Save money and live better, is that actually possible? Let’s face it, when it comes to saving money, we tend cringe and think we will have to give up the things we love.
Here’s my 9 actionable tips to save money live better challenge to live a more fulfilled life with my family. These tips helped save our family over $600 dollars a month and we didn’t give up the things we love!
1. Cut your cable but not your favorite shows!
4 years ago, we dropped our cable like a bad habit and never looked back. Here’s a list of the online streaming apps that we’ve tried and love.
- We invested in a digital antenna so we could still watch local channels.
- Free streaming apps! I’m an Amazon Prime member that gets the added benefit of Amazon Prime TV. Our wireless plan includes a free Hulu streaming app too!
- Netflix – We’ve been Netflix members since the DVD era. We love the original shows and it’s a must!
- Live TV streaming apps – Sling TV and Fuyu. We tried both and we prefer Sling TV. I love the flexibility to add and cancel services, i.e. Sports and much during certain times of the year that it’s not used.
- Disney Plus – It’s the newest online streaming app that we’ve tried and my kids love it!
Now this looks, like a lot of money on just streaming apps so why even change? Well, we only pay for Netflix, Sling Tv and Disney Plus.
Netflix – $12.99/month
Sling TV – $20.00/month
Disney Plus – $6.99/month
That’s less than $40 dollars a month for ALL OUR FAVORITE SHOWS!
2. Lose the Landline and Choose VoIP!
Now, it’s your choice to lose the landline completely or choose another alternative option to cut that high phone monthly bill. Welcome to the world of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). It’s an alternative way of making phone calls over the web at a minimal cost compared to the traditional phone service.
We have an OOMA Telo basic service; there is a onetime fee of $99.99 to purchase their VoIP device that connects to your modem and your home phone. After the cost, my monthly bill is less than $5.00! That’s basically, taxes and fees which include 911 service fee.
Before switching to VoIP our phone bill was $40 dollars a month and now 4 years later it’s been under $5 dollars a month. I have never had an issue with my service, and my calls are crystal clear.
3. Earn Money and Live Better by Decluttering Your Home
Every season, my family declutters our home with old clothes, toys, video games, and household items that we no longer use. Here are some money-saving ideas that you can try today!
- Clothing Consignment. It’s seemed that my kids will outgrow their clothes every season. I use a “mommy” bi-annual consignment events to sell at and we get paid for items sold at the end of the weeklong consignment event. It’s an easy way to make quick cash on those clothes and unused toys.
- Decluttr.com
- Poshmark.com
- GameStop will buy used video games and some electronics too.
- Facebook Marketplace is another way to sell your items locally.
4. Be Creative and Make Homemade Gifts
Be smart with your money and give thoughtful homemade gifts instead of store-bought gifts. I love getting and giving homemade gifts, the time and effort that goes into making something special means so much more than a gift card to Starbucks.
Here are some easy and thoughtful ideas for homemade gifts:
- A paint poured stone photo holder
- Body Scrubs, bath bombs, and handmade soaps
- Foodies will love: Hot chocolate mixes, muffin or cake mix in mason jars, and fresh baked goods.
- Salt Dough ornaments are fun craft for kids to make
5. Gym Membership Alternatives
Save money live better challenges expensive gym memberships. Are you really getting your money’s worth? If not, consider these low-cost options for staying healthy and fit.
- Work out at home with free YouTube videos.
- Go for a walk or run outside.
- Nike Training Club App is a free workout app that offers a variety of workouts for. Works on iOS and Android.
- My favorite low-cost alternative to gym quality workouts is Daily Burn. It’s $14.95 per month and you can cancel anytime if it’s not for you. It a tv streaming app that offers over 100 workouts for both men and women. It’s an easy solution for this busy mom!
6. Be a Frugal Diner
Dining out can be expensive, but with these cost cutting tips, it won’t hurt your wallet as much.
- Look for special deals. Kids eat free nights, daily specials at your favorite restaurants.
- Dine out for lunch instead of dinner. Lunch menus are typically lower in cost than the dinner menu.
- Sign up for deals. Giving up your email address for a free food or a discount is worth it in my book!
- Order water! Save money by ordering water instead of iced teas or soft drinks. The cost on drinks alone can save my family of four at least $10 dollars off our bill.
- Skip the main course and order dessert. This is a great way to save money live better by dining out for dessert!
7. Free Family Entertainment
Going to the movies can easily set my family back $50 dollars for tickets, refreshments, and popcorn. Ouch! So, a day at the movies may come around a few times a year. But here are some fun and free ways to entertain your family:
- Check your local city’s event calendar for free events.
- Go on a hike.
- Spend the day at the beach.
- Go for a family bike ride.
- Pack a picnic and spend the day at the park.
- Check out your local library for free events or classes.
8. Make Your Own Home Cleaning Supplies
I love this Save Money Live Better Challenge. Forget the expensive chemical free cleaning products and make it yourself. I make my own house cleaning supplies and it’s a cheap and easy way to make your home sparkle and shine.
- My tried-and-true Glass and Stone Cleaning Spray solution with just 3 ingredients!
- I use this homemade Laundry Detergent will last almost a year and only cost around $30 dollars to make!
- DIY Tub and Shower Cleaner
9. Smart Grocery Shopping Tips
Food cost is always a challenge in my house. I have two growing boys and husband that love to eat and eat a lot! Here are a few ways I have kept my grocery bill the same without extra cost of my growing boys!
- Meal Planning. It’s the two words I dread every week. Monthly meal planning would be ideal for most families, but our weekly schedule is never the same every week. Raid your pantry and make your weekly meals from what you already have.
- Watch for deals and BOGO’s. When I can get a good deal on family size pack of chicken breasts, I will season and bake the chicken and then use it throughout the week on meals like, chicken casserole, chicken quesadillas, chicken salads.
- Breakfast for dinner is always a hit in our family. It’s quick and easy way to feed a family on a low budget.
- Use money-saving apps like Ibotta and Rakuten to get cash back on the money to spend for groceries.
- Leave the kids at home on food buying days. This will make your shopping trip easier and stress-free from little hands grabbing at colorful boxes of cereal and snacks that covertly make their way into the shopping cart.
These are just a few ways my family saves money by cutting out and cutting back on things that just don’t matter as much. It’s these little lifestyle changes that really make a difference in our family budget. Come back for more save money, live better tips.