Sign Up For Loyalty Programs and Apps
Store loyalty cards, membership programs, email newsletters and discount apps for your phone are often free and can net you great deals—two for one, "club price" that's lower than the shelf price, free products or meals after spending a certain amount or earning points with repeat visits, free shipping and other discounts.
Buy in Bulk
Buying individually wrapped foods such as sandwich crackers, pretzels and other snacks can drive up the price. Instead, buy in bulk and then distribute it yourself in snack-size baggies for your kids' lunches. You can also buy bulk packages of toilet paper and paper towels once a month instead of buying them in smaller packages once a week. Dry food goods such as nuts, rice, beans and grains can also be bought in bulk for savings.
Cut Sponges in Half
Let’s face the facts: Sponges are gross. They’re covered with germs from wiping up after your kids. Some people run them through the dishwasher while others go so far as to soak them in bleach. If you replace your sponges weekly, cut them in half to save money. You probably won't even miss the other half!
Borrow Instead of Buy
Instead of buying new books, games, music or DVDs every time your kids want something different to read, play or watch, make weekly trips to the library every Monday and get a new books and videos. The media can even have a theme: If you're taking a trip on an airplane for the first time, borrow books and DVDs about travel. You can also borrow books, music and movies from other moms and offer your items to borrow too.
Shop End-of-Season Sales
Buy children's clothing during end-of-season sales in the sizes your children will be during the same time next year for big savings. Avoid buying items that are trendy so they'll still be in style next year.
Ditch the Gym
Instead of paying for a pricey gym membership during the months when it's warm enough to exercise outside, check out free or low-cost community yoga and fitness classes, go for a walk or run in the park, take the kids hiking or for a long bike ride.
Swap With Other Moms
Some areas have mom-swap groups through social networks such as Facebook or Meetup. Also, try sending a text message before a group playdate, asking each parent to bring one toy their kid has outgrown or no longer plays with. Placing your child's old toy where he can’t see it—maybe in your purse—can prevent a last-minute change of mind or tantrum.
Buy Some Generic Items
Most mamás have preferences for where they buy fruits and vegetables, but buying some store-brand packaged goods instead of name brands can save a lot of money when you don't have a particular preference, especially if it's on simple items such as plastic wrap, oatmeal or lunch baggies.
Grow Your Own Vegetables and Herbs
Growing your own vegetable garden doesn't have to be complicated. Spring is the time to start growing from seeds so you get produce in the summer and into the fall. Intimidated by growing from seeds? Buy plants that are grown and ready to put in the dirt. Think of the rainbow when choosing what to buy: strawberries and tomatoes for red, kale and cilantro for green. If you don't have much space, you can even save money just by growing your own windowsill herb garden. Check out plant nurseries in your community for free or low-cost introductory gardening classes.
Walk, Don't Drive
Follow this easy rule: If you’re going somewhere half a mile or less, walk instead of driving. Walking to places such as your local coffee shop, dry cleaners and playdates at the park will save you on the cost of gas, provides free exercise and helps the environment.
