🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.
1. Meal Plan and Batch Cook to Save on Groceries
You know what eats your budget faster than your kids after school? Takeout.
Meal planning helps you cook once, eat twice, and spend way less.
Here’s how you can make it work for you:
Plan weekly meals using ingredients that overlap (think rice, beans, and chicken).
Batch cook once or twice a week to save time and reduce impulse spending.
Freeze leftovers so busy nights don’t become pizza delivery nights.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Sit down every Sunday, write your meals for the week, and shop only for what’s on that list.
Make It Easy: Use a meal prep container set to keep your food fresh and portioned all week long.
2. Use Discount Stores for Everyday Essentials
You don’t need fancy stores to find quality stuff.
Discount stores like Dollar Tree or Aldi can cut your bill in half without cutting your standards.
Here’s where the magic happens:
Cleaning supplies and toiletries are often the same brands for less.
Snacks and pantry items can be found cheaper if you check expiration dates.
Party and seasonal items cost a fraction of what big box stores charge.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set one shopping day each month just for discount stores and stick to your essentials list.
3. Try Thrift Stores for Household Finds
Ever walked into a thrift store “just to browse” and came out with décor gold?
You can furnish your home for less than the price of one new lamp. No joke.
Here’s what’s worth checking every time:
Home décor and storage baskets that add style on a budget.
Kitchen tools and small appliances that just need a little cleaning.
Kids’ clothes and toys, since they outgrow everything in five minutes anyway.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Visit local thrift stores once a month, bring cash, and stick to a “need” list.
Make It Easy: Get a portable fabric steamer to freshen up thrifted clothes and fabrics instantly.
4. Buy Kids’ Clothes During End-of-Season Sales
Why pay full price for clothes your kids will outgrow next week?
Shopping during clearance sales is like unlocking a cheat code for your wallet.
Here’s how to save big:
Buy the next size up during end-of-season sales.
Stack store coupons and cashback for double savings.
Buy classic styles that still look good next year.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set reminders on your phone for major clearance times. Like the end of summer and winter.
Make It Easy: Grab a vacuum storage bag set to store next season’s clothes neatly and save space.
5. Buy Generic Household Products Instead of Brand Names
Here’s the secret no one wants to admit. Store brands usually work the same.
You’re literally paying extra for a label, not better quality.
Here’s where to switch and save:
Paper towels, cleaning wipes, and detergents that do the exact same job.
Pantry staples like pasta, sugar, and spices. You’ll never taste the difference.
Pain relievers and vitamins that have the same active ingredients as top brands.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Next grocery trip, grab one generic item instead of your usual brand and see if anyone even notices.
Make It Easy: Use a label storage bin set to keep generic pantry items organized and looking cute.
6. Reuse and Repurpose Common Household Items
You’d be amazed at how much money you can save just by getting creative.
That “trash” around your home? Yeah, it’s basically free storage, décor, and organization waiting to happen.
A few clever examples:
Glass jars can hold pantry items, office supplies, or even makeup brushes.
Old T-shirts make perfect reusable cleaning rags.
Candle jars double as mini planters or cotton ball holders.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Before throwing something out, ask, “Can this serve a second purpose?” You’ll be shocked how often the answer’s yes.
Make It Easy: Use a label maker to mark repurposed containers so everything stays organized and aesthetic.
7. Create a Weekly Spending Cap to Stay on Track
You know that sinking feeling when payday hits. And disappears two days later?
A weekly spending cap helps you control your money instead of letting it control you.
Here’s how it works:
Pick one total weekly amount for gas, groceries, and fun.
Track your spending daily so you know when to pause or slow down.
Carry cash for non-essentials to make the limit feel more real.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set a realistic amount based on your bills, transfer that to a separate account, and stick to it.
Make It Easy: Use a cash envelope wallet to organize weekly money categories and avoid overspending.
Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: stretching a dollar and talking about stretching a dollar. I created Money Vice after one too many grocery trips where I watched my total climb and thought, "There's gotta be a better way." Spoiler: there is. Think of me as your money-savvy friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand).
