7 Tips for Financially Savvy Moms

(The following is a guest article by freelance writer Jake Fisher. If you would like to guest post for us please see our guidelines. Editors’ Note: I thought these tips by Jake were pretty solid. I especially like the tip of getting free samples. It is amazing how many samples companies give away to consumers. What a great way to test out new products before spending any money on them.)

As a mom, you’re consciously looking for ways to save money on a daily basis. You check deals, clip coupons, use coupon codes, and take advantage of free samples. But there are other clever ways you can save and make money that you probably haven’t even thought of. Read on for seven tips for financially savvy moms to save money.

Sign up for Free Online Offers

Via Flickr by slgckgc

If you see a new product available at the store, chances are it’s available as a sample somewhere. There are websites you can sign up with to learn about great new samples that are becoming available on the market so that you can try a product before buying it. (Kyle’s tip: Go check out my buddy’s site, Just Free Stuff.com for info on where to find a ton of free samples and other goodies.)

Use Budget Apps

Via Flickr by rhodes

Being a financially savvy mom, you probably already follow a very strict budget. You can always improve your budget, and how you keep track of it, by using budget apps on your smart phone or tablet. Apps like Pageonce allow you to see all of your bank account, bill, credit card, loan, and other accounts all in one place, making it easier to manage and save your money.

Use Budget Calculators

Via Flickr by Horia Varlan

In addition to budget apps, budget calculators can be used to determine the best way to use your money. Should you buy or rent a house? Should you and your spouse both work? Can you afford daycare? These questions and more can be answered with budget calculators like those featured on Miserly Moms.

Don’t Forget About Your Social Life

Via Flickr by kevin dooley

Even financially savvy moms need to kick back and have a good time. You and your family can still enjoy living socially while sticking to your budget. Websites like Groupon allow you to find daily deals on restaurants and other popular businesses in your area, and then sends the best deals to your email, Facebook, or Twitter account.

Explore Yard Sales

Via Flickr by usedtobelost

Yard sales can be great places to find bargain prices on items you and your family need and want. You could spend hours driving around town on a Saturday searching for “Yard Sale” signs, or you could save time by looking up local yard sales on the Internet. Yard Sale Search allows you to find yard sales one to twenty miles away in any U.S. city, any day of the week.

Enter Contests

Via Flickr by marcy23

Entering online contests and giveaways is a great way to earn extra money in your spare time.  You can enter daily sweepstakes, participate through completing surveys, or even enter your blog into competitions like the RewardIt blogger contest. Contests are obviously no guarantee, but they can be extremely lucrative if you have lady luck on your side.

Teach Your Kids to be Financially Savvy

Via Flickr by epSos.de

It’s never too early to teach your kids how to handle finances properly. If you give your kids an allowance, you should also be teaching them how to use it responsibly. Money Magazine has put together some valuable information on teaching your kids how to be responsible with money.

These seven tips can be added to your financial toolbox to help you with your budget and continue to save or make money on a daily basis. Use them in conjunction with the steps you’re already taking to save money, and you’ll be a financially savvy mom.

Author Bio: Jake Fisher is a freelance writer with a healthy love of culture. Catch him on the blogosphere writing on topics from tech to beer or whatever piques his interest.

11 Responses to “7 Tips for Financially Savvy Moms”

1. John @ Frugal Rules on March 7th, 2013 9:33 am

   There are some great tips here, some that we use ourselves. I think a big one is teaching your kids to be financially savvy. We’re doing that ourselves and I think we owe it to our children to teach them the basics as they get older, as well as model it for them.
   John @ Frugal Rules recently posted…4 Simple Ways to Make Filing Taxes Easier Every Year

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   Kyle Reply:
   March 7th, 2013 at 9:55 am

   So true John! Modeling good financial behavior is so dang important in my opinion. Without it, kids tend to grow up with little common sense when it comes to debt and spending.

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   Jake Fisher Reply:
   March 18th, 2013 at 6:24 am

   Teaching kids to be financially savvy will help them immensely in their future! Start them young and they’ll understand the value of a dollar. With the amount of financial stress in the world, it can not only give them a more comfortable life, but a more stress free one at that.

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2. Melinda Gonzalez on March 7th, 2013 4:05 pm

   I love contests! It’s like playing the lotto for free. I never win, but it’s still fun to dream.
   Melinda Gonzalez recently posted…Beer Stock Exchange and Frugal Vacation

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   Jake Fisher Reply:
   March 18th, 2013 at 6:26 am

   There are countless online contests–some of which don’t really gain a lot of contestants. These provide your greatest chance of winning. Keep up with blogs, websites and more for news and updates on specials and contests they’re running.

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3. Miccs on March 12th, 2013 11:20 pm

   I agree that we have to teach our kids the value of money as soon as we can. Not just for saving, but for their lives.
   The other tips are great too (but I’m not sure about contests, I think they may take a lot of time).

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4. Debbie McMullen on March 13th, 2013 5:36 am

   I use most of these already but have never even thought of looking for a budget app – going to do that today!! Thanks for the tips
   Debbie McMullen recently posted…Toddler Activity: Play Dough Mosaics

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   Jake Fisher Reply:
   March 18th, 2013 at 6:26 am

   Budget Apps are a great way to stay organized!

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5. Doti Roraback on March 13th, 2013 11:49 am

   We have been working on organizing, budgets saving etc, we want to be able to retire, I am enjoying your posts thanks

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   Jake Fisher Reply:
   March 18th, 2013 at 6:27 am

   Thanks! The most important thing you can do is pass financial wisdom on to your loved ones! Good luck on your quest of financial independence!

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6. Tim on March 18th, 2013 1:54 pm

   I really enjoyed this post — I found #7 particularly helpful.

   [Reply]

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