How to Survive as a Single Income Family

Single income families can save hundreds of dollars each year with resourcefulness, a little extra time and patience. I am a stay-at home Mom of two girls. Although my husband has a good job, expenses add up quickly with a family of four. However, there are so many ways that one income families can save money and still live comfortably (not luxuriously - comfortably). My family has been fortunate to never have to go without. We have two car payments and all the other normal living expenditures including that ridiculously expensive electric bill, but we always manage to make it though to each month and even save a little along the way. How do you do it you might ask? Well, let me share with you just a few little adjustments and show you how much you can save each month.

Comp Ads and Coupons

After your mortgage and the Texas summer electric bill, what is one of the more costly expenses per month? The grocery bill takes up a huge chunk of the pie each and every month - assuming your not eating out every night. If you want to start saving big then you shouldn't make a habit of dining out because it will cost you a fortune per year. Save the dining out for the weekends and in the mean time, go to your local Wal-Mart (that's right I said it) and save big bucks each week. Wal-Mart will comp other competitor adds from: Target, to Kroger, Tom Thumb, Albertson's, Walgreen's, CVS, and even places like Office Depot, Staples - the list goes on and on forever. These ads typically come through the mail or in your local Sunday paper. Now there are a few simple rules you must follow when using your adds at Wal-Mart. You must take the adds with you. Be aware that they will not do percentages off nor will they honor Buy One Get One Free offers. For that you will have to go to the store offering that particular sale. Now, here is where the really big savings come in to play. Match as many coupons - in my case from the Star-Telegram and the Dallas Morning News Sunday papers - with the ads and use multiple coupons stocking up on the sale items. Just doing this alone, will save you at least $30 per week if not more. Combine that with using coupons on items you need that are not on sale and you will knock off at least another $5-20 depending.

Savings Clubs

If you don't want to shop at Wal-Mart for some favorite items that you may only be able to get say at Petsmart, then join up for their savings clubs. My husband likes to keep a fish tank and he isn't into the cheap fish. We joined the Petland Club and every time we buy fish with them, we save 10%, which adds up. Plus, we get special savings and notifications of sales that are not available to the general public.

Gently Used Stores

Another way to save lots of money is on clothing. Now, I have two young 'uns and I know how fast they grow - really fast. This year I had to replace my oldest entire wardrobe because she grew so much over the summer that nothing fit her - not even her shoes. I have a great piece of advice for this dilemma . Do Not fear the second hand stores. Most places that sell gently used clothing such as Plato's Closet, Once Upon a Child and Kid to Kid are very discriminating in what they buy and resale. They also wash each and every item before they put it out on the sales floor. Additionally, they will often times have items that still have the original sales tags. And don't think that means you have to sacrifice brand names because it's gently used. They have tons of brand name items in a variety of sizes. I myself frequent Plato's Closet and a place called Back To The Rack. There is also a place in Arlington called Texas Thrift. This place has more clothes than China could produce in a day. I have frequently bought items at this store (also clean and gently used) for as little as $1.50 per shirt or $2.00 for pants. They have everything you can imagine for all ages and genders and they often run sales.

Shoes

Now I draw the line at used shoes. I don't know why but I cannot handle the idea of wearing someone else's shoes. However, Target and Payless with their BOGO sales can't be beat. Kohl's is another great place for shoes when they are on sale.

There are many other ways to save money each month. These are just a few to get you started. Now don't get me wrong, you don't have to give up the occasional shopping spree for that great new outfit. I do that too, but I set the priorities and budget for those items. What I save on food and clothes go toward, entertainment, date night or our savings account. It is vital that you stay within your means and forget about the Jones'. They are probably head over heals in debt! There are plenty of ways to spend the money, but when you're living on one income you have to think about saving it first.