Raising a large family requires discipline, patience, and knowing your finances inside out. No matter how many kids you have, there are all sorts of additional expenses you need to factor into your budget, including food, clothing, and school supplies.
Big Families
If you’re looking at ways to cut back on your spending and make your money go further, here are some of the best budgeting tips that all big families can benefit from.
Track Your Income and Outgoings
Before you get down to budgeting, you must work out your income and outgoings. If you live with your partner, make sure to sit down and track how much money you’re left with at the end of the month, otherwise you will struggle to monitor your finances. There are many budgeting apps you can download on your smartphone that will make things easier. As you start to monitor your monthly finances, you may notice patterns and habits that you can change to save more money.
Organize Grocery Shopping
Keeping your large brood filled up can cost a fortune if you’re not careful. When it comes to grocery shopping, there are many things you can do to make your money go further, such as buying own-brand products. You can also buy food in bulk to save money. Make sure you plan out your weekly meals in advance, so you know what products and ingredients to purchase. Buying food in bulk also reduces waste, helps you be more eco-friendly, and means you only buy what you need.Above anything else, make sure you’re buying plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure your kids are eating a balanced diet.
Become a One-Car Family
Whether you’re ferrying the kids to school, going to the grocery store, or performing day-to-day errands, you may rely on your car more than you need to. If you live close by to amenities and want to save on gas, leaving the car in your garage and walking instead can save you money and be beneficial to your health. You may even want to become a one-car family, as this can slash your monthly expenses significantly.
Look for Deals and Coupons
When it comes to budgeting your money and making it stretch further, there are lots of exclusive deals and coupons that you can take advantage of which can save you money on top branded items. There are digital deals on all types of products and services that can benefit you and the whole family. Becoming a frugal shopper and scoring the best discounts can see you save over 50% on your shopping budget, so whether you need to buy new clothes for the kids, or keep them entertained with gadgets, knowing where to look and at the right time is key.
Purchase Secondhand
Keeping your children well clothed can quickly drain your bank account. Instead of being materialistic and opting for high-end brand names, going thrift shopping and purchasing secondhand clothing can be a great way to save money. If you live in a town or city, you’ll often find that thrift stores sell a variety of clothes for a fraction of their original price. And if you’re conscious about the environment and want to do your bit in reducing your carbon footprint, buying secondhand is incredibly sustainable.
While it would be nice to have a never-ending supply of cash, many big families have to be careful with their money and stick to a strict budget. To get the most out of your money, all the budgeting tips above will ensure your kids are well looked after and potentially at a fraction of the original price.