Family Briefs

One of the toughest jobs parents have to face is the responsibility of saving up for the family. It can be a difficult lifestyle to adapt into especially for first-parents. There’s also the misconception that savings is only for the kids’ college education when in reality, you can apply this into so many things.

You and the family no longer have to skip another fun summer getaway if you have a travel savings on hand. Every once in a while you and your spouse can splurge on couples’ time if you have savings for dates. Your kids no longer have to experience the usual hand-me-downs if you have savings for their other necessities such as clothes and school supplies.

Log Your Monthly Expenses

Before you begin creating your savings project, it’s important to set realistic goals first. Make it a point to log down every expense you’ve had for the previous month until the present. Distinguish them between bills and personal expenses. From this list, you can begin trimming off those which you can actually do without.

You can also make some adjustments on some of the expenses you have like travel. If you think you spend too much for gas then if possible, take some days off from using the car and just take public transportation to work. If the kids get too much allowance because you allow them to buy food in the cafeteria, then give them home-made meals on some days.

Just remember that these changes do not have to be implemented right away. If other family members will be involved and are likely to get affected, then make the changes slowly and gradually. Also, let them know why such changes are to be done.

Include Yourself in the Expenses

Most parents forget this when planning for a savings. This does not mean splurging on the first pair of shoes that catches your eye nor finally buying that SUV you’ve been eyeing all these years. What this means is that you also give yourself some practical amount of expense every month so you don’t end up feeling deprived and at the most unprecedented time suddenly feel the urge to splurge.

You should also include here starting your own savings fund such as a retirement package or saving up for health insurance. Aside from you, your spouse and your kids will also benefit from these life-savings programs.

Always Pay Your Debt on Time

Do not miss out on monthly debts especially if they are charged to your credit. Most people end up being drowned in debt because of the interest that builds up from it. Another way to counter this problem is to use your credits wisely. If it helps, leave the credit cards someplace safe and uneasy to reach so you would not get tempted to use them.

As you create your monthly expense log, most of these debts would fall under the bills section. Keep in mind that the bills are equally important with the personal expenses, if not somewhat more important. If you can’t pay for the month, make sure you track the interest rates or find a way to make even staggered payments just so you can avoid tarnishing your credit history.

Savings Guide for Parents was originally posted on the SaveBrite.com blog

When I was a little girl, I drove my mother nuts by rearranging my room every week or so. I wasn’t trying to bug her; instead I was seeking some sense of “newness” in my life.

‘Course I didn’t figure that out until MUCH later! Later, as in after you’ve run up all your credit cards buying “new” stuff ’cause you’re out on your own and have the freedom to go do stupid things like buy everything you want . . . on credit.

So thanks to credit card debt, I’m now frugal (that’s my silver lining and I’m stickin’ to it!). So my frugal tip for this week is to stay home and rearrange your stuff, re-purpose something you already have, or use paint to freshen up a space.

Maybe you remember from this post where I mentioned re-sizing and painting an unused drapery rod to hang the odd-sized valance in my daughters’ room? That same weekend, I was on a high rearranging items and finding things around the house to use in spaces where I thought I needed to buy something new. It’s really that “high” feeling I get from seeing things look different - making it look new - that I crave. It’s really not the purchasing (well, I like buying new stuff, but this is supposed to be a post about frugality, for heaven’s sake).

To get some good ideas about rearranging and re-purposing items, check out the Decorating Cents show on the HGTV network. They have a whole segment on the show dedicated to a free room makeover - just rearranging and using stuff you already have! Very inspirational!

So that’s my Frugal Friday . . . what’s yours? Check out LifeasMom for more frugal ideas!

I love it when I come across a great idea, don’t you?  You just can’t pat yourself on the back enough!  I’ve been struggling to find an inexpensive ball rod set for the double window in the girls’ room (I’m still converting it from the nursery now that the caboose is turning three).

As I was sitting at the dining room table this evening, the rod over the bay window in the living room caught my eye.  I stopped talking mid-sentence as my wheels starting turning . . . yes, I could saw off a couple of feet, paint it white, and VOILA!  I have a ball rod set that will be PERFECT!

Now, you may be asking what I’ll do about the window treatment for the bay window.  Well, I’m embarrassed to say that the rod is empty and has been for the two four six years that we’ve been living here!  I knew I didn’t want to hang a curtain there, but I didn’t know what I’d do with the rod and accessories if I took it down.  Plus, it’s been great to tape party streamers to, hang kids artwork from,  etc..   Besides, I figured I’d deal with it when I painted the room.  Here we are  six years later . . . . that’s another story.

So that’s when I had another great idea.  I decided to blog about a frugal idea (not the curtain rod, something else entirely) and thought about starting a “Frugal Friday” meme!  Google led me straight to HER site which popped my balloon completely!  She has some great posts and quite a following for Frugal Friday. . . so if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!

So what is my other frugal idea (in case you don’t have an empty drapery rod mocking you each time you pass by)?   You’ll have to come back Friday to find out :)  I’m such a tease!