We’ve Been Raising Six Kids on a Small Budget for 19 Years!
When you raise six kids, you have to figure out ways to save money.
For the past 19 years, my husband and I are able to raise six adorable, lovable and extremely happy kids on a tight budget.
We also raised them on one income for twelve years.
Now, we raise them on two incomes.
But, we still have to budget!
When it comes to raising a house full of kids, I’ve learned one thing: it takes creativity, planning and self-control to afford to educate, feed, clothe and entertain a large family.
It’s very possible to raise kids, have fun, save money and not live on rice and beans or ramen. :)
Now, that’s a relief — isn’t it?
Don’t worry, mom friend.
You don’t need a large family like ours to try these ideas.
They can help a family of any size enjoy a fatter wallet — and that’s one area we all would love to gain a few pounds!
HOW CAN YOU RAISE KIDS ON A TIGHT BUDGET AND ONE INCOME?
Sadly enough, many parents have yet to tap into money-saving options when it comes to children.
Too many parents focus on giving their kids “only the best.”
Let’s change that today!
How We Raise Six Kids on a Tight Budget
Visit discount and second-hand stores.
I have seen women literally sour their face when I mention a thrift store, yard-sale or discount stores.
But, I LOVE finding a good deal!
But recently, I’ve also enjoyed shopping at Ross, TJMaxx, Gabes, and Burlington Coat Factory to find discounted, brand name items that are new.
These stores have saved us so much money when it comes to birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, clothing, shoes, home decor, and even jewelry!
Cook from scratch.
Ready-made meals often leave you hungry and unsatisfied.
Homemade soup, breads, and veggie stir fries go a long way and save a lot of money.
We have an entire cookbook you can download and read today of easy, family-friendly meals you can make from scratch (and almost scratch!)
Plus, here are some simple lunch ideas kids can make too!
Encourage healthy hygiene.
Hygiene goes a long way with keeping kids healthy.
Many childhood illnesses are a result from unhealthy habits.
Encourage kids to wash their hands before mealtime, after school, or any public outings.
And one very big, bad habit of so many kids?
Remind your kids to keep their hands out of their face!
My husband is awesome about keeping tabs on this issue!
Teach Kids to Treat Items and the House With Care.
A real money-stretcher is a simple thought —- take care of the items you already own!
We encourage our kids to not put their feet on the walls, not to play on the furniture, not to slam doors, and to be careful with their clothes.
It’s an important life skill we all should learn, but it also keeps more money in everyone’s pocket!
Teach Kids to Treat Items and the House With Care.
A real money-stretcher is a simple thought —- take care of the items you already own!
We encourage our kids to not put their feet on the walls, not to play on the furniture, not to slam doors, and to be careful with their clothes.
It’s an important life skill we all should learn, but it also keeps more money in everyone’s pocket!
Follow the “Just a dab will do ya!” mantra.
This is a famous saying from my Grandma — and boy, is it a wise one.
We only need a dab of toothpaste, a dab of dish soap, a dab of shampoo, a dab of body wash etc.
Being careful with all the items we use regularly truly helps us to stop wasting and start saving!
Start with Small Portions.
For our meals, we start with smaller portions.
We started doing this after we noticed we were throwing out waaaay too much food!
If we’re still hungry after our smaller portions, we can always add more.
This keeps the trash can less full of scraps and our grocery bill lower!
Avoid debt.
The amount of money people spend on credit card interest alone is staggering.
Debt can be detrimental to your marriage, family, and financial situation.
But it’s extremely tempting to get a second or third card for convenience sake.
It’s even more tempting to get a new car or iPhone so we can live more comfortably.
Our family motto for the past 16 years has been, “If God wants us to have it, He’ll provide it.”
We pray and budget for those items — cars, vacations, plane tickets, surgeries etc. and avoid debt as much as possible.
For now, that’s been our entire marriage!
We create a budget for almost everything.
My husband is very studious in filling out a spreadsheet monthly with all our expenses and income.
The amount of money people spend on interest alone is staggering.
But it’s extremely tempting to get a second or third card for convenience sake.
It’s even more tempting to get a new car or iPhone so we can live more comfortably.
Our family motto for the past 16 years has been, “If God wants us to have it, He’ll provide it.”
We pray and budget for those items — cars, vacations, plane tickets, surgeries etc. and avoid debt as much as possible.
For now, that’s been our entire marriage!
We create a budget for almost everything. My husband is very studious in filling out a spreadsheet monthly with all our expenses and income.
We budget for our mortgage payment, health insurance, home-schooling expenses, groceries, traveling, utilities, clothing, and even holidays.
Seeing our expenses and budget side by side helps us understand what we can and can’t spend money on every single month.
It keeps us on top of our finances so we can give our kids a financially secure childhood!
How do You Raise Kids on a Tight Budget?
Do you have any ideas to add to this list?
Share them with us on Facebook!
