Nanny to Mommy

Securing affordable college housing is often one of the biggest challenges students face. Balancing academics, finances, and the need for a comfortable living space can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re working with a limited budget.

With tuition fees, student loans, and everyday expenses piling up, finding an apartment that fits your financial constraints requires careful consideration and resourcefulness. Fortunately, there are practical strategies you can employ to make the process smoother and more manageable.

Continue reading to discover how you can find an apartment that suits your needs without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re a young parent, middle-aged, or retired, money is something that should always be top of mind. This is especially true if you have children and dependents, as you’ll need to fund their meals, education, and other miscellaneous expenses.

That said, many of us are aware of the struggles of obtaining money—it’s a lived experience, after all. While some may be lucky to have a loved one providing a roof over their heads and food in their stomach, not everyone will be as lucky.

If financial hardship is something you face daily, you should strive to employ strategies that can help you stay on top of your finances. An emergency can set you back hundreds if not thousands of dollars, leaving you reeling in debt for months onward.

One of the best ways you can prevent this financial pitfall is by putting a chunk of your money away for savings. As simple as it sounds, saving your money is an essential habit to do if you want to stay afloat in today’s economy.

Need some tips on how to save smartly? Without further ado, here are six tips on saving money for yourself and your family.

Debt can feel like a heavy burden, a weight that holds people back from financial freedom and their dreams. But there's a way out of the debt trap, and it's through smart investments. Learning how to make a paystub can be a helpful step in tracking your income. This comprehensive guide will explore how strategic investments can help you break free from the cycle of debt and secure a more prosperous financial future. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of how to make your money work for you and escape the debt trap once and for all.

Managing your home budget effectively is crucial for financial stability and achieving your financial goals. By implementing useful guidelines, you can take control of your finances, reduce debt, and save for the future. In this blog post, we will explore practical tips to improve your home budget and pave the way for a secure financial future.

Having a healthy savings account is an important part of financial security and can help you meet long-term goals, such as taking a family vacation or buying a home. However, it's all too tempting to keep your hard-earned cash in the back pocket–literally or figuratively speaking–and not maximize its potential. With careful planning and fiscal discipline, there are steps you can take to build up your nest egg and make sure those dreams become reality. In this blog post, we'll be exploring how to create smart savings strategies, budget wisely while aiming for financial freedom, and discover ways to increase interest income off of what's sitting in your bank account. Don't wait for another second – let’s get started!

Insulation is important in the process of building a cozy, energy-efficient home. While most homeowners are aware of the energy-saving benefits of insulation, several advantages often go unnoticed. In this blog post, we will explore the extensive benefits of home insulation beyond energy savings.

By understanding the full spectrum of advantages, you can make an informed decision about investing in quality insulation for your home. Let's discuss how insulation can enhance comfort, improve indoor air quality, reduce noise, and even contribute to a healthier environment.

As a frugal mom myself, I am so grateful for the invention of smart phones. I have no idea how people saved money with out them (maybe because prices weren't so high?). I have compiled a list of my favorite frugal apps and hope you might like them too. :)




This post contains affiliate links, but these are all apps I use myself. This post was originally published in 2012 and I have updated because many of these apps I sill use today!

Click image to view full size and print for in-store use.

1. Breastfeed
My TOP Tip for saving money with a baby is breastfeeding. No wasting anything, no cleaning anything. Even after breast pads (which Udder Covers sells a variety of reusable ones), cream, and a nursing cover (FREE Nursing Cover from Udder Covers with code BABYSAVINGS, just pay S&H), you still pay less than formula. If you need to pump, go through your insurance to get one. A law was just passed so you should be able to get a hospital grade quality pump completely free! Having supply issues? Try this Supply Boosting Cookie Recipe.
Although I am a very strong breastfeeding advocate, I do realize that it's not for everyone and sometimes you need to supplement, and formula is expensive. Here are some well-known formula makers, that you can sign up for email updates, along with money saving coupons and checks, they will sometimes send you samples. :)

2. Cloth Diaper
Okay I am going to be honest. I never cloth diapered. I did see a ton of benefits, except the extra laundry which meant more of my time. And being a full-time mom, plus taking care of my friend's daughter, AND now being a Professional Blogger, I feel my time is valuable. Now I am NOT saying that people who cloth diaper don't value their time. This is just the reason I didn't BUT saying all that, I am seriously considering it with my next baby.
The upfront cost is what is so hard to swallow. My friend found this site called Alvababy.com that sells cloth diapers for $5!!!
Now, again, I understand that clothing diapering isn't for everyone, so I suggest looking into the following retailers for possible coupons or samples. Also, there are a TON of printable coupons online as well.
Huggies, Pampers (save points through their Gifts To Grow program and get cool stuff, like FREE Shutterfly products). Thing to remember when buying diapers is, the bigger the diaper, the fewer in the package, so make absolutely sure before you move up a size. And remember nothing is wrong with store brand, test them out, they may work for you. And if you are couponing, buy in BULK. Tape the receipt to the box, so you can exchange them if need be.

3. Make Your OWN Baby Food
I made about half of Sweet Pea's baby food. I had a food processor that got shocked during a lightning storm, even though we have surge protectors. PLUS, I found jar baby food to be easier when we were on the go. But of course, even that didn't make the task any easier. Invest in a good food processor and you're good to go. Make a TON and then freeze it.
Not into Homemade Baby Food? I signed up with Beechnut (who send you a welcome package for whatever stage your child enters) and Earth's Best. I also contacted HappyBaby who sent me free samples and coupons to try their products. Of course I love Buddy Fruits as well. Look into ingredients with whatever baby food you choose.


4. Make Your OWN Baby Clothes
Okay I never did this, but I LOVE Pinterest and look at the most adorable things I have found:
Turn Old T-Shirts into Baby Sacks
Old Shirts into Dress
No Sew Onesie Make-Over
Those are just some ideas. You can also cut old onesies, hem it, and make them into shirts. Also look into garment extenders. There also a TON of online sites I love that sell baby clothes really cheap, including: Totsy, ThredUp (like new, used clothes), Zulily, and WittleBee. Another great way to save money on baby clothes is to shop consignment shops or yard sales. My mother-in-law did this for us. Our crib AND changing table were practically new, and she only paid $150 for both! So, deals are to be had and don't be afraid to haggle. Also, there are some online sites where you can exchange stuff, like TheBump's Swap Spot board, SwapMamas.com, there are multiple Facebook groups, or if you feel like risking it, Craig's List. I have had a lot of luck with TheBump and SwapMamas! ALSO, don't snub your nose at sales racks. There is nothing wrong with your baby wearing last year's fashion when you are on a budget!

5. Everything Can Be a Toy
Boxes, pots, and pans; OH MY! My daughters' FAVORITE toys are not the ones we intended for her. Although she loves her Sophie the Giraffe, is that a practical toy for the mom and dad who are on a budget to buy? Not really. Pans with plastic spoons are musical instruments. I also love Coffee mate containers filled with dry beans. They are BPA-free and make a great rattle!

6. Baby Gear is Expensive
Free is nice, but there are some things that are just going to be expensive because safety is more valuable in the long run. Car Seats are something you should NOT get used because you don't know if it was in a car accident. And even cheap ones can run between $60 to $100. If you don't get one as a baby shower gift, just remember, even the cheap ones have to meet the same standards according to government regulation as the higher end ones. You can read more about Car Seat Safety HERE.

7. Don't Waste Money on NON-Essentials
Poor new, first-time parents. We fall for the gimmicks left and right of things we MUST register for and buy to have everything ready for baby. I have found that a diaper changing pad on top of a dresser, can not only save money but also save space. And don't buy expensive crib bedding sets, the Consumer Product Safety Administration AND the American Academy of Pediatrics advise against thick comforters and crib bumpers. So why are they still sold like that? Beats me. But all you need is a fitted sheet and a thin blanket. You also don't NEED a wipe warmer either. Be practical and do your research. Don't register for it but if you get it as a gift just say, "Thank You". And just ask for the gift receipt later. :D

I hope you found this list helpful. And for the experienced parent's out there, what tips do you have to save money on baby?

So as some of you may know, we bought a 2005 Saturn VUE from Car Max. But it was a DUD! UGH! It has been very annoying dealing with this but since it was under the week (yes, week) return policy and 30 day warranty, we just returned it. The transmission was shot and a few other things messed up. So my husband is back to be my chauffeur (he has a manual and I can only drive an automatic). This week I went over budget but not by much and I did get things we desperately needed (cheese and dog food). Doesn't it seem that you run out of everything at once? I went to my trusty Publix and Kroger stores. Things didn't go as I planned at Kroger but I believe that was because my husband was annoyed by the whole process at that point. Any who, here is the break down of my shopping trips:



Went to Publix first (brought my trusty reusable bags):

4 Kraft Ranch Anything Dressing BOGO @ $2.85 = -$0.30 (2 $1/2 TQ & 4 $1/1 Manu)
2 Purina Busy Bones BOGO @ $3.49 = -$2.51 (2 $2 PQ & 2 $1/1 Manu)
4 Gerber Graduates crunchies and 3 puffs @ 4/$7 =$3.25 or $0.46 each ($2 off $12 TQ & 7 $0.50/1 Manu)
3 Dial Antibacterial Hand Soap @ 10/$10 = $0.40 (1 $0.50 TQ & 3 $0.35/1 Manu)
32 lb bag Purina Dog Chow (not pictured) @$17.99 = $15.99 ($2 off PQ)
2 Sargento Sliced Cheese @ 2/$5 =  $2.45 ($1/2 PQ & $0.50/1 plus $0.55/1 Manu)
Dozen Publix Large Grade Eggs @ $1.59 = FREE (FREE TQ)

Total spent = $22.47
Total Savings = $49.44


Then we headed to Kroger:

Kroger Fruit Bars @ $2 = FREE (coupon b/c #imabzzagent)
Kroger brand Swiffer pads @ $3.59
Kroger Pizza @ $3.99 = FREE (coupon b/c #imabzzagent)
2 Tennessee Pride Sausage biscuits @ $7.49  = $14.33 ($1/1 IP manu & $0.55/1 manu)
2 Kroger shredded cheese @ $2.19 = $3.68 ($0.70/2 Kroger mailer)
Bananas @ $0.57/lb = $0.82
2 Fresh Selections Salad @ $1.79 = $3.58
2 Kroger Croutons @ 10/$10 = $2
Kroger sliced cheese @ $1.79 = $1.39 ($0.40/1 Kroger home Mailer)
Dial Hand Soap @ 10/$10 = $1 (forgot to use $0.35/1 but did get Saving Star $0.50)

Mega Savings:
4 Huggies wipes @ $1.99 = $3.96 or $0.99 each (4 $0.50/1 Manu)
2 Ritz crackers @ $2.19 (last minute buy because I couldn't find the M&Ms) = $4.38
3 Original Cheerios @ $1.99 = $2.97 or $0.99 each (3 $1/1 Manus)
1 Skintimate Shave Gel @ $1.97 = $1.42 ($0.55/1 Manu from Kroger Mailer)

Did get $2 Catalina and 102 Fuel Points. Also Remember we get an employee discount.

Total Spent =$40.85
Total Savings = $34.56

TOTAL FOR BOTH: $63.32 ($13.32 OVER Budget)
TOTAL SAVINGS FOR BOTH: $84

TOTAL PERCENTAGE SAVED: 57%