Budget Crunching Tips

Saving money is rewarding and fun! Sticking to a budget can make you feel inspired, and motivates you to be creative. Of course, splurging sometimes is fun also. But for those times when tightening the old budget counts, I've put together a list of some ideas that might help you save those elusive pennies.

Visit your local library. They sponsor many child related events throughout the year, especially for the preschool set. Check your local bookstores as well. Often they have special free events going on as well for children.

Avoid late fees! Return all library checked-out items on time! Then borrow more!

Go on family outings to the beach and pack a lunch. Bring sand toys, or just use your hands to build sand castles.

Take the kids to the park to play.

Check with your local Park and Recreation Department for free events such as concerts.

Get refillable water bottles, and use them instead of buying watered bottles each time at the grocery store.

Get creative with the left over food in your refrigerator! Try to make an extra meal (or two!) from whatever is in the refrigerator instead of making another trip to the grocery store.

Plan menus out for the week, and make a list before you go to do your shopping. Buy only the items on your list. It may be easier to shop alone, no kids, so as to avoid last minute impulse buying.

Cut out coupons. It may be a little time consuming, but will go far in helping a tight budget. There are sites online that will print out grocery coupons as well. Check the newspapers for sales and use your coupons when that particular item is on sale.

Try buying extra bread when it's on sale, and putting it in the freezer.

Try hanging your clothes on a line to dry and give the dryer time off.

If you need a particular item, check on sites like http://www.craigslist.com/ to see if you can find it for free or much cheaper than a store. If you check regularly, you can find all kinds of goodies for free!

Collect baby items no longer being used, and head to the nearest consignment store! These stores are always looking for gently used baby items and clothes that are still in good condition and meet current safety standards.

Instead of turning on the air conditioning, try keeping blinds/curtains closed to block out the sun and heat.

Reuse plastic containers instead of plastic baggies and aluminum foil.

Instead of paper napkins and paper towels, use cloth napkins that you simply throw in the washing machine and reuse. Have a collection of old material, t-shirts, and washcloths on hand for kitchen cleaning.

If you do use the Baggies, try rinsing them and reuse. This actually works!

Cut dryer softening sheets in half.

When you do save money on something, SAVE that money, do not use it on something else! You will be delighted to watch your "savings" grow, and be even more inspired to find creative ways to budget.