15 Family-Friendly Ways to Save Money

In these tough economic times, many parents are looking for ways to save money without sacrificing time with their families. Here are some ways all members of the family can contribute:

1. Hold game night tournaments: Invite family and friends over for fun and games at home instead of paying for pricey movie tickets and concessions.
2. Consider split-shift child-care: Parents take turns taking care of children based on their work schedule rather than placing them in daycare. Find out more on this tip.
3. Organize a teen carpool: Teenagers with a valid driver license and no outstanding driving violation can carpool each other to various events when parents aren’t available.
4. Reduce disposable diaper use: Increase the use of cloth diapers and make a conscious effort to potty train children who are ready for the transition.
5. Grow your own foods: Plant family vegetable gardens or window boxes.
6. Plan ahead: Plan meals for the week or month to cut down on impulse food purchases. Pack cold lunches during the week for the entire family to avoid spending on restaurants and fast food. Find out more on this tip.
7. Cut clothing costs: Buy second-hand clothing and trade clothes your children have outgrown with friends and family. Find out more on this tip.
8. Stretch your grocery budget: Eat out less and buy some foods or home needs in bulk.
9. Utilize bargains: Use more coupons, store sales and online buying
10. Reduce energy costs: Shut off electricity one hour earlier each night and turn off electricity where it isn’t being used.
11. Do it yourself: Take on chores that were once hired out to day laborers. Give your family home hair cuts. Instead of buying store-bought treats and drinks, have the kids make snacks at home.
12. Anticipate college costs: Start investing in college funds when children are young and have your teen invest in their post high school education. Have your child stay at home rather than living in the dorms on the college campus. Wait until your teen is a sophomore in college before owning his or her own car. Until then, using the family car or public transportation will save on maintenance, insurance and gas costs.
13. Save on gas money: Families can get more exercise by riding their bikes or walking on the weekend to the store, dry-cleaners, pet store or other locations near the home.
14. Make cutbacks on allowance: Find other motivators for kids.
15. Get rid of cable television: Children may fight you on this at first, but by cutting down on cable, your family will come up with new and creative ways to spend quality time together while saving money.

Difficult economic times can put extraordinary strains on families – not only on budgets but on relationships as well. Boys Town Press offers a wide array of boosk, CDs and DVDS to show parents how to help their children develop good values and healthy relationships. Visit www.boystownpress.org to find the resources you need. Common Sense Parenting Who's Raising Your Child? Interactive Books