6 Smart Savings Strategies for Every Stage of Family Life

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.

6 Smart Savings Strategies for Every Stage of Family Life


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.

Escape the Debt Trap: Your Ultimate Guide to Smart Investments

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. 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.

Escape the Debt Trap: Your Ultimate Guide to Smart Investments

Improve Your Home Budget with These Useful Guidelines

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.

Improve Your Home Budget with These Useful Guidelines

Maximizing Your Savings Account: Tips and Tricks

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!

Savings Account: Tips and Tricks

Beyond Energy Savings: Additional Benefits of Home Insulation

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.

Beyond Energy Savings: Additional Benefits of Home Insulation


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.

How to SAVE Over $100 on Your Cable or Satellite Bill

Looking to learn HOW to lower your cable or satellite bill? Then this post is for YOU! With the inflation of our grocery bills and the crazy market, I thought I would update this post with EVEN MORE streaming options available for ways to save big!

We bought a new house back at the end of August 2016. We have a bigger home that comes with a larger mortgage payment. So we were going through our bills and thinking of what we could get rid of. We routinely do this anyway. We decided to not only drop our gym member ship (that we hadn't used in months) as well as drop satellite. So I know what you are thinking: You just made the switch to cable, but nope we completely pulled the plug and now we are saving more than $100 a month on television.

***This post was originally written in 2016, but I thought I would update it with what we are using now, new pricing, etc.***

How to SAVE Over $100 on Your Cable or Satellite Bill

We were criticized by our family when we first decided to do it. "How are you going to watch the Olympics?" "How are you going to watch 'A Christmas Story' all day on Christmas?" Serious questions, y'all. And at first, we hadn't worked out all the kinks yet. My husband did a lot of research and now I want to share all of our tips and tricks to help you save over $100 by breaking up with cable/satellite for good!

Shop Online Smarter with Wikibuy

This post is a sponsored conversation brought to you by Wikibuy. All opinions are my own.


I love shopping online for almost everything we buy. But it is important to get the best deal. Even when I'm actually in store I am searching for a coupon code or the best deal available. But honestly? It can get exhausting. That's why I love the idea of Wikibuy.


So what is Wikibuy? Wikibuy is a new browser extension that gives users a platform to know the best price of the products they search online. You just need to install a free browser extension for Chrome, and that’s it. For all these information, they don’t require any extra time or extra efforts. As soon as one Wikibuyer finds a better price or a working coupon code, the other 2,167,058 Wikibuyers (with the browser extension installed) know about it, automatically.

Save on Game Day Favorites for Your Tailgating Needs

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Game Day Favorites Available at Publix. The opinions and text are mine.


If your family and friends are anything like mine, then football season is a time where you all come together and enjoy the game, each other's company, and yummy foods! I have quite a few go-to tailgating recipes, but if they are easy then that's the one for me! Publix is one of my favorite places to shop for game day events, especially starting January 20th because they’re running an awesome promotion that will help you stock up for all of your tailgating needs.


We like to invite friends and family over to our house for game day. Usually we set the game up outside in the garage so it is more like a "tailgate," and everyone brings a dish or drink of choice, and then sometimes they'll even throw the football around. I love the social part of tailgating more than watching the actual games. We all get together so the kids can play as well.

Save on Family Travel with ibotta

If you are anything like my family, then you are already planning you yearly trips. We take our annual Panama City Beach, FL trip during Fall Break, but by planning everything out at the beginning of the year we can save MORE while doing it.


I love checking out any and all offers I can to try and find a deal for our family traveling adventures. Last year, we headed to Chattanooga and saw Ruby Falls and Rock City during Spring Break with some deals we found. Every thing was planned so last minute, so we KNOW we could have saved more if we had just planned a little bit better.

ibotta can help with your traveling needs from rooms to suitcases right now from 1/15 to 1/21 on the app! New users can also earn a $10 bonus for trying out the app! Check out these great offers that will be available on the app starting tomorrow:

How to Save Money (When You're Not a Saver)

If you have been following my blog or following me on social media, then you know that I hate paying retail. This comes from a time when money was very tight because we went from two incomes to one PLUS an extra mouth to feed. I use to coupon like crazy and even watched my friend's daughter for a little extra pocket change just so we could make ends meat. Times were tight, especially around the holidays.

Tips to Save Money for Travel, Holidays, & More


We weren't the kind of people that felt the need to go over board on gifts for our own child because she does have a lot of people in our family and close friends that will do that for us, but we also have quite a few nieces plus my own daughter and one of my nieces has a birthday in December. Plus with all the dinners we had to go to and bring a dish, little costs always seem to add up. But I have found little ways to save money that really helps in the long run whether you are saving for a special trip or a holiday.

Stock Up for Baby with Diapers.com Coupon Codes

As an avid couponer and money saving fanatic, I am always on the prowl for a good deal. My sister-in-law had her third baby a little over a week ago and saving money on all things baby is a top priority.

Coupon Codes from Diapers.com

Stock Up for Baby with Diapers.com Coupon Codes

Diapers.com is an online baby store that carries a wide assortment of diapers, wipes and formula. But that is not all this online store offers. This baby store also provides clothing, baby gear and other necessities parents need to care for their little ones. One of the advantages of using an online baby store, you don't have to leave home so you can save gas and mileage right there! There are also a ton of coupon codes from diapers.com for various baby products.

Save Money on Gifts with Groupon Goods

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

I love saving money and hate paying retail. I have all my handy frugal apps right on my smart phone, so I never miss a deal. I know I have already mentioned how much I love the Groupon app. Groupon is a deal-of-the-day recommendation service saving you 40% to 60% off retail if you purchase that product or service.


Recently my husband and I have been obsessed with the Groupon Goods! We have bought so many things for our new house as well some pretty awesome birthday and Christmas presents.

My daughter was born just a few weeks before Christmas, so making sure she has a great birthday while not spending a lot is essential. Groupon lets me save on services like bouncy castles and goods which include electronics, jewelry, clothes, and more.

Some of my favorite gift ideas right now on Groupon include:

Handy Apps for Frugal Moms

This post contains affiliate links.
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!

Save on Mobile with FreedomPop

I received complimentary products from FreedomPop to provide this post. All opinions are my own.

Have you heard of FreedomPop? Shoppers can simply skip the "deals” from major mobile carriers and big box stores and instead rack up hundreds of dollars in savings with free voice, text and data each month. My sister is the world's worst about keeping a phone on, but with FreedomPop she can have an affordable plan so we can always keep in touch.

 
 
FreedomPop, the completely free mobile services provider, today announced its Holiday deals which include smartphones for as low as $40, bundled with its completely free mobile data, text and voice services for life. FreedomPop offers any user 500 MB of data, 500 texts and 500 voice minutes completely free each month. Users can also earn free data by completing various surveys. Here are just some of the Holiday offers:

Hail to the Chef + $25 RaceTrac Gift Card Giveaway

This post was written by me on behalf of RaceTrac. I was compensated for the review, however all views and opinions are 100% my own.


RaceTrac is a convenient one-stop shop for guests to grab a delicious on-the-go meal made with fresh ingredients without sacrificing quality or speed. And now they offer a wide variety of lunch items, including sandwiches, wraps and salads, made fresh daily! RaceTrac’s Value Meal Deal includes any sandwich, wrap or salad with a choice of 1- to 2-ounce bag Utz or Zapp’s chips and a 20 oz. bottled Coca-Cola beverage for $4.99. RaceTrac’s Value Meal Deal is available March 4 – April 28.  

#GiveHappy with OshKosh B'gosh + An Exclusive Coupon!

I participated in a Blog Blast Activation on behalf of Influence Central for OshKosh B’gosh. I received an Oshkosh B’gosh gift card to thank me for my participation.

Every year the kids (mine and all the cousins) get pajamas to wear on Christmas morning. I love this tradition and since SweetPea just turned 4 and Peanut is only 9 months, I need to go to a place where they have a wide range of children's clothing, but has super cute fashions as well.

That's where Oshkosh B'gosh comes into play. OshKosh B’gosh, a trusted name for fun, high-quality children’s clothing, inspires us all to #GIVEHAPPY with their latest designs and fashions for holiday. And with this exclusive coupon, you can score 25% off your $30 purchase or more!

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

This coupon is valid in store or online, use their Store Locator to find a location near you. Even if you don't have an OshKosh B’gosh near you, the online store features the same great deals and fashions!

Just because your children are a little older doesn’t mean they can’t still wear OshKosh B’gosh! Many people don’t realize that OshKosh B’gosh offers clothing for children sizes 0 -12! So while you're out, why not make a pit stop and make sure to #GiveHappy!

I participated in a Blog Blast Activation on behalf of Influence Central for OshKosh B’gosh. I received an OshKosh B’gosh gift card to thank me for my participation.

Tips to Save Money on Baby






You just found out you are pregnant, CONGRATS! Now what? You realize that there is just one thing after another that a baby needs but how to pay for it all? Here are my tips to save money on baby.


Nursing Pillow1. 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 up front 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.

Tips to Save Money on Baby - Make Your Own Baby Food3. 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 what ever 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 in to 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?





Shopping Trips 7/1/12 57% Savings

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%