Stick to in-season fruits and vegetables. You'll save money and enjoy fresher produce.
Make your own pizza. It's healthier for your family, plus you can save $10 to $20 over ordering delivery.
Buy large sizes and re-package in smaller containers for kids' lunches. This works not just with chips and pretzels, but with canned items like applesauce and mandarin oranges.
Sign up for restaurant e-newsletters. You'll receive coupons and news of promotions to help reduce your costs, like a free meal on your birthday.
Shop for sports equipment at yard sales. Many kids play only one season before outgrowing their gear or changing sports. You can find barely-used pads, cleats, etc. at low prices.
Keep a "gift closet." Fill it with bargains you find during the year, and let your kids attend classmates' birthday parties without hurting your budget.
Stock up on basic art supplies like crayons, markers and glue during the back-to-school sales in August. Your kids can use them at home for the rest of the year.
Shop the clearance racks at high-end retail stores like Nordstrom or Gymboree for children's clothes. When your kids outgrow them, re-sell at a consignment sale or store, or on Ebay.
Pack your own snacks and drinks for kid outings to the mall, zoo, and elsewhere. You'll save $5 to $20 per trip, and eat healthier, too.
Start a babysitting co-op with your neighbors or local mothers' club. Trade hours with each other and enjoy free babysitting hours.
Use your local library. Rent DVDs and video games, use the internet for free, borrow books-on-CD, and check out books for the whole family.
Purchase large "value" packs of meat and chicken at the grocery store; then repackage into smaller portions in freezer-safe bags and freeze for later use.
Check the back of your grocery store receipt. In many areas, the back is printed with coupons for local dry cleaners, car washes, restaurants, etc.
Purchase the Sunday newspaper to get the coupon inserts. You'll save your purchase price and more by combining coupons with store sale prices.
Look for free family events and activities through your local rec center and community groups. Check small local papers for listings each week.
Plan your meals for one week at a time. You'll cut down on trips to the store, and with everything you need on hand, you won't waste money on takeout or fast food.
Host potluck suppers with family and friends instead of eating out. Share simple meals in good company and save money at the same time.
Bake your own rolls and bread to stretch meals instead of purchasing French Bread or other sides.
Save money on toys and encourage open-ended play by giving kids cardboard boxes, paper towel tubes, and other recyclables to create their own.
Lend and borrow video games and DVDs with your neighbors and friends to stretch your entertainment dollars.
Replace liquid milk in baking recipes with powdered nonfat dry milk. It costs less and has the same nutrition and consistency when mixed with water.
Stay home and save gas and stress. Instead of running yourself (and your kids) ragged with activities, stay home and have quality time drawing, baking, or playing on the floor together.
