question for sahms
CosmetologyMommy wrote: After I grad, I am going to be a sahm for a little bit, then eventually find a part time job working like 2 nights a week. I was just looking for some advice from sahms on how to cut corners with money. any ideas?
mckayleesmom replied: Lets see
*I dye my hair myself...alot cheaper...
* I love the parents choice brand from walmart...even the formula
*whitecloud diapers help
*when I buy groceries...I use products that stretch a little in meals. For example...a bag of cheese...I can use that for tacos and quesadillas. Tomatoes...since we have a small family...when I buy them I buy enough for tacos and blt's.
*arm and hammer laundry detergent...I love that stuff...its cheap..smells wonderful and works as good as the expensive stuff.
luvmykids replied: ITA, my pedi actually recommended it to me.
Lets see, I actually did clip coupons for awhile, it really can add up.
Didn't buy a lot of "pre made" food, like hamburger helper, etc. Cheaper (and healthier) to make from scratch
Bought whole chickens instead of pieces, buy the giant rolls of hamburger then separate and freeze in smaller packs.
Thats all I can think of right now ...
MyLuvBugs replied: Definately stay away from name brand items to save money. A membership to Sam's or Costco is good, for buying groceries in bulk if you have the room. Then you only need to buy once a month or so.
The only thing I wouldn't cut back on are diapers. Tried it once, but baby's butt broke out in a HORRIBLE rash.
If you need to go to extremes, no cable, no house phone (only cell), turn back your heater to 70 degrees, or AC to 78 degrees. No going out to eat.
It's all the little things that add up ya know.
mom21kid2dogs replied: **I buy all clothing ahead (if I'm buying new) and off season. Right now is a great time to get winter clothes for next year. I got O a suede leather coat for $10 and an incredible Christmas dress for &7.50 at TJ Maxx. Meijer has 80% off winter apparel. If it doesn't fit her, I'll EBay it! **I only buy Gymboree, Gap & other high end stuff used at either resale shops, Goodwill or garage sales. I have no aversion to used shoes still in great shape. **We got a Master Card that gives us retail store coupons like Best Buy, etc., hotel vouchers and airfare miles **I also dye my own hair & get it cut at Great Clips. I no longer buy Paul Mitchell. I buy Suave or White Rain **Coupons and shopping at a couple of stores for what I need ** We only eat 4-5 meals with meat a week since it now is like gold. **We drive a small car that gets 40mpg **I haven't been to Bath & Body in almost 4 years. I use St. Ives or Suave~whichever I have a coupon for. **We go to the library for computer software, books, music, DVD's etc. DVD rent free for a week. Can't beat that deal and our library always has current stuff. **We go to my parents house at the Lake for vacation as opposed to a big, costly vacation. We always do lots of little special days throughout the year like the state fair, Memorial Golf Tourney, local carnivals instead of big expensive theme parks.
That should give you a start.
coasterqueen replied: I wonder what you'd do if you already did all that stuff? Is there anyone here who did all that before becoming a SAHM? Just curious. I guess you'd do the no cable, no phone, no going anywhere with the kids, etc. yikes!
Edward's Mommy replied: I also do a lot of my shopping a Walmart...including groceries!!
Crystalina replied: I always walk behind everyone turning off the lights and that really helps with the electric.
Take a shower instead of a bath. You use less water. Even though the water is always running, if you put the plug in you will notice that by the time your done with your shower you still have not used the amount of water that it takes for a bath. Baths are great though.
You can also lower the water temp. on your water tank.
I always shop at Wal-Mart and I never buy name brand. My husband hates it because he thinks there is a differance but unless it's noticable I always buy the generic version.
Hope that helps a bit.
CosmetologyMommy replied: I think I may have to find a part time job in the meantime because I like to spend too much............
MamaJAM replied: The most important thing is - before you buy ANYTHING take a moment to stop and think "do I really NEED this". For big items or clothing (for yourself or the kids) - walk away and go back the next day if you definately think you need it.
And set up a budget and STICK TO IT! If you know your family only has $50 per month to spend on clothing - you're less likely to blow the whole wad on one outfit or item.
These tips have really helped us get through the rougher-times over the years (like when DH was out of work for 18 months). And they help you keep doing well during the better times (when DH has an overflow of work). We stick to the same budget at all times -- that way we're better able to handle the rough spells because we don't feel like we're giving anything up.
C&K*s Mommie replied: Well that is a convienence that sometimes has to go to the wayside when you are living on one income & a SAHM. Also, Dr. Phil always recommends living as though you have only one income. That way if the unfortunate ever happens, you have plenty saved up.
ammommy replied: Remember, your expenses will go down once you stop working. Less gas, less money for lunches, less "it's just a couple of $$" expenses that add up when you work.
PrairieMom replied: My advice is to meal plan. Sit down sunday night and decide what you want to eat for the week. That way when you go grocery shopping you can get all the ingredients you need and wont need to run out to the store to get just one thing later in the week. I can never buy just one thing, if I make extra trips out, I always end up spending at least $30.00.
I have found that nost of the time buying generic is cheeper than using coupons on name brand stuff.
C&K*s Mommie replied: That is when two people are working, live as though you have one income.
coasterqueen replied: See, now that I don't buy that, at least for me. I would spend MORE in gas if I was a SAHM because my job is 15 miles down the highway so I really don't spend much in gas to get to work and back. It's all the other stuff I do that costs us more in gas. And lunches 9 times out of 10 I always bring my lunch or my work buys my lunch. So since I mainly bring my lunch it would cost me the same as if I SAH and ate lunch at home.
The only real expense I see is clothing and I buy most all my work clothing second hand and don't have but 1 or 2 outfits for "every day" living (for weekends and such). So if I SAH I would just have more everyday outfits instead of work outfits and would be bought mostly second hand as well. I rarely EVER spend money on myself for clothes, trinkets, makeup, hair stuff, etc so that doesn't factor in for working or SAH either.
I do agree this factors in if you are used to doing this and WOH, but for some this wouldn't be a factor at all. But I think you find quite a few WOH people who have the same situation as I do.
punkeemunkee'smom replied: Don't forget that you won't be paying for daycare anymore (if you do now) That could give you $110-120 extra a week right off the top.
ammommy replied: In that case, a person would have to really track their expenses for a couple of months to see if there are any hidden expenses that can be cut.
ZandersMama replied: I hit freebie web sites. you can get free samples and coupons from many companies. www.goldfishlegs.com is a great Canadian freebie site. THe coupons are great. Huggies sends 2 and 3 dollars off coupons. www.McCain.ca is great for grocerie coupons and www.Save.ca is greattoo, yu go through a list and whatever coupons you can use they send you free
mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: It's called Walmart! And strict budgeting...although I've always kept us on a strict budget kids or no kids, working or not working. DH's total income + bonuses equals more now than what we used to get paid jointly (when I worked)...did that make sense? So it works out to be a little extra than what we used to make together, but I still watch every penny so that we never go over each month. We have almost no credit card debt as well, so that helps.
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