Having a family budget is important if you want to get the most out of your money. And during tough economic times, it becomes even more important. But budgeting is not a favorite activity of most families, because it often seems synonymous with giving up things we enjoy.
It’s true that a good budget doesn’t include a laundry list of non-necessities. But it doesn’t have to be completely devoid of fun and pleasurable things. Here are some creative ways to stay within the budget without sacrificing too much.
* Plan outings that are free or low cost. Have picnics in the park, visit free museums, or go to free concerts. There are plenty of things to do as a family (or as a couple) that aren’t expensive. Check your local newspaper, radio station or website for listings of events that won’t break the bank.
* Set aside some money each month for crafts that the family can do together. Crafting is a wonderful way for families to spend some quality time together, and it’s budget-friendly. But there’s also another way it can help you save money. Put some of your family’s creations in storage, and when a birthday or holiday comes up, you’ll have all kinds of handmade gifts to choose from instead of going out and buying something!
* If your family watches a lot of movies or plays a lot of video games, consider a rental service such as Netflix or Gamefly. These services allow you to rent unlimited movies and games for one monthly fee. If you only watch DVDs on occasion, look for a local Redbox location. These kiosks offer new releases for only $1 per night, and you can often find codes for free rentals online.
* Do some trading. Whether you need clothes for the kids or they’re getting bored with the toys they have, there’s a good chance that you can find someone to trade with to get what you need. Try organizing a clothing or toy swap with other families that you know.
* Change your eating habits. Cook dinners at home instead of eating out. Cook meals ahead of time and freeze them in single-serve portions to be reheated later if you don’t have time to cook in the evenings. Pack lunch instead of going out for lunch when you’re at work. All of these things can save you a considerable amount of money each month.
Sticking to a family budget doesn’t have to be a drag. With a little creativity, you can cut costs. And that means you’ll be able to have more of the things you want and participate in more of the activities you enjoy.
