Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Easy Ways to Stretch Your Family Budget

If you are new to my blog, here are a few easy ways to stretch your family budget. Even if you are comfortable financially, why pay more than you need to? I know some people that make a game of finding bargains and give the money they save to charity. Have doubles from BOGO deals at the grocery store? Give the extras to a food bank!

Start by planning all your family meals for the week. Use the flyer from your favorite store; most are available online. Plan your meals according to the sales for that week.  So much can be done to save money online, especially with groceries. Printable coupons are available and many stores offer apps for coupons you can store on your phone.

Another way to save money is to DIY (“do-it-yourself”). Even a not-so-handy person can manage simple home repairs. You will find complete instructions with pictures online. If you have a handy friend or relative, ask for help! Host a painting day or build-a-deck party. Many larger jobs can be completed in a weekend day for the price of a good meal and drinks. However, always know your limits! Dangerous jobs like rewiring electric and more complicated plumbing are best left to professionals.

Everyone knows I love vegetable gardening. What I don’t always talk about is how much money you can save! Often in the summer, our dinners are a small piece of meat or fish and the remainder comes out of our garden. Not only does this save money, but you can grow more healthy and organic food. Even city dwellers can grow a few tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce in a balcony pot.

Many bargain hunters know the value of yard sales, thrift shops and swap meets. If you have young children, these places can be invaluable. Children grow so quickly and it’s silly to buy new, especially for play clothes. If you are furnishing your first apartment, thrift stores are fantastic for furniture, accessories, and appliances. If you are around my age (late 50s) and are starting to pare down, have your own yard sale. Always check with your neighborhood for rules and proper permits. You can really make quite a bit of money with stuff you’d otherwise throw out. Make sure everything is clean and displayed nicely!

This is an oldie but a goodie: buy off season. You often think of buying off season for things like luggage, snow blowers, and lawn mowers. But there are many other items that are cheaper depending on what month you buy them in. Buy large appliances and TVs in April and May. Dishes and household goods are cheapest in June during wedding season. Carpet and flooring is ideally bought in January after the busy holiday remodel season. September and October are the perfect months for summer items like patio furniture. October is also the best time to buy and plant trees.

Bargain hunt constantly. With today’s online access, there are a wealth of discounts available online. Sign up for email programs for special offers. Even smaller purchases are worth checking online. There are many companies that offer good prices and free shipping on items we use regularly, like pet food and supplies. With our busy lives, we can often save money and time with auto delivery from places like Amazon.   

KATHY WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO