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Everyone wants to find ways to save money these days. I needed to for my daughter pictured above. It is hard starting out, but don’t be discouraged. I started out making small changes and did one at a time. Here are some of the ways I have saved money for my family living on one income.
Make your own laundry detergent!
Yes, I truly did make my own and over a year and a half ago! I still have a bunch left also. I have a family of 3, so we do laundry every other day. 1-2 loads each time. I used Zote Flakes, Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, and Borax. I mixed it all in a 5-gallon bucket. I use 1-2 tablespoons per load and it works great with my HE washing machine.
Cloth Napkins, Wipes, and Diapers
Napkins and wipes are pretty much the same, just napkins you can use a different material that you may not use on a baby’s butt. They are simple to make as well. Cloth Diapers save you $100-$1000 a year. We loved them especially living on one income. We bought in bulk and cheap. Amazon is great for these.
Buy in Bulk!!!
Can’t stress this enough. It has saved us so much money doing this. We mainly buy in bulk our household products. Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Soap, Trash Bags and Dishwasher Tabs. If I find a good deal I will also buy food in bulk such as pasta, meat, and canned goods.
Coupons and Promotions
This is a great way to say on what you already buy. I save about $100 a month on groceries by using rebate apps and coupons. Ibotta, Mobisave, Checkout51, and Savingstar are great rebate apps. I also use Groupon, Ebates, Krazy Coupon Lady, and Retailmenot for deals, promo codes and cash back. I also check out the Sunday paper for coupons, email companies for coupons and check out their websites. Do not forget store cards that have coupons on them!
Ways to Save Money so you don’t Stress
I rarely pay full price for anything. I try to buy on sale 90% of the time and stock up on the really good deals. Clearance is your best friend. I stocked my daughter’s shirt collection for $1-2 a shirt thanks to Meijer. I also bought all of her Birthday on clearance.
Yard sales, Flea Markets, Facebook Sale sites and the like. Find great deals on there and sometimes steals. I have gotten my daughter’s toddler bed, outdoor play toy and my new phone from these sites for half off or more. You can also sell your items, just remember these are not places you sell full price at.
These are great ways to get you started and make a difference in your budget. Hope they help!
Thanks for the tips. Need to save better this 2016
Your welcome. Make 1 change at a time and they seem to stick better. I’m still finding ways to save.
I’ve always wanted to start making my own laundry detergent. However, I don’t know… it seems intimidating. Thank you for the tips!
Your welcome, I have thought the same thing. This one is easy. Just 1cup of each box at a time and 1tbsp of the shaved, mix and continue until one runs out or u have no more room. Simple and works great.
I’ve been wanting to make my own detergent with some essential oils. I think I’ll follow your directions and add the oils!
That’s a great idea! I didn’t think about that. I think when I eventually make a new batch I will add some lavender. I love that smell!
Thank you!
With me being on a fixed montly income, I need to be more vigilant in using money-saving tactics. I try to buy as many items as possible that are on sale at the grocery store. I spotted a 2-pack of denture adhesive for buy one get one half off at CVS last time I was there. Heck, yeah! Made it about $3.90 per tube instead of about $5 something per tube.
That’s a good deal! Don’t forget CVS has coupons u print in-store with your card and also Extra bucks on certain items.
I also thought about making my own detergent (and deodorant and bread and milk and you know what, I just love saving money). My family I think is too brainwashed to think that making things yourself doesn’t mean you’re poor so I don’t think they’re going to go on with that.
I’ve also hear about cloth wipes for periods…it sounds like a good idea honestly.
Thanks for sharing!
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I believe that all the money you save from making your own items can go towards something else that you want or need. My husband doesn’t care too much if I do it. My family is all for it and I help them out when I can. I thought about cloth wipes, but mine is so bad, I don’t know how that would turn out! lol I am always trying out new things. Next DIY post is hand scrub so be on the look out!
I’ve always wanted to try the homemade laundry detergent. I’m always scared that it will somehow ruin my clothes. Maybe I’ll give it a try.
Aldi is an excellent place to save money. I save upwards of $12 each trip.
The one i use is great on all clothes. My husbands work clothes, my 1yr olds clothes and mine. I have sensitive skin. I love that it is simple and works great. It even cleans my dogs blankets! Which is a miracle in itself.