Every Large Family Should Consider These 10 Money Habits

Many Americans are struggling as inflation raises the current cost of living. But increasing prices can have an especially big impact on large families. Fortunately, there are things you can do to move past your money struggles and put yourself on a firmer financial footing.

Check out the following overlooked money-saving hacks that are perfect for large families. Read more:

1. Shop at discount grocery stores and buy in bulk

You can usually get better deals on items when buying in bulk.

In fact, one genius Costco hack is buying in bulk and paying less per serving size. When you do this, savings can really add up as you make meals for a lot of people. If you choose this route, make sure you either use up perishables before they expire or safely store them so you can use them later.

Shopping at discount grocery stores will provide additional savings. Take advantage of membership rewards, loyalty programs, and coupons to stretch each dollar further. Get expert advice on making more money – sent straight to your inbox.

2.

Eat at home

Eating at home is a great way for large families to cut costs. When you eat at a restaurant, you can easily overpay for food. You also need to account for a tip.

Going through a drive-thru might seem easy and inexpensive, but those costs add up. Instead, purchase ingredients at the grocery store that can be a core part of several meals you whip up at home.

3. Prepare meatless meals

Meat makes up a significant portion of a meal’s cost.

Making meatless meals can significantly reduce your grocery bill. So, consider making one meatless meal each week and watch the savings add up. There is no need to sacrifice nutrition.

Beans and lentils make great meat substitutes. Making casseroles that include less meat per portion can also help stretch your dollar. Earn rewards and travel more while spending less with these top travel credit cards.

Story continues

4. Use the library

Using the library is a great alternative to buying books, DVDs, and other items. You’ll find endless entertainment for the entire family at a great price — free.

Many libraries also offer free entertainment and community programs. Check with your local library for a calendar of events, including holiday fun and after-school or summer programs.

5. Use hand-me-downs

One of the upsides to having a large family is that you can reuse clothing other children have outgrown.

Even when several years separate siblings, you can always store the apparel until it’s ready to use. Clothing isn’t the only hand-me-down you can take advantage of. Passing down toys and furniture — as long as they haven’t been recalled and are still safe to use — can save you money as well.

6.

Buy gently used items

It’s unlikely you’ll have enough hand-me-downs to cover everything, but you can still save money by purchasing gently used items. You can find plenty of clothes and other goods for your children and your household on online marketplaces and in thrift stores. Don’t forget to check the quality of items before buying.

You won’t save any money if you purchase a £3 shirt only to have it fall apart after two wash cycles. Pro tip: Sometimes, you simply must buy new things. When that is the case, consider using one of the best rewards credit cards so you can earn cash back or other perks.

Doing so is another way to cut costs.

7. Share with other families

Sharing resources with other large families can help you both cut costs. When not in use, the children can share bicycles or a trampoline.

Families can take turns transporting kids to and from school and activities. You can split the gas expense and get a little break too. Also, check with other families about clothing, bedding, or household items they no longer use.

Checking with each other before donating or having a garage sale can benefit you both. Just remember, the more you share with another family, the more they are likely to share with you. 9 Things You Must Do Before The Next Recession

8.

Plan staycations

You don’t need to take the kids to the movies or a water park every weekend. Planning staycations costs much less and can provide just as much fun. Plus, you’ll skip the long lines and traffic.

Rent a few movies and make homemade snacks. Preparing your own snacks is typically healthier and cheaper, but it’s also a fun experience for the family. When the weather allows, set up a sprinkler, enjoy games outside, and plan a picnic.

So long as you don’t overspend on equipment, camping in the backyard makes for a budget-friendly staycation.

9. Plan everything in advance

When you have a large family, you’ll find it beneficial to plan nearly everything in advance. Planning includes calculating expenses and forming a budget.

Budget for bills, savings, and holiday and vacation expenses. Planning dinners for the next week or two can help you enjoy more meals for less money. You might find you can reuse some of the leftovers from the previous night to make something new.

It’s also a good idea to plan your trips to town. The less you travel out, the more you’ll save on gas and even impulse buys. When possible, try planning all your errands for the same day.

10.

Buy online

Ordering from a grocery delivery service will probably cost you more than going to the store. But ordering groceries and other items online can save you both time and money if done correctly. You’ll see the exact prices, so you won’t need to worry about outdated price stickers or accidental scanning.

Plus, you will not have to waste gas picking up your items. 11 legit ways to make extra money

Bottom line

Maintaining financial health during periods of high inflation can prove difficult, especially when you have a large family. But finding extra ways to save can boost your bank account and help you stay on track to meeting your financial goals.

So, turn to some of the tips on this list to see if you can shore up your finances. Cutting costs is better than running up credit card debt or dipping into your savings. More from FinanceBuzz:

This article Every Large Family Should Consider These 10 Money Habits originally appeared on FinanceBuzz.

Tags:

chester-zoo listed on couponmatrix.uklondon-zoo listed on couponmatrix.ukmedicspot listed on couponmatrix.ukmerlin-pass listed on couponmatrix.ukprc-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukvictoria-beckham listed on couponmatrix.uk
chester-zoo listed on couponmatrix.ukChester Zoo is the most-visited wildlife attraction in the UK and the backdrop for Channel 4’s ‘The Secret Life of the Zoo’, so it’s fair to say this isn’t your ordinary zoo! With over 27,000 animals calling it home, your visit is bound to include encounters with creatures like the Madagascan tree boa, black rhinoceros, Ecuadorian Amazon parrot and Sumatran tiger. As you explore the zoo, you’ll wander through enchanting gardens blooming with rare plants and orchids. A day at Chester Zoo is both entertaining and supports vital conservation efforts for mammals, birds, amphibians and plants of all sizes. While members enjoy unlimited free entry, you can still save on tickets by booking online using a Chester Zoo discount. If you’re able to book in advance, you’ll secure at least 10% off your Chester Zoo tickets.
london-zoo listed on couponmatrix.ukDid you know that London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world? With so much to see and do, London Zoo makes the perfect day out for every family. Book your tickets online with a London Zoo discount code and visit penguin beach, the land of the lions or gorilla kingdom for a fraction of the price. From creepy crawlies and tropical fish to mischievous meerkats, there’s a sight to delight everyone at London Zoo.
medicspot listed on couponmatrix.ukCOVID tests for travel are now a must for any overseas trip, so it’s a good thing that Medicspot and its quality testing services are always just a few clicks away. Regardless of if you need same day results for your travel plans or the opportunity to cut your quarantine short, use a Medicspot discount code to knock the cost of the tests you need before you buy. Who knows what tomorrow brings, so let Medicspot be there to protect you for any scenario life throws at you.
merlin-pass listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen it comes to big days out, Merlin are the biggest name in the UK by a country mile: As well as owning top theme parks, they’ve got cultural and educational attractions like Warwick Castle and Sea Life in their portfolio, and the Merlin Pass offers you and your friends and family unlimited entry for a full year. Whether you want high-octane thrills at Alton Towers or Thorpe Park, high altitude viewing platforms at Blackpool or Weymouth or highly atmospheric creepy thrills in the London Dungeon, you’ll always find something that’ll give get the whole family something to get excited about
prc-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukPRC Direct is the leading online retailer of electrical goods and appliances offering a wide range of products from food processors to 4K TVs. This brand has some unbeatable prices, and it's so easy for customers to save money with the frequent PRC Direct discount codes and vouchers available at Groupon. If you’re looking for a new washing machine, oven or air purifier, PRC Direct should be your first port of call, and with the help of PRC Direct discount codes from Groupon, you can make great savings on your purchase! At Groupon, we’re always on the lookout for the latest and greatest PRC Direct voucher codes and flash sales. We work closely with the retailer to ensure that we can bring you the best deals possible, so you can expect big-ticket items like Samsung fridges and Rangemaster ovens to create less of a dent in your bank account. Our team of deal experts is always on hand to help you make the most of your savings, so if you’re looking for a competitive price on home electricals, be sure to check Groupon first. There’s nothing like binging your favourite films and Netflix shows in crisp high definition, so turn your living room into a mini cinema with PRC Direct TVs. Suitable for various budgets and with fancy features like 4K (even 8K!), OLED and QLED, save money on your cinematic investment by checking Groupon first for PRC Direct voucher codes. Whether you prefer to go big or go home, or want to keep things mini with a 1080p projector, make sure you take advantage of Groupon’s exclusive deals.
victoria-beckham listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen you want catwalk fashion that’s second to none, nothing beats the impression of Victoria Beckham clothing. Backed by decades of experience on the London fashion circuit, you can cut the cost of some serious clothing credentials with the help of a Victoria Beckham discount code from Groupon. Whether it’s a designer sportswear or a dinner dress built to drop jaws, trust Victoria Beckham’s fashion flair to turn heads wherever you wear it.