20 Budgeting Hacks for Big Families
When you have a big family, keeping track of your money can be hard, but with the right tools, you can do it. This piece gives 20 helpful budgeting tips to help big families save money, make their dollars go further, and feel less stressed about money. These easy tips will help you save money on family life without sacrificing comfort or happiness. They cover everything from planning meals to using technology.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
It doesn’t have to be hard to make a budget for a big family if you have a plan and the right tools. Here are 20 ways for families to save money that will help them get their spending under control and their money in order. Plan your meals ahead of time, set money goals, and buy in bulk to save money. Then, families can save money without having to give up anything important. They are easy to follow and can make a big difference whether you are trying to save money for the future or just keep track of how much you spend each day.
1. Create a Family Budget Plan
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Start by making clear family goals for money. So, everyone can see what’s important and work together to stay on track. Regularly review the budget to make changes and keep from spending too much.
2. Meal Plan and Batch Cook
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Planning your meals for the week and cooking in bulk can save you time and money. If you stick to a shopping list, you won’t buy things you don’t need at the store. You also won’t have to go out to eat for lunch if you have leftovers.
3. Use Cash for Discretionary Spending
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Set a cash cap for things like going to the movies and eating out instead of using credit or debit cards. This keeps you from going over budget and gives you a clear way to keep track of your spending. It’s an easy way to stay on track that works.
4. Buy in Bulk
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Shopping for non-perishable goods in bulk can help you save a lot of money on groceries. Pay attention to things like rice, pasta, and toiletries your family uses often. By buying in bulk, you don’t have to go to the store as often, which saves you time and money.
5. Take Advantage of Free Activities
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Check out parks, libraries, and community events in your area that you can do for free. You can have fun with these ideas for the whole family without spending much money. Check the calendar for your city to see what events are going to happen each month.
6. Set Up Automatic Savings
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Set up a savings account so that every time you get paid, money goes straight there. A savings account can help you handle surprise costs by building up small amounts over time. This plan will help you make saving a daily habit.
7. Use Coupons and Discount Apps
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Before you buy something, use apps or websites to look for coupons or savings. A lot of shops have programs that reward you for shopping there often. Small savings like these can add up fast.
8. Share Family Expenses
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If your kids are older, you might want to split some costs, such as clothes, sports fees, or fun things to do. This will teach them to be responsible with money and make things easier for their parents. Everyone will come out ahead.
9. Take Advantage of Hand-Me-Downs
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Use clothes that other kids or friends have worn before instead of getting new clothes for each child. This can save a lot of money, especially for kids who are growing quickly. You can save money by trading toys and books with other families.
10. Eliminate Subscriptions You Don’t Use
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Look over your subscriptions, like paper or streaming service ones, and unsubscribe to the ones you don’t use very often. These regular bills can add up quickly, and getting rid of them can save you money. Every few months, look at these prices again.
11. Shop Off-Season
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You can save a lot of money if you buy clothes and other seasonal things when they’re not in season. For instance, you can get winter clothes cheaper in the spring or summer. You can save even more if you plan for what you will need next season.
12. Teach Kids About Money
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Talking to your kids about planning will help them understand how money works. In turn, this might make them more careful about how much they spend. You learn to be responsible and save money from a young age.
13. Meal Prep Together
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Have everyone in the family help plan and cook meals. You can save time during the week and have fun at the same time. It will also be more likely that everyone will enjoy the meals, which makes it a good habit that will save money and time.
14. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
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Changing to products that use less energy or making changes to your home’s heating and cooling systems can help lower your bills. Tell your family to turn off lights and unplug gadgets when they’re not in use. Making these small changes can save you money in the long run.
15. Buy Generic Products
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When shopping for groceries and household things, choose generic brands over name brands. Many generic things are just as good but cost a lot less. Over time, this easy change can save you a lot of money.
16. Limit Fast Food and Takeout
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Fast food is handy but can quickly cost you a lot of money. Make easy, family-friendly meals at home instead of ordering takeout as much as possible. You can use the money you save for other things, like saving for a trip.
17. Set a Clothing Budget
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Set aside a certain amount of money every year to buy clothes for each child. Look for deals, buy used items, or go to thrift stores to stick to this price. You can keep everyone interested without letting them spend too much.
18. Use a Family Calendar for Planning
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Use a shared family calendar to track events like birthdays, meetings, and trips. This will prevent you from having to pay extra money at the last minute and ensure you’re ready for events ahead of time. If you plan ahead, you can also find savings and deals on things you want to do in the future.
19. Use Public Transportation
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Instead of having several cars, if you can, take the bus or train. This can cut the cost of fuel and repairs by a lot. Many places offer family passes or discounts, making this a cheap option for bigger families.
20. Plan for Emergencies
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Have an emergency fund ready for things like medical bills or car fixes that come up out of the blue. When things go bad, this cushion keeps you from going into debt. Putting away a little each month will slowly become a safety net.