Money Saving Tips for Families |
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| There are many big and small ways to save money. Here are some tips for these tough economic times and beyond: |
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If you use credit cards, switch to cards that pay you back - either cash dividends, miles, gas, or goods
that you can actually use. |
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Cut your kid's hair yourself - you can pick up an easy "how to" book at your local
library. This money saving tip has the added bonus of flexibility and convenience - you can do it whenever
you feel like it.
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And speaking of library - you can spend a lot of money on kids books without even
realizing it. You see a book your kid really likes and it's only $5.99 and before you know it you're out $50.
Most likely your kid will read it once or twice and get bored with it. Solution: get a library card and visit
your local library on a regular basis. Many libraries also have Story Time and other fun activities for kids
of all ages that will have your kids looking forward to the weekly visit.
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You can save huge money by coloring your own hair or doing your own highlights.
You can save about $50 for each color ( x 6 times a year = $300) and about $100 for highlights ( x 4 times a
year = $400). It's really easy to do once you get the hang of it. You can
find kits with instructions at your local beauty supply store.
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Take with you snacks and drinks for the kids on family outings (unless you go to a
place that specifically prohibits outside food and beverages). Bring a bottle of water with you and fill it
at the water fountain. Not only will you be saving money, but also time standing in long lines and ending up
buying junk food and caffeinated sugary drinks you had no intention of buying originally.
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Bake your own muffins, brownies and cakes (from a ready mix) - as a single mom with a
full time job I always have to weigh cost savings vs. time savings. To me, If I have to slave over an elaborate
cake for a few hours in the kitchen it's not worth the money savings. But if I buy a ready mix and have a
dozen cup cakes ready in minuets and save some money in the process, I'd give it a thumbs up. Better yet - let
the kids do the mixing, and you've got another fun activity to add to your list.
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Buy generic: prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, cleaning supplies, groceries,
ink cartridges, and and anything else you can find.
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Let your kids wash your car - what kid would say 'no' to such a fun activity?
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Instead of buying 3 extra large Pepperoni Pizzas for $60 for your kid's birthday
party, make little cute sandwiches with Turkey & Cheese and PB & J. Everybody will love them.
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Cancel your gym membership and ride your bike with your kids.
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Some people swear by the savings they get by switching from paper napkins to clothe
napkins, but I'm not a big fan. You'd still have to spend money, energy and effort on washing, drying,
folding and putting them away. Paper towels are just so easy that it's hard for me to make a case for cloth
napkins, but if you like the idea - go for it!
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Same goes for making your own play doh - some mothers just love making it themselves
and love the money savings, but for me it's just too much work and not enough savings. But again, if you
like the idea - be my guest! Here is a recipe.
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Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. Another oldie but goodie.
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Switch your Premium Cable package to Basic package and get Netflix instead.
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You can find and print free eCards on the Internet for all holidays and any kind of
occasion. You can also have your kids make their own cards for Valentine's day, their buddies birthday parties,
and holidays. Those Hallmark cards are SO expensive!
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Find "buy one get one free" items at your local supermarket and drug store.
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Switch to a lower cost long-distance phone company.
Try Pioneer Telephone - extremely low rates and no surcharges
or hidden costs of any kind, and calls are as low as 1.9¢ a minute.
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Shop for a lower car insurance - it doesn't cost anything to get a quote.
Try 21st century Insurance or Wawanesa.
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Transfer your high interest rate credit cards to low-interest ones. Find and compare
rates at BankRate.com, or use MyDollarPlan.com
to find low rates and special offers.
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Buy a slightly-used car instead of a brand new one and drive it until it dies. A brand new
car looses 20% of its value the moment you drive it off the lot. That's an oldie but still great.
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If you live near a Beauty school or Massage school, find out if they need people
to practice on. How bad can a free massage be?
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Open a free account at Upromise - Every time you make an eligible
purchase on other sites you get a portion of that money back. Those earnings accumulate in your
Upromise account until you decide to use it to invest in a 529 plan, help pay down eligible student
loans or assist with college expenses — all tax-free!
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| Birthday Clubs, Coupons and Discounts: |
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California Pizza Kitchen: CPKids Birthday Club - receive a FREE CPKids birthday meal |
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D-Zone at Dennys - kids eat free |
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Chevy's compadres club - get special birthday gifts, discounts and coupons |
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Cold Stone Creamery - enjoy a free creation |
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Boston Market VIP Club - get a special treat on your birthday, plus coupons and discounts |
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Chuck E. Cheese's - Coupons and promotions |
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KFC Colonel's Club - printable coupons |
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Baskin Robbins Birthday Club - get free ice cream, special offers and coupons |
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