Making ends meet being a SAHM?

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-30-2005
Making ends meet being a SAHM?
7
Thu, 08-31-2006 - 10:13pm

I am gonna be a SAHM, but I was wondering what you do to cut back on expenses?
Thanks!

~Leighann~
EDD: 11.27.06
FTM to a baby boy



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2006
Thu, 08-31-2006 - 10:59pm

Hi, welcome to SAHMommyhood!! Hope to see you around here, there's a great bunch of ladies full of different experience and advice for just about every situation you're going to come up with when you have your baby.

Some of the expenses that Dan and I cut back on were our house, we sold our more expensive home for a less expensive home (largly due to a work move though) and now have a lower mortgage payment. We also used the profit from selling to pay off our cars and credit card debt. Really though, most of our expense cutting has just been from not going out and blowing our money. Gas, food, clothing, and entertainment is less when I stay home.

Oh, I'm Kate btw. 27, married to Dan, and two kidlets, Caroline(5) and Christopher(10mo).

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2004
Fri, 09-01-2006 - 12:38pm
I go to Sams and get my kids their diapers, wipes and formula.
I buy generic for the kids since they dont care (I do

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-11-2006
Fri, 09-01-2006 - 1:14pm

Welcome.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2003
Fri, 09-01-2006 - 4:46pm
I always feel you should sit down when you have some quiet time with your hubby and do a budget and see where all the money is going and then after that is to start seeing where you can save on bills. Sometimes you can save by switching car insurances, save on gas by getting everything you need in one trip instead of several small trips, change you own oil in car, walk if you can to places close by, wash your own car, do the work around the house instead of hiring out, shop at big warehouse types of grocery stores (you can save money by packing your own groceries or Costco if you have it. Buying some stuff in bulk will actually save you money expecially cleaning supplies and toiletries, buy at consigment stores, hit the yard sales, rent movies instead of buying them or going to the movie theatres, think before buying (do I really need this), switch phone services to cheaper plans, go to the library to find that good read instead of buying at bookstore, do a menu plan so there is less wasted food items, don't go to the store hungry (haha- I find myself in trouble since I do this one quite often, try to cook at home more often and leave the going out to eat to once a week for a special family time, Give yourself an allowance so you have a little money to spend (yes this will actaully save you since you look forward to getting something with it and aren't so tempted to spend the other money. Hope these few tips help. There are literally hundreds of ways to save money. Budgeting is the biggy though. Without this it is hard to save money. I know we have been there done that and have paid dearly for our mistakes. Trish :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-21-2006
Fri, 09-01-2006 - 9:33pm
One thing that we have found that helps is ACCEPT HAND ME DOWNS! :smile: I accept any hand-me-downs, whether we need it or not at the moment. If we don't need it I've got enough friends with kids in various sizes that we can "share the wealth" Also, we have three kids and we can pretty well predict what sizes they will be in next year, so we buy end of season clearance. I have bought new shirts for $1-$4. But, don't buy too much, in case of sudden growth spurts! Goodwill, I have found new with tags clothes, and like-new clothes. Yard sales, also good! We bought our dd's scooter for $5, other dd's tricyle for $7. Books- you can buy at goodwill, or dollar store. We shop BJ's (warehouse, like Costco) for almost everything! Try to limit eating out, we have a large freezer and freeze meat when we find it on a good sale! ALso, we make meals and freeze them so we are not as tempted or order out when I don't feel like making something.

Beth

Tastefully Simple, Independent Consultant

visit my blog:  http://beth-waitingforadam.blogspot.com/

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2005
Sat, 09-02-2006 - 11:56pm

I cut coupons, get extra coupons from my parents and grandmother for items I use and they do not, I scan each ad (Eckerd, Target, etc.) if there are a few things I need for the house or what have you, there is always a good chance someone has them on sale. I cut the cable to the basic (We have to have something on TV), I try to not travel out as far (our Walmart is pretty far so if I know I will need something there next week, I buy it when I am out there.) I know this sounds silly, but I do all the things to the car to try to get out my gas mileage - make sure the tires are properly inflated, etc. I even go to the local goodwill and pick up baby onesies and outfits for .75 that are as good as new. My grocery store also gives you money towards gas for every so much you spend. I also buy in bulk (tiolet paper, towels, etc.) IF you have any other tips, please let me know. I don't mean to sound dumb, but what does SAHM mean?

Nicky

Burke David 2/13/01
Connor James 7/24/06

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2005
Sat, 09-02-2006 - 11:57pm

LOL, nevermind, I figured it means Stay at home mom. I am new here.

Nicky

Burke David 2/13/01
Connor James 7/24/06