Money-Saving Tips for Families

Raising a family is rewarding, but expensive. From groceries and clothes to toys and entertainment, costs add up quickly. The good news is that with the right money-saving tips for families, you can cut costs and boost financial security without sacrificing fun or quality time together.

Looking for more family life tips? You may enjoy reading about how I like to organize recipes in a binder for easy meal-planning.

Smart Ways to Save Money

Recently, social media has been flooded with discussions panic about saving money as the rising cost of living makes smart budgeting more essential than ever. Families are exchanging creative ways to cut expenses, from meal planning and DIY projects to scoring the best deals on everyday essentials. Financial experts and influencers are sharing practical advice, while online communities offer a space for people to trade money-saving tips and support. With inflation and economic uncertainty impacting households worldwide, more families are looking to social media for inspiration on how to make their budgets stretch further.

Unfortunately, not all the advice out there is realistic. For instance, as someone living in a residential neighborhood, raising chickens for eggs just isn’t a legal option for me—and chances are, it’s not for you either!

Shared below are 15 money-saving tips that have made a real difference for me, and I hope they do the same for you! These practical strategies are easy to implement and can help stretch your budget without feeling like you’re sacrificing too much. Give them a try and see what works best for your family and financial situation!

Just a Friendly Reminder

I’m not a financial planner, and I won’t be sharing advice on topics like getting out of debt, managing credit cards, using a credit union, or paying off an auto loan. My focus is on simple, everyday ways to save money that any family can implement—things like reducing household expenses, making smart shopping choices, and finding creative ways to stretch your wallet.

While I love sharing what works for my family, I encourage you to consult a professional for personalized financial guidance, especially when it comes to debt management, credit card decisions, or managing your checking and savings account. 

15 Money-Saving Tips for Families

Discover practical and easy ways to save money as a family, with tips that fit into any busy lifestyle and budget!

1. Set a Family Budget and Stick To It

A solid budget helps families track income and expenses while identifying areas to save. Use budgeting apps like Rocket Money or YNAB, or create a simple spreadsheet to ensure you’re not overspending.

For example, every month my husband and I set aside small amounts of money for Christmas gifts for our kids. I can’t express how thankful I feel each November when I can shop for gifts stress-free. 

2. Meal Plan to Save On Groceries

I literally hate meal planning. But with two teenage boys, groceries are one of our biggest household expenses. Planning meals ahead, using a shopping list, and buying in bulk can significantly lower grocery bills. Stock up during store sales, use coupons, and consider batch cooking—or even home preserving—to maximize savings.

I don’t have subscriptions to newspapers or magazines, so I don’t have access to many printed coupons. However, I do make an effort to use digital coupons when shopping at stores other than ALDI, as they’re often available in store apps.

I also focus on meal planning to help reduce food waste. For instance, last Sunday I bought two rotisserie chickens along with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions. After removing the meat to make chicken salad, I used the bones and carcasses to make a flavorful, jiggly bone broth. The following day, I turned that broth into a homemade potato soup!

3. Use Rewards Apps to Your Advantage

Rewards apps offer points for making purchases. For example, you might earn points every time you shop at a specific store, eat at a restaurant, or even scan receipts. These points can then be redeemed for rewards like gift cards, discounts, or free items. Some apps even offer bonuses for referring friends or completing challenges, making it an easy way to get extra perks while going about your regular routine.

My favorite rewards app is Fetch. Just today, I completed an incentive for purchasing $30 in General Mills products in one trip at The Dollar General. The cereal was $4/box and I bought 8 for a total of $32. After uploading my receipt, I was immediately rewarded enough points to receive a $10 gift card of my choice from Fetch. Maybe this is “girl math,” but that made each box of cereal $2.75. Saving money like this allows me to stock my pantry and have surplus to donate to our local high school’s food pantry.

If you aren’t using Fetch, I highly recommend it. Use my referral code, NXGXG, and earn 2,000 points when you snap your first receipt!

4. Thrift Clothes, Toys, and Household Goods

Kids outgrow clothes and toys fast! Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace offer gently used items at a fraction of retail prices. Organizing a swap with friends can also be a fun way to refresh wardrobes and toy collections for free!

When my boys were younger, my best friend and I would swap toys and board books. It was a fun and effective way for us to save money while giving our kids something new to enjoy.

And don’t forget to sell! Just this past weekend, I earned $75 by selling sweatshirts that no longer fit my kids. To maximize success, be responsive to buyers, ensure your items are clean and in good condition, and take bright, clear photos.

5. Lower Utility Bills With Simple Changes

I’m about to sound like my dad in the ’90s, but seriously—turn off the lights, haha! Turning off unused lights, sealing drafts, and switching to energy-efficient bulbs can make a difference in monthly utility costs. Wash clothes in cold water, take shorter showers, unplug electronics, and use a programmable thermostat to reduce energy waste.

6. Find Free or Low-Cost Family Activities

Family fun doesn’t have to be expensive! Check out local libraries, parks, and community events for free entertainment. Many museums and attractions offer free admission days, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking are always budget-friendly options.

While we’re on the topic of local libraries, many of them offer special passes you can borrow for free or at a discounted rate to visit museums, aquariums, and even amusement parks. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fun family outings without breaking the bank!

7. Cook at Home

Wow, the last time our family of four ate out, it cost over $80! While dining out is convenient, it’s also pricey—so we’ve cut back significantly. Cooking meals at home saves money and allows for healthier eating. Try slow cooker meals for busy days and get kids involved in the kitchen to make it a fun family activity.

And yes, that includes takeout coffee! I know it’s a tough habit to break, but my Nespresso has been an absolute game-changer. Not only do I get delicious coffee at home whenever I want, but it has also saved my family a ton of money over time. Those daily coffee shop runs add up fast!

8. Cut Back on Subscriptions and Memberships

Subscription and memberships services can quickly add up. Evaluate which ones your family actually uses/needs and cancel the rest. Consider sharing streaming accounts with extended family members (where allowed) or switching to free alternatives.

Some memberships and subscriptions that my family has recently discussed:

• Amazon Prime
• Amazon Subscribe and Save
• AMC Stubs
• Cricut Design Space
• Farm shares
• Gyms and exercise studios
• Magazines
• Peloton
• Product autoships (recurring shipping programs)
• Streaming accounts (e.g., Netflix and Disney+)
• Travel sports
• Wholesale Clubs (e.g., Sam’s Club and Costco)
• Xbox Game Pass

9. DIY Household and Personal Care Items

From home repairs to homemade gifts, doing things yourself can save a lot of money. DIY cleaning supplies, crafts, bath products, and simple home projects can be fun and budget-friendly alternatives to store-bought options.

Three of my favorite things to DIY are hot chocolate mix, vanilla extract, and beard balm.

10. Teach Kids Smart Money Habits

Help children learn the value of money by involving them in budgeting and saving. Encourage them to set goals for their allowance, compare prices when shopping, and differentiate between needs and wants.

On a related note—it’s important to teach kids how to take care of their things. I recently had another talk with my teenagers about looking after their clothes, backpacks, and sports gear (ahem, especially those pricey soccer goalie gloves).

11. Build an Emergency Fund

Easier said than done, right? But unexpected expenses happen, and having an emergency fund can provide peace of mind. Even saving a small amount each month can help protect your family from financial surprises.

12. Start a Garden

Starting a small garden is a great way for families to save money while enjoying fresh, homegrown produce. Even a simple backyard or container garden can provide herbs, vegetables, and fruits that would otherwise add up at the grocery store. By growing staples like tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers, families can reduce grocery costs, make fewer trips to the store, and enjoy healthier food. 

Gardening doesn’t have to be costly, and you certainly don’t need an expensive online course to learn how! A great way to get started is by visiting your local library to check out books on gardening specific to your region—some libraries even offer free seeds. If you’re new to gardening, keep it simple by starting with just a few easy-to-grow plants that your family already enjoys eating.

13. Pause Before You Purchase

Taking a pause before making a purchase is a simple yet powerful way to save money. Instead of buying on impulse, give yourself a set waiting period—whether it’s 24 hours, a week, or even a month—to decide if you truly need the item. This extra time helps you evaluate whether it’s a necessity or just a momentary want.

Often, you’ll find that the urge to buy fades, and you can either do without it or find a better alternative. Plus, waiting gives you time to compare prices, look for discounts, or even discover a secondhand option, ultimately keeping more money in your pocket.

14. Make the Most of What You Already Have

Before rushing out to buy something new, take a moment to see if you can make do with what you already own. Whether it’s repurposing household items, getting creative with meal planning, or mending clothes instead of replacing them, using what you have can save a surprising amount of money. Not only does this habit reduce waste, but it also helps you appreciate what you already own and avoid unnecessary spending.

15. Invest in Your Health

Taking care of your health isn’t just good for your well-being—it’s also a smart financial move. Prioritizing healthy habits like eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help prevent costly medical bills down the road. Staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the need for expensive medications and doctor visits.

Take it Further

Small changes in your daily habits can add up to big savings over time. These quick and easy tips will help you keep more money in your pocket.

• Try a budget-friendly swap! I recently switched from my pricey Korean moisturizer to a well-loved drugstore brand—and my skin (and wallet) are both happy!
• Make the most of what you have. Before buying something new, check your cabinets, closets, and supplies—you might already have exactly what you need.
• Finish what you have first. Before restocking, use up the products, food, and supplies you already own to save money and reduce waste.
• Pace your purchases! Instead of buying everything at once, spread out your spending over time to ease the strain on your budget.
• Be thoughtful with your purchases. Maybe skip the cheap fast fashion, avoid the dollar stores, and consider investing in quality products that will last longer.
• Challenge yourself with a no-spend week! Skip unnecessary purchases for seven days and get creative with what you already have—you might be surprised at how much you save!
• Take a spending reset. If you need a drastic change, try a 30-day spending freeze on non-essentials. Cut out dining out, impulse buys, and unnecessary expenses to reset your budget and build better financial habits.
• Identify one recurring expense you can cut out permanently. Whether it’s an unused membership, a daily coffee habit, or a non-essential grocery item like juice boxes, eliminating just one regular cost can make a big impact on your long-term savings.

Related Posts

From time to time, I take a break from designing kids’ crafts to explore and share other passions. You may also enjoy:

• Crafting Your Family Motto
• 5 Simple Ways to Foster Your Child’s Love for Reading
• How to Help Your Child Thrive in a New School
• 28 Ways to Love Your Child
• Family Nature Walk Tips and Tricks

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