Families always have to be careful about going over budget. Many people are struggling due to COVID-19 temporarily or sometimes permanently shutting down certain businesses. There have been millions of job losses throughout the nation, which means that many parents are working off of a budget that is even smaller than what they are used to.
Fortunately, there are ways through which families can save money on a shoestring budget. By making just a few small changes, families can save more money every month.
1. Invest in Preventative Health and Dental Care
A lot of parents may be tempted to try to save money through putting off smaller or routine doctor or dentist appointments. However, putting off such appointments can ultimately lead to parents spending more in the long term. Preventative care is the key to saving money on healthcare.
If a child receives a flu shot, for example, they’ll be less likely to catch the flu. A lot of preventative care can be accomplished through affordable clinics.
This isn’t quite the case for preventative dental care, which usually needs to be done at a full-service dentist’s office. Some dentists may also recommend orthodontic care, which usually will begin at the age of seven. This care should also be regarded as preventative. The earlier any kind of medical issue is resolved, the less expensive it is, typically.
2. Shop Secondhand Stores and Pop-Up Shops
There are active secondhand stores both online and in-person. Private selling sites like eBay also offer lower prices than major retailers for certain vintage or limited-edition items that may even be discovered in these kinds of outlets. Many consignment stores have high standards for what they take on and sell, giving savvy shoppers the opportunities to find hidden treasures.
Pop-up shops are also popular options to shop in. This particular phenomenon is booming, and they’re currently getting more attention from small businesses than ever. Right now, the American pop-up shop market value is $50 billion.
3. Make Shoes And Clothes Last
Another major way families can save money is by making shoes and clothes last longer. Hemming clothes can make them less likely to fray, and can help them fit better over time. Small patches for inner rips and a sewing machine can make it easier for minor damages to be repaired. It’s also important to avoid over-wearing certain types of shoes and clothes. Often, shoes wear out too quickly because they’ve been over-used. Following a full day of wear, a single pair of shoes should be given some rest. Ideally, this rest period should last at least 24 hours, after which they can be worn again.
4. Try Couponing
This may seem obvious, but a lot of families are turned off by the idea of extreme couponing, as is popular in the media. Couponing doesn’t have to be an ordeal. Rather than buying in bulk, which can result in paying less but also owning too much of one item, families can simply check newsletters for physical coupons, or use extensions like Honey to find online coupons – – there are even sites online that compile coupons from a variety of retailers, like Raise (https://www.raise.com/coupons/bass-pro-shops), so you just have to check one place, rather than individual stores’ sites. Over time, getting into the habit of couponing can result in major savings.
Again, saving money while raising a family can be easier said than done. It requires a good bit of restraint, especially when children are begging to have the latest toy or game. But with some creativity and searching for alternate solutions, families can save money even on the tightest budgets.
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