Stay at Home Mom and Saving Money How To's

I have been thinking alot about the journey I have been on for many years now.  I started being a stay at home mom about 14 1/2 years ago. My at home experience has long surpassed my work outside the home experience.  Many people in this day and age think it is impossible to stay at home.  It is not.  You can do it if you are willing to make some sacrifices.  Yes I know that isn't a poplular thing.  No one likes to make sacrifices...everyone wants things and wants them now!  But I promise if you evaluate the things that are truly important to you, it can be done.

Here is a picture of my oldest Jacob.  Isn't he a cutie. 

Here are some ways that women before me have taught me to save money.  Like I said it has been over 14 years.  I didn't do these all at once, but added a bit at a time and now most are completely second nature now.  They are part of how we live and aren't a sacrifice any longer.

1. Make a budget.  I love Dave Ramsey.  We buy most everything with cash.  We try...we aren't always perfect.  Now going into debt makes my stomach churn.

2. If you are going to stay at home...stay at home. Don't ram everywhere everyday.  Especially with gas prices going through the roof.  When you go out, you spend.  We have in the past assigned ourselves so much money for gas for the week.  If the tank was on empty on Wed., then we stay home until the next fill.  Make it a game. (of course make sure hubby has enough to go to work :) )

3. Cut the cable.  I know I know...nobody wants to hear this one.  Especially the guys. But it is so expensive.  I find when we cut it we have lots more time for other things.  We can also control what media comes into the house.  The kids are more active and more creative.  Trust me on this one.  It will get worse before it gets better if you turn off the tube.  Kids will whine for a week or two.  They have to learn how to live without something that they have always had.  You must allow time for relearning.  What ever you do...don't vote on whether or not to turn off the cable.  Kids will never give up the tv willingly.  (Hubby does get a vote :) )

4. Look at all your bills.  Can you change phone plans?  Can you just go to cell phones and cancel your landline? Can you get rid of some dept store credit cards, pay them off and cut them up?  Can you get your electric bill on a budget so you pay the same amount each month?  Really really look at the list of things you spend on and write down how much you could save a month if you eliminated some things.  Dance for the kids?  Sports? etc.  I know you don't know how you could do THAT to your kids.  You can.  You will have more time as a family and more money.  You can dance at home and play at home.  Limit the amount of activities you let your children participate in and don't be afraid to say no.

5.  Turn down the heat.  I get lots of grief and jokes made about me for this one. :)  We keep the house cool in the winter.  We layer clothes if we are cold.  I do at least.  I figure it is something you can get used to...the kids really do run around without socks or shoes and in a short sleeve shirt in the winter when the house is set at 64 degrees.  We turn it down lower at night and make sure everyone is dressed warm for bed and lots of blankies on beds.

Well there is five of the easier things that we do to save money.  I will have some more nit picky things later.  Have a great day.