Tips on saving money for working moms

Is saving money a concept that keeps eluding you? Well, not anymore. Saving money is not as difficult as it is made out to be. But, for working moms, including ‘saving money’ into their busy work schedule becomes a difficult task. With little time and lots of effort from your end you will be pleasantly surprised at the dollars and cents you have managed to save.

In fact here are a few simple and smart ways that help you tighten your purse strings.

• Prepare a budget and stick to it:

This is easier said than done. Writing down your budget is one thing but sticking to it, is another ball game altogether. At first, it will be difficult to stick to your budget but as you start appreciating the uses of planning ahead it won’t be as tough.

• Make a shopping list:

Before you shop, make sure you have made a list of items that you are planning to buy. Without a list you may buy items you don’t need and forget to buy those you need. Shopping lists also help you purchase all the things you require at one go, saving you time and money. Before you indulge in impulsive buying ask yourself, ‘Do I really need this?’ This may help you make the right decision.

• Couponing:

Couponing is another way of saving money. Coupons are available everywhere: newspapers, magazines, websites and stores. You can cut down your monthly shopping bill by a huge margin by making use of coupons.

• Shopping online:

Shopping online is a great way of saving money and time. With free home delivery offered by some companies, saving time and fuel charges is easy.

• Eating at Home:

Are you guilty of eating out more than 5 days a week? Cut down on it. Being a working mom it is easier to order pizza for the family but start the habit of cooking once a week. Cooking and eating together can be great fun for the whole family. Before you know it, you will start looking forward to dinner time.

• Carpool:

To cut down on the ballooning fuel prices that eat into your pocket, carpooling is the right option. With carpooling you and your car will stay stress-free for long.

• Early Booking:

Planning on a vacation? It is better to book early. Vacations are already a huge strain on your savings; by planning in advance you end up saving with early bird discounts and gifts.

It is better to ask your children ideas on saving money. They are sure to come up with many creative ones.  And we may take some cues from them on how to go about it.