Money Saving Tips!

1. Coupons! Everyone knows that I love coupons, I use tons of them a week at the grocery store. Even if you hate the thought of coupons, you should still sign up at sites like Ebates to receive cash back on  online purchases and check  retailmenot.com, etc for coupons codes. 

2. Store Rewards Cards: For a store you shop at all the time, you have to have one. You will literally pay hundreds, if not thousands of dollars more if you don't have one! If you're in area you don't visit often or won't go to again anytime soon (think on vacation) ask if there is a store card you can use. I asked while on vacation in Orlando, and we saved $75...on ONE trip!

3. Check out Groupon, Living Social, etc to save money on family friendly activities for a fraction of the cost. There is a great deal on Mamapedia for a variety of kids books. Grab it for Easter which brings me to the next point.

4. Plan ahead!!! Listen, Christmas, Valentines Day, your kids birthdays...they are predictable holidays and occasion that allow you to plan ahead so you can save money. I literally start shopping for Christmas, 2-3 day after Christmas. I pick up stocking stuffers, gifts and decorations for the following year at a fraction of the price. This year I was able to purchase two pairs of holiday, fleece pajama pants on clearance for $1.50.  (No, not food!!!)  I also check the clearance sales at stores and stock up for holiday toy drives and birthdays that I'm sure my kids will be attending. 

5.  Buy ahead!  If you like to make soups, chili's, etc and canned tomatoes are on sale, stock up!  I have a stock pile that allows me to skip a week or 2 at the grocery store every now and again.  If you often get home from work late and end up ordering pizza, try to double a few recipes and freeze the leftovers so you're not paying $30 a pop for pizza.  Buy a few frozen pizzas when their on sale.  A frozen pizza will still save you an average of $20.  Think about using your crock pot, then you can have a hot dinner ready & waiting for you when you get home. 

Always remember, you can plan ahead, buy ahead, etc. but there is always a day when you're haven't planned on getting home late or forgotten a holiday.  Don't forget to cut yourself some slack, trying to save money most of the time is great, having a set back once in a while is human!  What are you're money saving tips?!