Here are five tips on ways to save money in September that I shared on Kansas City Live.
August was brutal. Not only was it hot as blazes outside but my checkbook was also on fire from the number of checks I had to write to cover school fees, lunch fees, athletic fees, school supplies, and more. If your budget is gasping for air, try implementing these five tactics in September to save a little money and get back on track.
1. Pack snacks and drinks in the car. We are shuttling kids to and from activities in September and most likely will be hearing, “Mom, I’m hungry and thirsty.” Instead of running through a drive thru or going to a convenience store, pack a soft side cooler filled with shelf-stable items like granola bars, nuts, pudding packs and bottle water.
2. Eat dinner at home. Equally hard in the midst of activities is trying to eat dinner at home. With different family members on different schedules on different days, it’s hard to plan a meal that will fit everyone’s schedule. Solution…[easyazon-link asin=”B004P2NG0K” locale=”us”]Slow Cooker[/easyazon-link] and eMeals. eMeals has programs for as little as $4.00 per month and they have a healthy and traditional slow-cooker meal plan.
3. Get the kids involved. Ask the kids for ideas of activities they would like to do in September that don’t cost any money. You’d be surprised how much they enjoy hikes in the park, trips to the library, cooking a meal (since you will be using a slow cooker it’s even easier because you dump and go), or playing games. Since they picked the entertainment they are more likely to embrace it and have a good time.
4. Service Siesta. If you regularly get your nails, hair, toes, or really any service, take the month off and either DIY or don’t do it all. See if you really miss those services or if you can do just as good of a job at home. I
5. Spend Freeze, Declutter and Sell. Take the month and put a spending freeze and declutter. I’m in the middle of a 365 Day | 365 Item Challenge and it has been wonderful to go through all of my items and really take a look at what I have. Extra benefit – I’m more apt to use what I have because I’m more aware of what I have. Also, if you have some higher end items that are not being used, think about selling them either at consignment or Craigslist.
Here is the spot on Kansas City Live if you missed it.
If you are looking for ways to save a buck or two without resorting to “extreme” methods or sacrificing quality – you’ve come to the right place.
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