Save a Little Money

In these days of financial uncertainty, frugality is the new black and keeping up with the Joneses is going the way of the skinny jean.

Today it's more about implementing family-friendly strategies for saving money and being clever enough to maintain style and sanity at the same time. So we rounded up a list of ways to save that we think are savvy, easy to implement and won't add another to-do' to Mom's list.

Be Entertained
Skip the $100 outing to the movie theatre and have movie night' at home instead. Rent a DVD for $5 and splurge on some special treats your family loves (plus you can snuggle up in your jammiescan't do that in public). And lose the microwave popcorn (less money, fewer chemicals). Buy some kernels and pop up a batch in a pot or in a hot air popperyour kids will think you are magic.

Take advantage of free/reduced admissions days and memberships at local cultural institutions. Many galleries, museums and science centres have pay-what-you-wish days or reduced admissions. For example, the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto offers free admission every Wednesday from 4:30 5:30 pm and the Vancouver Art Gallery has pay what you can' entrance every Tuesday from 5 9 pm. And if it's a place where your family enjoys going often, a membership usually pays for itself after two visits, which means you can go anytime and not feel like you have to stay all day to get your money's worth.

For children's books, try a book exchange, like our Vancouver Savvy Scout does with a group of friends with children the same age (great for mothers' groups, neighbours or bookclubs). Each family contributes a set of five to ten books which are marked with their name and stored in a reusable bag. Every month, each family gets a different set to bring home to enjoyas good as new.

If you do have to buy a book, check online sites such as Amazon.com or Alibris.com. You can often get used books (even very recently published ones) for half of the original price.

Around the House
You know this oneregulate and reduce your electric use. Make a game of turning off unneeded lights with the kidsthey will enjoy being vigilant about keeping them off. Actually unplug appliances such as TVs and computers when not in use, as they still use electricity when they are turned off and plugged in. Install a programmable thermostat to regulate heat.

Take It to the Bank
Walk that extra block to your own bank's automated bank machine to avoid additional transaction fees. (Remember to decline the paper receipt to save trees.)

Set up a system to help you pay your bills on time and avoid late fees. Automate the payments or establish a tickler' file to keep track of due dates

In the Mouth
It's truethe latté factor really does add up. So treat yourself to a nice new travel mug and and start brewing your own coffee at home before you head out.

Always make a list and stick to it to avoid impulse buying (if it's not on the list, just don't buy it) and go grocery shopping when you are in a hurry, but not hungry (like maybe just before your favourite TV show is on). Armed with the list, you will get just what you need and not have time to be tempted by things you don't need.

If you tend to eat out a lot, make a family pledge to cut back. Stay home for one or two meals instead. Have everyone pick some favourite foods and enjoy cooking together at home.

The nice thing we're finding about the new economy? Many of our money-saving tricks are good for our family and the environment.

And that's our new eco-conomy.

By SavvyMom.ca

Savvy Mom, Parenting
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