3 things moms can do to save money

When I became a mother, I knew I would face not only the logistical and mental tasks of raising a child, but also the financial challenges. According to the most recent USDA data on child support, the cost of raising a child by age 17 is $233,610. However, this is based on 2015 spending and reports published in 2017. Based on recent inflation trends, it is fair to say that the true cost of raising a child is much higher. Recently.

So, as a mother, I am constantly looking for ways to save on household expenses. Here are some strategies that have worked for me over the years: It might work for you too.

1. Bulk purchase of groceries and household goods

If you feed a small number of people and have a particular product that you use regularly, it often becomes expensive to purchase that product in bulk. My go-to place for bulk purchases is Costco. I found the prices there were low enough to make up for the $120 cost of my annual executive membership (I could have spent half that on a basic membership instead).

But you don’t have to join a warehouse club to enjoy discounts on bulk items. If you browse your local supermarket, you are likely to find certain items in larger quantities. Stores like Target and Walmart also typically offer bulk quantities of personal care products, groceries, cleaning supplies, and more.

2. Maximize credit card rewards

Swiping your credit card when shopping doesn’t always save you money right away. Because it’s not the same as getting a discount for using a credit card (some merchants now charge extra for using a credit card anyway, which is always something to look out for). But over time, using the right credit card will put cash back in your pocket, creating a form of savings.

I keep a running list of which credit cards I need to use and for what purposes. For example, one of my cards allows me to get extra cash back on gas, so I use that card every time I fill up for gas. Other cards in my wallet have better cashback rates on travel expenses.

Your credit card may also have a rotating category for bonus reward points. Pay attention to what these are to maximize your benefits.

3. Buy used children’s clothes or hand-me-down clothes

I got into the habit of buying used clothes for my kids when they were quite young and asking them to pass them down. And over the years, I’ve saved thousands of dollars by not insisting that every item my kids wear is new or fancy.

Now that my kids are a bit older, I’m willing to invest in newer, better quality items. For example, last year I bought winter coats for my twin daughters that cost more than I would normally spend because they were so warm and seemed to be of good quality. But surprisingly, they wore those coats not only last winter, but last winter as well.

Once your child’s sizes become more stable, it’s okay to spend more money on clothing. However, it is better to stick to second-hand items, especially during the baby and toddler years, as clothes can quickly become too big for you.

It’s not easy to become a mother, and it’s definitely not easy to have money to raise a child. But these tips can help you save money and be a lot less financially stressful.

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