Question

Can anyone share any tips to live frugally with children?  

Answer 1

I get my groceries delivered or do pick up only now. When I go into Target or Walmart I spend twice as much. Now I only order what I need. When I run out of something I add it to my cart and get it delivered when it hits $30.  

Comments

@kurdistan I don’t believe they are considered Walmart employees.  

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@pouched instacart is something waaaaay different if I'm not mistaken

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@kurdistan oh, ok.  

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@kurdistan I think so. Don’t really know how it works. I imagine they’re like Uber drivers. Whoever’s in the area goes to the store chosen and does the shopping. This is completely a guess on my part.  

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@pouched i think you're right. but i dunno either

Answer 2

So I sit my kids down each week and we do money management 101. We go over what needs to be paid, how much needs to be saved and what we “need” to buy. it’s hard to say no but stick to it! We’re saving for our Disney vacation next year so we have a goal to achieve as a family.  

Comments

@golgotha4326 that's too cute, the things we assume they know. Do they know your income? I want to start showing my kids more numbers so I'm just looking for advice. I've always been very private about my income so this is a big step for me. I guess I'm mostly apprehensive that they'll mention it to others. People are quick to judge when it comes to money. "Well, if they make that much they should be able to. ".  

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@drawing yes!  

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@drawing our daughter is 16 and is beginning to look at colleges. They all ask how much we make (parent’s income) for the forms. We had to. I never knew how much my parents made, so it’s kind of strange.  

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@drawing yes they know how much we earn but I wanted them to see the whole picture in full. Not just the payouts. Yes we make a lot of money but. we have to pay the house, blah blah. it all adds up. I did have the “we do not repeat this information to anyone else” they have been told that’s it’s rude to ask people what they make and it’s not appropriate to talk about finances with other people even family. My kids are 9, 11 and 15.  

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@amundson1 I hadn't thought about that but yeah, I'll be filling out those forms soon enough. @golgotha4326 thank you for sharing!  

Answer 3

My kids are grown now, but I had several paper boxes on the top shelf of each kid closet. I shopped at gaeage sales and bought good clothes in larger sizes. They always had clothes that fit usually for 25 cents an item. I did this with kids' gifts also because they were invited to a birthday party every weekend. We were always prepared and they were able to enjoy their friends and bring a gift.  

Answer 4

Cloth diapers, used items (clothes/ toys), coupons for every(I usually hit up target during a sale), have a set budget. My 13 month old has a $60/month budget

Answer 5

We thrift clothes, breastfeed, and cloth diaper. Just in the first year I saved about $3000 by cloth diapering, I haven’t done the math almost 4 years and two kids later. I got really sick when my oldest was about ten months which made my milk dry up. Switching to formula was a kick in the financial pants.  

Comments

@omni5722 $3000 saved? Did you have triplets? Lol. How does this break down? I mean, all the power to you! I tried cloth for 2 weeks and hated it.  cloth bums are stinking adorable though.  

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@omni5722 I use cloth diapers too!  not only less expensive but reduces your carbon footprint  

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Us too! I watched a video that said “good for your baby, good for your wallet and good for the earth” and thought well, can’t argue with that  

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@concertina90848 My oldest peed and/or pooped like every 30 minutes, no exaggeration, on top of being a heavy wetter. She also had a sensitive bum and the times we had to use disposables (like on vacation) I had to buy a certain brand or she would get the worst rash I’ve ever seen in my life. I did the math for how many disposables I’d have to go through in a day versus the cost of having a stash and laundry detergent.  

Answer 6

We also shop consignment stores and take our stuff that no longer fits there as well. We find a lot of really cute stuff brand new that way. And I like Lularoe leggings because they will fit my daughter for years for about $10 a pair. I find them on mercari pretty regularly in big bundles.  

Answer 7

Yep don’t have them lol. Just kidding if you figured it out let me know

Answer 8

Been living this way since our first born almost 15yrs now, as we decided I would be a sahm, and guess what?! Everyone’s surviving just fine! YOU make the rules, plain and simple.  

Comments

And on a side note, going on a all cash paid family vacation in June to Hawaii! Frugalness pays off  

Answer 9

I haven’t read the answers above. But my kids have always been sooo spoiled. This year I implemented allowances. And it’s the best thing ever! They do their chores. They get $10 at the end of the week. Now they know what they have to spend and don’t ask ME to buy them anything any more. Which has helped keep spending down sooo much!  

Comments

@fallon $10? How old are your kids?  

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@fortune 10 and 6.  

Answer 10

Home Depot have free diy art class on Saturday’s! My daughter and I went last weekend!  

Answer 11

How old? We have little kids (2 and 8mo) and we do free activities! Libraries, walking around the mall (ours has a large play area for littles), parks in the summer and other free out of the house activities. We get clothes from family and friend hand me downs and feed our toddler and baby exactly what we eat so we don’t have to buy specific foods for them!  

Answer 12

Go watch Jordan Page's entire YouTube channel she has 6, soon to be 8, kids.  

Answer 13

Buy used! I love to buy clothing lots off of offer up for my kids. It's so cheap and I can get really nice clothes. I go to savers on Mondays when everything is 50% off. I just bought my daughter a beautiful formal dress for her daddy daughter dance for only $15 on offer up. I also bought my son an awesome bike that he loves in like new condition for $30. I could go on and on. I have saved so much money and can buy my kids things I could normally not afford.  

Answer 14

I worn my kids before going to stores what we are there for and that i want them on the there best behavior and if they are i’ll give them an option of a trip to the dollar tree, ice cream, or mcdonalds free play area or mall play area, park, target $1 area, etc. something that will work depending on our situation at the moment. but the trick is giving them a warning before u go anywhere and have them repeat it to u before u go into any store , it really works.  

Answer 15

Dollar Tree and parks! ♥️

Answer 16

Start making rules about food consumption now. Trust me. I have 4 teenagers and if you don’t set limits on how much they can eat and when, it can become a very expensive problem.  

Comments

@fortune dealing with this now and I only have a 7 year old little girl

Answer 17

Say “No”

Answer 18

I started a FB page in my community called Free and cheap fun ideas with kids! I love all the creative suggestions my neighbors post!  

Answer 19

This is probably one area we continue to splurge ‍♀️ we make a point to set aside money each check for the kids-our 12 yo is in every sport known to man. It’s almost like a sinking fund with no goal. We don’t ever want the kids to not get to do the things they want because mom and dad were irresponsible with money. However, when it comes to food in the house- they know when it’s gone, it’s gone. There’s no more grocery stops mid week to pick up more. That’s taken some adjusting with them but they are slowly but surely learning!  

Answer 20

We have 3 kids (7, 4&19 months) we have asked for birthdays or holidays when gifts are given that we’d like experiences for the child or family. So we’ve collected gift cards for lots of things; movies, kid museums, build a bear, sky zone/defy (indoor trampoline parks) ice cream shops etc. If it’s not enough for the family it’s usually a great one on one date with the child. I love kid to kid which is a gently used kid clothing store and I’ve gone and my two older boys play in the toy area while I shop. Free entertainment! Since we have just begun this journey I’ve been very honest with the boys about money and what a budget is and how much stuff costs. I know they don’t fully understand but they do stop and think how much something costs now and it’s great to see them thinking  if it’s “worth” it.  

Answer 21

Say no and be okay about it. Budget so that you can say yes.  

Answer 22

Ramen noodles  

Answer 23

I cloth diaper ("part time" now, since I am still adjusting to a new baby) and I buy almost everything for them used. I especially look out for any sales of the "get a bag for 5$" type. Those are really worth it with children's clothing! I also have three separate type of clothes: house clothes, which can be more used or just not as pretty, going out of the house outfits and church or special occasions outfits. Your child does not need to have a super cute matching outfit if you are staying home all day! Try to buy enough clothes of at least a size up, but try to buy them to form outfits in advance, so you do not buy too much or odd pieces that do not get used. Do your own baby food when fruits and vegetables are cheap and freeze it. Buy everything in bulk. Swap items with other moms. Sell unused items. Look at Facebook Marketplace often.  

Answer 24

Tell them no when they want expensive things. Let them know it’s because there is no money for just wants. Buy clothes at thrift stores when they are having sales. I buy items according to color of the day tags for 99 cents or shop on holidays when our local thrift store is 50% off. Cook from scratch, even their snacks. We started to make even stovetop popcorn. For entertainment take them to the park or any free family events. We go to the museums on free days only which are just once a month. We see old movies at home. The 80’s and 90’s movies may be reruns for my husband and I but they are new to my kids. We go to the library and read especially during the summer. The saving ideas are endless.  

Comments

This is exactly what I was going to say! So many people I know just give their children anything they ask for! Doesn't matter if they can afford it or not. It breaks the parents and makes the kids not understand we can't always have everything we want.  

Answer 25

Buy their clothes at thrift stores or Once Upon A Child stores. For christmas, do the idea of "something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read". Put money in a sinking fund for holidays and birthdays. I buy annual memberships to different places like our Natural History Museum, the zoo, the Botanical Gardens, etc because its usually around $100 for a family pass and that saves a buttload of money because we can go somewhere like that once a week for something to do. Or depending on their ages, go to the park and get some little fish or butterfly nets and let them go crazy. When we do go somewhere, I pack the kids snacks and drinks so we don't have to spend money on food. and meal planning!  

Answer 26

And when my kids are good and ask for a toy, I take them to either Dollar Tree or Goodwill to pick out something or I buy them the little $1 craft sets from the dollar store

Answer 27

And if they are in sports, check thrift stores. I got a pair of boys under armor cleats for . 50 cents. They look like theyve never been worn either

Answer 28

Learn to say “ That WOULD be fun to have wouldn’t it. ” Then don’t buy it and move on!  

Comments

@spiegel savage

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Yep! We have an ongoing "christmas list" we add it to, but in reality, they ALWAYS forget about it before xmas rolls back around

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@spiegel my mom used to (still does) do this lol we would be like running after her in the store and she would basically ignore us and then we just assumed we couldn’t have it

Answer 29

Sell the children buy a tiny house and have a farm  

Comments

@bhagavadgita2 this is my goal! I'm in countdown mode until the are out to buy a tiny house & a farm. really. If they want to like with me they need these own tiny house & have to help with the farm, like a co-op.  

Answer 30

Thrift for clothes. Dont buy toys unless its bdays or xmas and even then, limit to 4 gifts. (want read wear need) Meal plan Dont buy name brand food. Say no. Set down the rules before going into the store. "We arent buying anything. You can say ' wow that's neat' or similar things but I dont want to hear 'I want'. I am NOT buying any toys. We are here for XYZ. We wont be looking at the toys today. "  Less is always more. Rotate toys so they get to experience "new" toys every month or two. Kids will survive if they dont play every sport at school. Pack lunches. I'm sure I have more ideas, but cant think of any more right now. #momof4boys

Comments

@mindymine so good! Actually good advice!  

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Yes to the thrift their clothes! they grow so fast & destroy their clothes! there are so many good outlets for thrifting nowadays! I find kids clothes with tags still on them for 1/4 of the price

Answer 31

Home cooking from scratch i. e. : dry beans, not canned, not prepared meals or takeout.  

Comments

@midmost921 dry beans saved us alot too

Answer 32

Get rid of the kids and work more! *** I am totally joking! No one jump and kill my with comments!  

Comments

@moralist2024 I agree with this  

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@paillette I have three sick kids rn and am sick myself, so yeah. feeling crazy lol  

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@moralist2024 I hope everyone feels better!  

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@mindymine ty!  

Answer 33

Personally, I don’t compromise on quality for my child because of how companies abuse the leniencies that our government allows in regards to materials used. I do whatever I can to remind myself that I don’t need things lol and neither does my child. It’s actually something that I’m looking forward to as she grows so to hopefully teach her that she doesn’t need to be a “consumer”! (I’m addicted ) Otherwise, I’d look up all of the DIY toys and activities that you can do/make for children! You could also ask for toy crates as a bday or Christmas present (KiwiCo, etc) also use nature to provide materials for arts and crafts! Second hand clothing is actually great because the chemicals that could’ve been used in the making has usually been significantly worn down  

Answer 34

Cook 4 days a week, eat leftovers the in between days. Have date day/night once a month (with the kids). Let them pick out 1 item (set a price limit) when you go to the store. Go to the free events in and around your community. Walk/talk the bus/train when you can instead of driving. Go on play dates.  

Answer 35

We always buy used clothes for the kiddos whether its thrift store, Fb marketplace or consignment stores. , we dont buy toys, meal plan, if we out to eat we either dont get extra drinks or we buy one to share and split

Answer 36

-75% of my childs gifts from his parents (me) are second hand -kids do not need to eat goldfish, fruit snacks, etc., etc. (pricy prepackaged foods) -Kids do not need to be in extra curricular activities all year round. I'm not sure how old your children are but they don't need to pay for music group for toddlers. Go to the playground or library to socialize and save some money!  

Comments

@foxing ! I rarely bought snack foods. And magically I have good eAters too!  

Answer 37

I have a huge list I'll list as many as I can as well ♥️Meal plan in surplus (I'll explain) we make meals big enough to feed us at least dinner twice usually it feeds us dinner, next day lunch and dinner. (Side effect of this is that we use portion control lol so we dont over eat as much) ♥️walgreens I use to buy all med otc you can bulid points up and use it as cash later. Several times I have gotten medication and vitamins for free. ♥️we budget 150 per kid for birthdays (this covers cakes items, 2 toys, and clothing in a size up. ) ♥️the clothing I buy in, bulk usually online through fb market place. ♥️christmas is the only other time we get them things and its three items (clothing outfit, something read, and toy) that's it they get a good amount of stuff from other family. ♥️I have made all the baby food at home for all three kids and saved 1000s ♥️hand me down toys and out door items (a can of spray paint can make anything look new and they have fun picking out color. ♥️furniture I get hand me down or fb market place or garage sale I let them customize it and they care about it more and I spent way less. ♥️school age we do lunches to school all prepped in the beginning of the week ♥️shop at aldi for most of our food and then ingles for the rest where I get discount on gas ♥️reading local library and school library ♥️dollar store for arts and crafts items ♥️when I bought car seat I got 4in1s after it's all said and done they are cheaper for the life span of you kid ♥️when we eat out I take babies food and toddlers food in baby bag, they have good and can eat off our plates for cheap family going out meals. ♥️I keep water in the car for the kids to always have something to drink some dont stop at places and if we get close to a food time I take apple and water ♥️diapers I buy in bulk from walmart. com you can get bigger sized boxes cheaper and free delivery saves time and money ♥️learned to cut my boys hair myself ♥️sport equipment I got to a store called "play it again" its second hand sport stuff always has what we need. ♥️Sell what you dont need anymore or use anymore of fb to make money back Currently all I can think of I am sure there is more haha

Answer 38

Involve your children. Talk to them about money and budgeting. My children (8&10) no longer beg for toys when we go to the store, they understand when I say something isn’t in the budget and see me saving up for things/events. It changes their mindset and it helps so much!  

Answer 39

I want to start getting my children involved with money. I think while they’re younger they will grow to understand. I have my children in sports only in the spring time. My 8 year old so does soccer in spring & daughter is in ballet & my youngest will be in T-Ball. It’s a way to budget, live, & enjoy things as well. I give my children allowances for toys and once a month they can buy any toy with the money they get and they’re great savers.  

Answer 40

When my son wants to go to chuck e cheese (we took him once and he's obsessed! ) we just tell him sorry bub, we don't have any money. Save up your change though. Slowly I've been leaving out quarters around the house and he's so excited when he finds more money. He's 5