-At-Home Mom Living a Frugal Lifestyle: Can It Really Be Done?

Everyone loves to have money in their pocket and for those of us who have decided to stay home to be a full-time homemaker, it is essential to learn how to be frugal. I am fortunate to be able to stay home with our 11 month old son. My husband works for us and we live comfortably. We have our bills paid with a little left over. The lesson we had to learn as a family though was to cut spending wherever possible.

While it is a luxury to stay home and live off one income, there are many things to be learned from that as well. Prior to having our baby, we spent our money on almost anything we wanted. If we wanted to spontaneously go to Atlantic City, or the best amusement parks, we just went and spent, and saved at the same time because both of our incomes allowed us to do this. Unfortunately, we did not learn how to budget that well, at least not at first. As the person who stays home, I assumed the responsibility of budgeting and really analyzing what is being spent by the family.

First of all having a baby is a very big expense. There's diapers, clothes, food, formula, etc. I was so sure that when I resigned after having our son that I was going to nurse and save all this money. Well, that did not happen. He was allergic to almost everything and therefore, not only did I have to put him on formula, which is expensive enough, I had to put him on hypoallergenic formula which is twice as expensive as the leading formula out there! So, we spent $50 a week on formula, $20 on diapers, not to mention the other odds and ends a baby needs! Aside from baby expenses, our menu changed. Before we could eat out anywhere without worrying about expense, or buy whatever we wanted from the grocery store. I was somewhat conscious of prices prior to baby, but now I have to be aware more than ever. So, for those of you who really want to stay home, it is possible. Here are some things that I learned that really work for us now. Keep in mind though, budgeting is an art and it takes time and resources and you can always learn something!

First thing is to analyze what you need and what you do not. This does not mean that you have to go without everything you desire, just assess whether the things you want are really the things you need. It is easy and convenient to confuse the two. You need groceries, you need medicine, and if you have pets, they like when you feed them and to go further, if you have cats they need fun things like litter! So, with three cats, a husband, and a baby, I had to sit back and really look at our needs.

After learning your needs, see if you can't alleviate some costs. For example, diapers are essential so cut coupons. If you are going to stay home, this is one of the easiest ways to save money with little effort. And, I just learned that there are numerous coupons we do not use, so get online and get involved with others who collect coupons and swap! There is a great site to get you started: www.couponless.com. This site is very easy to navigate and even easier to register! Also, if you know of others who cut coupons, do not be afraid to exchange with them either.

Probably the most important thing is pay yourself first. Even if you save $1 a week on groceries, and often you will save much more, put it away. A savings account can accrue interest for you, or you can just put it in your child's piggy bank. Believe me, this will add up. This extra money you save may help you out on a rainy day for say car repairs or unexpected expenses.

Many times, your local grocery stores will have buy one get one free deals. Take advantage of them. A neat trick that I learned is that if you have two coupons for say Kraft cheese slices, and your store is having a buy one get one sale, you can get your items for almost nothing with your two coupons! Additionally, many stores will double your coupons up to .99 cents. We have Martins here in Pennsylvania that will triple your coupons up to .99 cents. While that only happens sporadically it really helps. There are many groceries that I have gotten for free!

Freebies are another great way to save money. I ran out of laundry detergent the other day and had two days to wait until pay day. I registered at www.yesall4free.com and asked for a sample of tide laundry detergent. It came just in time for us and I could do a load of laundry before our payday. The neat thing about this free site is that it updates every day and is easy to register for. I have gotten everything from perfume samples to free diapers! Also, they direct you to sites where companies give away coupons for their products. It really does work and you get your merchandise pretty quickly.

My husband and I still have date night once or twice a month. Now those dates are so special because we hardly get out and when we are able to it is great. Also, we do not go to an expensive steakhouse. We realize that just being together without baby sometimes is just as important as what you eat! There is nothing wrong with the local deli.

There are so many tips for us moms out there. It took me 11 months to realize that we can save money on the little bit that is left over after every pay. Really, even if you save a few cents here and there it does add up. And pat yourselves on the back Moms, because you are saving money just by staying home! Gas prices, dry cleaning, lunches out, all of those expenses are cut dramatically if not gone completely. It may not seem like it at times, but your job as a mother is one of the most important roles you can fill for your family!