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Health & Fitness

Money Saving Tips From A Local Mom

Tips and advice from a local mom on how to save a few extra dollars.

When my husband and I started planning our family, we knew that I was going to be a stay-at-home mom. We did not quite know how we could afford it, but we knew it was the only option that we would choose. Immediately I started finding ways to justify that decision and cut corners.

First of all, I realized that I would actually be saving money just by staying home I no longer needed a 9-5 wardrobe. I no longer needed shoes in every color. I no longer needed lunch with my coworkers and lattes on break. Plus, I'd be saving money on gas by eliminating my 40 miles per day commute. There's also less wear and tear on my vehicle, less oil changes, less windshield washer fluid. It's amazing how much money you save just by NOT working! When I hear people contemplating this decision to switch to a one-income family, I always remind them of these little things that REALLY add up fast!

My other tip for saving some money has been a HUGE help in our household. I can sum it up in one word: Walmart!

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Not only does Walmart already have low prices, but they also have their price-match guarantee. I'm sure you've all seen the signs at the register, but you may wonder just how that can work for you with your every day purchases. Well, you know that "junk mail" you get every Tuesday? You know, the big stack of local store ads that you typically throw right into the recycle bin. KEEP IT!

Here's how to use this to your advantage. Make your shopping list as normal. That's simple enough, right? Then spend about 5-10 minutes going through your ads and finding the best prices you can find on the items that are already on your list. Simply write that low price and the store that you found the price advertised on your grocery list. When you do your normal grocery shopping, simply bring this list to the register and tell the cashier the price you found the item at! They ask no questions, they simply match the price! Now, you can take that one step further if you want. Pick up your Sunday paper and take out all the coupons. Also, look on-line for any coupons for the items that are already on your list.

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Walmart will not only match the price that you find in another store, but they will also accept manufacture coupons. We save about $25-$50 a month by doing these small steps.

Of course there are also the other ways to save money: never buy full price, always shop clearance racks, avoid eating out. I'd love to hear other ideas that local moms have for saving their pennies. Please leave a comment and spread the wealth!

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