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7 things
i stopped buying
as a stay-at-home mom
So, you’ve made the leap into the wonderful, chaotic world of stay-at-home mom life. Congratulations! Now, if only being a full-time parent came with a financial handbook. Managing a household on one income is a juggling act, and that means tightening the purse strings. But not to worry, moms! This post is full of great tips for things you need to stop buying so that you too can survive on one income.
daily coffee stops
Yes, I know, this one hurts. The local barista knows your name, your order, and possibly your dog’s name. But those $5 lattes add up faster than toddler tantrums. Invest in a quality coffee maker and fancy syrups and start making coffee at home. Buy yourself a reusable coffee mug and your good to go. Save your favorite coffee shop for that special treat you so deserve every once in a while. You’ll find this will save you quite a bit each week. Your wallet (and your husband) will thank you!
trendy baby gear
Do you really need that stroller that costs more than a month’s worth of groceries? Probably not. Stick to the basics. Your baby won’t care if their highchair is last season’s color. Look for gently used baby gear at local consignment shops or online on sites like Marketplace and Poshmark. You’ll be surprised at what you find. Another great option is to swap baby/kid gear and clothes with friends. Get a group of moms together for a clothing swap and bring all of your gently used but outgrown clothes/gear. You can swap with other moms and come home with a bag full of new clothes for your baby, toddler or big kid too.
prepackaged snacks
Convenience is key when you’re a mom, but pre-packaged snacks are budget assassins. Opt for bulk purchases and DIY snack prep. Try out reusable snack bags for added savings and fill them with things like goldfish crackers or pretzels. Making homemade snacks is also a go to of mine for a special surprise after school. It’s amazing how much cheaper and healthier homemade granola bars can be. Plus, you’ll feel like Supermom.
cable tv
In the age of streaming, cable is like that one friend who still uses a flip phone. Ditch the cable and embrace streaming services. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and the occasional free YouTube channel will more than suffice. Choose your streaming service based on the types of shows you and your family like to watch and the packages being offered if you choose multiple services. With so many options, you’re bound to get all of the shows you like to watch plus more without the huge cable bill.
fancy skincare products and makeup
Those expensive serums and creams promise miracles, but so does a good night’s sleep. I am the first to admit that I don’t leave the house without makeup on. Putting makeup on and getting dressed every day makes me feel like I’m taking care of myself and preparing for the day ahead. Before I became a stay-at-home mom, all of my makeup, moisturizers came from department stores.
Now, two kids later and still a stay-at-home mom, I’ve found so many inexpensive brands that have not disappointed. My expensive moisturizer has been traded in for this one that costs so much less and works just as well. I’ve even bought lipsticks for under $10 and loved them. My best purchase to date is a multistick for cheeks, lips and eyes. It’s amazing! So save some money and give some of the drugstore brands a try. You’ll be able to splurge on something else with the money you save!
new toys
Kids get bored of toys faster than you can say “clean up time.” Opt for toy swaps with other moms, buy secondhand, or get creative with DIY toys. Cardboard boxes can be castles, spaceships, and race cars with a little imagination.
When my children were toddlers, I used to save empty kids yogurt containers. We used them for everything from building towers to filling them with water in the bathtub. You can have craft time and set up a table full of markers, cardboard boxes, scissors, glue, paper and anything else you can find around the house. My kids spent hours using their imagination and having a great time amusing themselves.
IMPULSE BUYS AT TARGET
We’ve all fallen victim to the Target trap. You go in for diapers and come out with a cart full of stuff you didn’t know you needed. Make a list before you go and stick to it. Don’t spend time shopping through the entire store. Focus on only going to the sections where the items on your list are located. Avoid those aisles of temptation that can easily suck you in (you all know which ones I mean). You’ll leave the store with money in your pocket feeling much more accomplished.
Living on one income isn’t about deprivation; it’s about smart choices. Every dollar saved is a dollar you can invest in your family’s future or the occasional well-deserved splurge. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job. So, go ahead and pat yourself on the back, preferably with that homemade latte in hand.
Happy budgeting, super moms!
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