5 Money-Saving Tips for Frugal Moms

It’s no secret that raising kids can be expensive. From diapers and formula to sports equipment and college tuition, costs add up quickly. As a mom, you want to provide everything your kids need without breaking the bank. The good news is there are lots of ways to save money while still giving your children a great childhood. Follow these five essential tips to become a more frugal mom.

Find Free and Low-Cost Activities

Kids grow up so fast. Make the most of this precious time by discovering free and nearly free activities you can enjoy as a family. Start by looking into free events at your local library, church, community center, or downtown area. You’d be surprised by how much affordable family fun is out there if you know where to look.

You can also take advantage of discounts and memberships. Buy an annual family pass to the children’s museum or local attractions. Look for kid-friendly restaurants that offer deals on certain nights. And don’t forget about the perks available through AAA, warehouses clubs like Costco, and other memberships you might already have.

Shop Smart

Every experienced mom knows how to stretch a dollar at the grocery store. But in today’s world of online shopping and tempting impulse buys, families have more opportunities to overspend than ever before. Outsmart this trend by sticking firmly to savvy shopping habits. Wait for sales to stock up on essentials your family uses often. Sign up for price drop alerts, daily deals emails, and other savings services so the best bargains come straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe from brand emails tempting you to overspend and avoid mindless scrolling through social media ads. Websites like Upgraded Reviews are a great place to find discount codes and coupon codes.

DIY More

Kids spill things. They outgrow clothes instantly. They lose jackets and lunch boxes. As a mom trying to save money, you sometimes want to tear your hair out replacing the same items over and over. But what if you could just fix, mend, or repurpose what you already have instead?

Embrace your inner DIY goddess to save big over the long run. Learn a few basic sewing skills so you can repair torn clothes or add ribbon to revive old dresses. Use sites like Pinterest to find kid crafts that transform household items into new toys. And don’t be afraid to get creative patching up favorites like worn stuffed animals—your handiwork will just add character!

Make Meals from Scratch

It’s tempting to rely on boxed mac and cheese or frozen chicken nuggets to feed your family quickly. But nothing beats affordable, nourishing meals made from scratch. Home cooking allows you to control exactly what goes into each bite. You can also prepare larger batches, incorporate leftovers, and get multiple meals out of basic ingredients for very little added cost.

Start by building up a base of easy make-ahead dishes to keep costs down on busy days. Think soups, chilis, casseroles, and meatballs that freeze well for future meals. Resist the urge to buy expensive pre-made sauces—with a little practice, you can whip up tasty homemade versions. And don’t forget the versatility of simple roasted vegetables, grains like rice and quinoa, pasta dishes, tacos, and sheet pan meals requiring minimal effort.

Find Clothing and Gear Secondhand

As children grow, the budget impact of constantly needing new sizes and styles multiplies. But you don’t have to pay full retail prices to keep your kids looking stylish. Secondhand clothing and baby gear are gentler on your wallet and the planet.

Yard sales often offer kids' items in fantastic condition at a fraction of original prices. Once or twice a season, organize a clothing swap with other local moms to refresh every child’s wardrobe. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and sites like ThredUp for incredible deals on premium name brands. And when your babies do outgrow that adorable outfit or rocker after just a few months, resell what remains in great shape.

Living frugally as a parent gets easier with a few go-to habits in your back pocket. Stay patient, get creative, and know you’re not expected to do it all by yourself. By practicing smart saving daily and involving your family along the way, you can build lasting money skills while enjoying precious time with your kids.

Nanny to Mommy