| In this day and age, stretching the family dollar is getting | | | | clothes got wrinkled waiting for you to fold them. In |
| to be quite the challenge. The ability to save money | | | | addition, look for ways of improving the weatherizing |
| wherever and whenever possible is at the forefront of | | | | of your home to maximize energy efficiency and then |
| many families today. The five main areas that seem to | | | | be better able to keep electrical costs down by not |
| consistently demand our attention when it comes to | | | | having to run the heating or cooling system as much. |
| increasing costs are food, clothing, shelter, school | | | | Now, on to school supplies. As is the case at the end |
| supplies and vacations. Let's take a quick look at these | | | | of summer, children that are about to return to another |
| areas: | | | | year of school will need school supplies. This is one |
| Without a doubt, food costs continue to increase. For a | | | | area where much of what you are able to do to save |
| growing family this can be a real stress point on the | | | | any money will depend on demographics and what |
| budget. Fortunately, there are ways to save money | | | | grade your child is in. However, some things to |
| even when money is tight. In fact, there are ways to | | | | consider would mainly be in the arena of name brands |
| both save on the food budget and still maintain your | | | | versus generic brands. It is most likely that the generic |
| family's health. For example, consider the "cents off | | | | brand will be just as good as the name brand supplies |
| coupon". | | | | at a much lower cost. You could even plan ahead and |
| It is quite possible that with the combination of coupons | | | | pick up your children's school supplies from the year |
| and sales shopping, you can get $200 worth of food | | | | before when the stores are clearing their stock to |
| for as little as $50! It will take some doing, but it is well | | | | make room for other items. |
| worth the effort. You can also save money by | | | | It is even advisable to stay away from designer |
| shopping for ingredients at the store to then prepare | | | | clothing to save some big bucks. I know, as the children |
| more meals at home from scratch. By cutting down | | | | become older status can be everything but, if you |
| on the fast food drive through purchases, you not only | | | | stand your ground or at least let them know that if |
| save money but eat healthier as well! Two other quick | | | | they truly need those $150 tennis shoes, they can earn |
| thoughts to ponder: | | | | the money by working during the summer and pay for |
| When you shop, eat something first! You will not be as | | | | those shoes themselves. If you stick to this, it might |
| tempted to "impulse shop" when you have food in | | | | surprise you that, after they have worked hard and |
| your stomach. And always have a list and shop the | | | | saved the money, they are less likely to let go of that |
| perimeter! Stores know this and that is why they | | | | hard earned cash! Lesson learned? Yep! |
| actually "corral" you through the middle of the store to | | | | Finally, as most families know, the summer is prime |
| maximize your temptation to impulse shop! Also, | | | | vacation time. The kids are out of school and the |
| consider patronizing your local farmers market for | | | | weather is warm and dry. However, this being the |
| your fruit and produce. Not only can they be price | | | | case, it is also the most expensive time of the year to |
| competitive with the chain store supermarkets but the | | | | take a vacation. This being true, is it possible to plan a |
| produce will most likely be fresher. | | | | family vacation during the off-season? If you can, you |
| In the area of shelter, the cost of renting or buying a | | | | will save big bucks on rental charges and will even |
| home has skyrocketed in the last few years. As such, | | | | experience a bigger surprise: fewer people on |
| that alone is demanding upwards to half of a family's | | | | vacation, allowing more room for your family to have |
| monthly income. Even though that alone is not | | | | fun! |
| negotiable, there are ways to cut costs in other areas | | | | Well, there you have it! Just a bit of advice on how to |
| to help offset the rising cost of housing. | | | | save some money and help your family budget |
| For example, target your electrical and water usage. | | | | stretch a little further. There are many other ideas to |
| Keep any unnecessary lights and appliances turned off | | | | be had that will aid you in making the money you have |
| when not in use. If you use a washer and dryer to | | | | go farther. Just take the time and do a little "Googling". |
| clean and dry your clothes, make sure the loads are | | | | You'll be surprised just how much you can save with a |
| full ones and the clothes are really in need of washing. | | | | little effort and a willingness to give up some things to |
| Also, after the dryer has finished drying, don't ignore it | | | | enjoy life as a family. |
| and then repeat the drying cycle just because some | | | | |