Managing the Home (Budgeting)

Staying within your family budget is always a task.

There are tweaks and changes that happen often to continue to stay on track.

This week I would like to share a few ways we stay within our allotted budget without getting too personal. Maybe these can help you.

Hebrews 13:5 

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

*Making grocery shopping lists and menu plans so that I don't overspend at the grocery store. I also only shop at Aldi, but I know that not everyone has an Aldi store nearby.

*Keeping my bills low. Calling around for better pricing. Keeping a close eye on the bills to make sure they don't raise. (Last year the cable TV got to be too expensive so we just cut it all together)

*Buying USED! Whether it's a vehicle, clothing, or toys we buy used.

*Keeping life simple! Often times we see what others are doing and want to follow. We don't really need to get our children soo many toys for Christmas. I've learned lessons over the years about entertainment. Our children are much happier at home with a family board game, than at the movies where tickets are very expensive. Save that money, and stay home as a family. (Building forts, playing hide and seek, baking cookies, creating cards, arts and crafts night) 

*Doing any handy man work on your own. Or asking for family or church friends to help. 

We are currently in the middle of building a bonus room on top of our garage. My husband is doing it all himself with the help of friends here and there. It may take longer, but it is financially much better than paying for labor costs. 

*Staying Home more. This is one that I have learned over the last six years. Before we moved to the country in WV, we lived in an area where stores were nearby. I would go out almost daily trying to pick up all of the items we needed. Now, I limit my town days. I put them all together and go once a week or so to the city to get groceries, library, bank, etc. This limits the use of gas and overall spending. 

Do you have any budget friendly tips? How do you save your family money? 

I'd love to hear from you. Thanks for stopping by for this series. Please check the last two posts as they go along with Managing our Home. The best job God created!