The temperatures are dropping and the holidays are right around the corner. As moms, we know this means it’s time to transition our family’s wardrobes to warmer clothes for the winter months ahead. However, affording high-quality, weather-appropriate attire for the kids on a tight budget can be challenging.

To help you keep your family warm and stylish this winter without breaking the bank, here are my top 10 tips for budget-friendly winter wardrobe shopping:

1. Take Inventory and Make a List

Before hitting the stores or browsing online, take an inventory of what your family already has for cold weather. Try on last year’s coats, sweaters, scarves and more to determine what still fits and is in good condition. Make a list of any wardrobe gaps that need to be filled with new items. Having a list will help you stick to only purchasing necessities.

2. Shop End-of-Season Sales

One of the best ways to save money on winter gear for the family is to shop end-of-season sales. Look for winter clearance sales during the warmer spring and summer months. Retailers are eager to unload their remaining cold weather inventory to make room for the new season. You can typically save 50-75% off original prices.

3. Scout Thrift and Consignment Shops

Gently used winter wear is abundant at local thrift stores and children’s consignment shops. And the savings are incredible, usually at least 50% less than buying new. Take time to scout shops in your area. Look for quality winter coats, sweaters, boots and accessories in like-new condition.

4. Skip the Trends – Choose Classics

Trendy winter clothing for kids is usually more expensive and won’t last. Instead, choose timeless, classic style winter wear in neutral colors. These pieces will coordinate with existing items in their closets and can be worn for several seasons. That’s key when trying to maximize a limited clothing budget.

5. Layer for Versatility and Cost Savings

Building a versatile winter wardrobe around layers is wise. Opt for long sleeve t-shirts, turtlenecks, flannel shirts, sweaters and vests that can be mixed, matched and layered as needed. You’ll get more use out of each piece and need fewer overall items. Plus, thinner layered items are often less expensive than expensive heavy coats.

6. Take Proper Measurements

Don’t guess on sizes when shopping winter wear sales online. First, properly measure your child following size chart instructions. Compare those measurements to the store’s sizing information. This will ensure you select the right size item to avoid the hassle of returns and exchanges.

7. Compare Prices and Shop Sales

Even when shopping sales, compare prices for the same or similar items at various retailers. Check both in-store and online since prices can vary. And don’t forget to check coupon sites and retailers’ current promo codes for any additional discounts to maximize your savings.

8. Buy Big for Maximum Wear

For younger kids who rapidly outgrow clothing, consider buying their winter wear a size or two larger than their current size. This is especially true for more expensive items like coats and snow boots. They’ll get more wear throughout the winter season and you’ll extend the useful life of those items.

9. Add Fun with DIY Accessories

Customizable winter gear and accessories can be pricey. Get creative and make your own to complete winter looks on a budget. Knit scarves, fingerless gloves or hats to match their coat. Decorate blank knit beanies with fabric paint, puffy paint or iron-on appliques. Or reuse old sweaters by cutting them into infinity scarves.

10. Organize Hand-Me-Downs and Swaps

If your kids are close in age, organize a clothing swap with friends who also have young children. Trade hand-me-downs so each of you gets “new-to-you” winter wear for free. You can also host a swap event where everyone brings winter items their kids have outgrown to trade and swap with others.

Staying on budget doesn’t mean compromising style or warmth this winter. Use these tips to shop smart and build affordable winter wardrobes for the kids. Let me know if you need any other money-saving advice for dressing the family this cold season!

Bringing in extra money without leaving your home can be a lifesaver for housewives looking to supplement their family’s income. Whether you want to pay off debt, build savings, or have a little extra spending money, there are many creative ways to earn cash without abandoning your domestic duties.

Check out these 7 great ideas for making money from home:

1. Freelance Your Skills
In the digital age, freelance work is easier to find than ever thanks to the internet and mobile work platforms. Freelancing allows you to leverage skills like writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, programming, data entry, and more from the comfort of your own home.

With just a laptop and wifi, you can connect with clients across the globe needing freelance talent. Consider signing up for popular freelance sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Flexjobs to create an online portfolio and start bidding on projects in your niche.

The work you do will vary based on your expertise. Writers can get paid to write website content, essays, tech documentation, and more. Designers can create logos, ads, marketing materials for clients on demand. Virtual assistants can offer administrative support, data entry, customer service and other remote clerical tasks as needed.

Set your own rates and schedule to accommodate your family life. Start small by taking on a few freelance projects in your spare time and build up your clientele. Before you know it, you could turn freelancing into a lucrative full-time career without ever stepping foot in an office!

2. Try Direct Sales
Direct sales offers an opportunity to earn commissions selling products from leading brands directly to your network. As an independent sales rep, you’ll promote catalog merchandise like kitchenware, jewelry, makeup, home goods, and more at in-home parties or online.

Popular direct sales companies like Stella & Dot, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, and Rodan + Fields are always recruiting sales reps. Get started by researching companies with products you love. Then buy a starter kit to showcase the items at parties held on nights and weekends.

You’ll earn a percentage of each sale plus bonuses and overrides. Drive sales through social media marketing and virtual parties. With a few consistent product parties each month, direct sales can become a part-time job with full-time income. It also keeps you socializing with friends in a professional capacity!

3. Take Paid Surveys
In your downtime between household chores, tap into the lucrative market research industry by taking online surveys. Companies are always seeking consumer opinions to improve products and guide marketing decisions. And they’re willing to pay people to provide feedback.

Signing up is simple and just requires filling out some demographic info. Then you can browse available surveys and complete them for cash rewards. Popular survey sites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars make it easy to exchange your opinions for extra earnings.

Expect to earn around $1-$5 per 10-15 minute survey on average. While no survey alone will make you rich, combining multiple paid surveys throughout your week can add up without taking much time or effort. Treat yourself to perks like gift cards to your favorite stores when you cash out.

4. Rent Out Empty Space
Many families have unused living spaces that sit vacant much of the time. From a spare bedroom to your garage or driveway, any empty square footage could be worth leveraging to make money.

Renting out all or part of your home is easier than ever using homesharing platforms. On sites like Airbnb, VRBO and Roomorama, you can list available rooms, basement units or other lodging on your property to host travelers looking for short term stays.

Local parking apps like JustPark enable homeowners to rent out their unused driveway or garage to others needing convenient city parking. Determine the space you can comfortably offer paying guests. Set competitive nightly or monthly rates. Then earn substantial passive income simply by occupying your home as usual!

5. Provide Childcare
As a parent yourself, you already possess the experience required to care for kids of all ages. Consider putting your parenting skills to use by opening up a licensed home daycare.

This allows you to earn an income by watching other children alongside your own during the week. Set your own schedule and policies to accommodate a small group of kids regularly while their parents are at work.

To get licensed, you’ll need to pass a background check, take some courses, and carry adequate home insurance. Ensure your home meets safety standards too. But once up and running, this can be an immensely rewarding home business. You’ll provide a needed service for other families while earning money doing what you love!

6. Sell Crafts and Homemade Goods
Tap into your creativity to dream up homemade items you can produce and sell for profit. From knitted scarves to carved wood signs to gourmet food gifts, the possibilities are endless. Focus on designing products fulfilling a real consumer need or sparking joy.

Handmade marketplaces like Etsy and Zibbet make it simple to open up your own online shop. Photograph your creations and list them for sale. Price products competitively but also account for materials and time.

Promote your shop on social media and at local craft fairs. Every item sold generates income to pad your pocket without requiring you to be away from home. Soon your artisanal brand could take off!

7. Hold a Garage Sale
Take advantage of spring cleaning by holding a garage or yard sale to earn fast cash from clutter collecting dust in your home. This flexible gig allows you to set your own hours and work right from your driveway.

Aim to schedule your sale during peak garage sale season. Then gather like-new items from around the house that your family no longer uses – furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, toys, tools, books, and more.

Display everything neatly with clear pricing. Market your event on community websites and draw attention with balloons and signage. Be prepared to negotiate discounts on slow moving inventory. When all is sold, just deposit your earnings!

The Bottom Line
As a busy housewife and mother, finding a money making strategy that fits into your jam-packed schedule can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are now more options than ever for earning income from home during naptime or after bedtime.

Experiment with a few of these ideas to see which yield your ideal balance of extra cash versus time investment. With dedicated effort, you may be able to replace or even surpass a traditional 9 to 5 income over time. Most importantly, maximize the flexibility to be your own boss while still being fully present for your family when they need you most.

Halloween is right around the corner, and if you’re like most moms, you’re probably starting to plan your child’s Halloween party. Halloween parties are a fun way to celebrate with friends, but party planning and supplies can also get expensive.

As a mom trying to stick to a budget, you want to throw a fun party without breaking the bank. The good news is there are lots of clever ways to cut costs and still host an amazing Halloween bash!

Follow these 10 great tips to save money while planning your child’s Halloween party:

1. Buy Halloween candy and treats on sale

One of the biggest costs for a Halloween party is candy and treats. Check your local grocery store flyers for Halloween candy sales in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Buy a variety when it’s discounted so you have a nice assortment for the party. Warehouse stores like Costco are another great place to score Halloween candy in bulk for less.

You can also save by skipping the candy altogether and making inexpensive homemade treats like popcorn balls, dirt pudding cups, or pumpkin rice crispy bars.

2. Make creative low-cost decorations

Decorations from the store can be pricey, so get crafty and make your own! Simple decor like homemade paper garlands, balloon ghosts, and paper bats are cheap yet effective.

Carve fun designs into real pumpkins for spooky jack-o-lanterns. Use leaves, pinecones, hay, and other inexpensive nature items to make fall-themed centerpieces. The options are endless with a little DIY spirit.

3. Print free printable games and activities

Entertaining kids at a Halloween bash is a must. Save by looking online for free printable activity sheets like Halloween word searches, coloring pages, and make-your-own ghost and pumpkin crafts. Free games like pin the heart on the mummy and monster bowling are also budget-friendly kid pleasers.

4. Take advantage of Halloween party sales

Check the dollar store, discount stores, and even the Target dollar spot for major savings on Halloween party supplies. From creepy tablecloths to spiderweb plates and napkins, you can often score a full range of party theming for cheap.

Party City, Walmart, and other party supply stores also offer discounts and sales on select Halloween items leading up to the 31st. Buy what you can on sale within your party budget.

5. Borrow or thrift costumes and decor

Skip pricey costume store getups and see what you can borrow from friends and family who’ve hosted Halloween parties in the past. Whether it’s costumes, props, or decor, people are often happy to lend party goods they won’t use again.

Check secondhand and thrift stores, which often have fun costume pieces and decorations for rock-bottom prices. Upcycle found items with paint and your imagination into party props.

6. Make affordable DIY costumes

The sky’s the limit for homemade costume ideas that won’t break the bank. Grab clothes and accessories your kid already owns, like a baseball cap, sunglasses, red shirt, and backpack for an astronaut costume.

Other cute and cheap DIY kids costume ideas include a cardboard robot, homemade princess crown and wand, construction worker with a plastic toolbelt and painted cardboard tool box, or rainbow tutu made from strips of tissue paper.

7. Host an indoor Halloween-themed picnic

Instead of a pricey venue, have the Halloween party at home! Turn your living room into a trick-or-treat trail with games and activities in each room.

Set up camp on the floor with blankets and Halloween-themed paper goods. Serve inexpensive snacks like sandwiches, fruit, veggies and dip. Kids will have just as much fun with the festive at-home vibe.

8. Offer spooky snacks and drinks

Scary Halloween party foods like “mummy dogs” (hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough), green witch finger cookies, dirt and worms in a cup, or punch floating with gummy eyeballs make cheap yet playful edible decor.

The same goes for themed drinks like lemonade or fruit punch with blood-red coloring or bobbing eyeballs.

9. Ask parents to chip in

Rather than bear the whole cost yourself, ask party guests’ parents to contribute goody bags, baked treats, decorations, games or other items. Most parents are happy to pitch in and lessen the burden on the host.

10. Skip goody bags and giveaways

Parting gifts and take-home goody bags stuffed with candy and toys are fun treats, but aren’t absolutely necessary at a Halloween party. If your budget is tight, consider sending kids home with an inexpensive pumpkin or Halloween-themed cookie or cupcake. The kids will already have more than enough sugar and loot from actual trick-or-treating!

Hosting an affordable yet awesome Halloween bash is possible on any budget. With a little creativity, resourcefulness and advanced planning, you can throw a party to remember without the financial frights. Use these money-saving tips to cut costs for the haunted hoopla while still making your child’s party a scream!

Eating more fruits and vegetables is essential for health, but the cost can really add up, especially for families on a tight budget. With some planning and creativity, you can enjoy all the nutritional benefits of produce without breaking the bank. Follow these 10 smart strategies to get affordable, healthy fruits and vegetables into your family’s meals.

1. Grow Your Own Produce

One of the best ways to save money on produce is to grow some of your own. Even if you only have a small space, you can grow versatile vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and herbs. Choose crops that are expensive to buy but easy to grow, like strawberries, squash and cucumbers. Over a season, a small backyard garden can provide pounds of fresh vegetables and herbs for salads, sides, sauces and more.

2. Shop at Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are a budget-friendly place to get locally grown, seasonal produce. Prices are often lower than supermarkets because you’re buying directly from the farmer. Go near the end of market day for discounts on leftover produce or bulk buys. You can also ask about less-than-perfect or surplus produce that may be available cheaper.

3. Take Advantage of Sales and Coupons

Check store flyers and apps for sales and coupons on fresh produce. Stock up on things you know you’ll use when they’re marked down. Frozen fruits and veggies can also be bought on sale and last longer. Coupon apps like Flipp can help you compare deals between stores. Clip coupons from magazines, newspapers and online to save on pricier items like berries.

4. Buy In-Season Produce

The cost of produce is significantly lower when it’s purchased in season. You’ll pay a premium for imported out-of-season fruits and veggies. Pick what’s ripe and ready around your area. Visit farmers markets and stores with local produce. You can also find charts listing peak seasons. Buying and cooking in-season produce will save you money.

5. Choose Versatile Fruits and Veggies

Opt for fruits and vegetables that can be used in a variety of ways, like carrots, potatoes, onions, bananas and frozen berries. This gives you more value from a single purchase. Carrots can be eaten raw, cooked, roasted, added to soups and more. Bananas can be eaten plain, in smoothies or baked goods. Versatile ingredients stretch your budget further.

6. Load up on Beans and Lentils

Beans and lentils are some of the most affordable and nutrition-packed vegetables out there. Canned or dried varieties can be stocked for a long time. Bulk bags of dried beans are inexpensive. Soak and cook them from scratch to save even more. Beans are packed with fiber and protein, making them one of the best bang-for-your-buck healthy foods.

7. Buy Frozen Produce

In many cases, frozen fruits and vegetables can offer an affordable alternative to fresh. Produce is frozen at peak ripeness, retaining nutrients. Look for plain frozen varieties without added sauces or sugars. Vous pouvez trouver des légumes verts surgelés, des mélanges à cuisiner, des baies et plus encore. Frozen produce won’t go bad—just thaw what you need.

8. Choose Store Brands

Opt for store brand fruits and vegetables rather than pricier name brands. Generic and store brands are just as nutritious as national brands and typically cost quite a bit less. Canned, frozen and bagged produce like beans, mixed veggies and berries can all be purchased under store labels for big savings. Buy what you need without paying extra for marketing and packaging.

9. Buy Whole Produce

Purchasing whole fruits and vegetables generally costs much less per pound than pre-cut, prepared or packaged varieties. While convenience produce does save time, you’ll save money by doing your own chopping and prepping. Whole carrots, heads of lettuce, onions, sweet potatoes and bunches of bananas all tend to be less expensive than their pre-peeled and chopped counterparts.

10. Don’t Discount Leftover Parts

Creative use of vegetable peelings, tops, stems and seeds can help you get more value from produce. Carrot tops or beet greens make great pesto. Watermelon rinds can be pickled. Potato peels add nutrition and fiber to soups and broths. Blend squash seeds into a creamy sauce. With a little innovation, you can reduce waste and enjoy more of each fruit and veggie.

Eating more fresh produce is a healthy habit made much more affordable by employing some smart shopping strategies. With these creative ways to cut costs on fruits and vegetables, you can enjoy affordable, nutritious meals that will nourish your family and your budget.

It’s easy to get caught up in all the monthly expenses that seem never-ending – cable, phone bills, subscriptions, memberships, insurance payments, and more. These recurring costs can quickly eat up your paycheck, leaving you struggling to make ends meet. The good news is there are many ways to cut down on monthly bills and keep more money in your pocket. With some diligence and smart strategies, you can significantly reduce your recurring expenses. Here are 7 tips to get you started:

1. Review Your Subscriptions and Assess Needs

Many of us are subscribed to services we don’t use or need on a regular basis. Review all your subscriptions for streaming services, magazines, newspapers, meal kits, boxes, apps, and more. Be brutally honest with your needs. Could you live without that streaming movie channel? Do you really use that meditation app?

Once you’ve evaluated each subscription, start trimming the unnecessary ones. You may even find you’re subscribed to some services you forgot about or didn’t know were charging you monthly. Cutting just a few subscriptions can save you hundreds per year. Always be assessing needs before auto-renewing subscriptions.

2. Negotiate Better Rates for Internet, TV and Phone

Call up your internet, cable TV, and phone providers and negotiate for better rates. Tell them you’ve seen better offers from competitors and you’re considering switching providers. Often just the threat of leaving is enough for them to offer promotional rates or packages that can reduce your monthly costs.

If they don’t bite, actually research competitors’ prices and switch if there are better deals. Just be sure to factor in any early termination fees. You may also look into cutting the cord from cable entirely and switching to cheaper streaming options.

3. Lower Cell Phone Bills

Like cable providers, cell phone companies will often offer promotional deals to keep your business if you call up and threaten to switch carriers. See if they can offer you a discounted rate plan or added data allowance.

You can also save money on cell service by using less data each month, switching to prepaid plans, or trying out lower cost carriers like Republic Wireless and Boost Mobile. Using Wi-Fi for calls and video can also minimize data usage.

4. Cut Down Insurance Costs

Take a close look at your insurance plans – auto, home/renters, health, dental, vision, life. There may be room to reduce your premiums or tweak coverage. For car insurance, you could qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses, raising deductibles, or having anti-theft protection.

With health insurance, switching to higher deductible plans or health sharing programs can lower costs. Comparison shop to find the best rates when policies are up for renewal. Be sure to understand coverage limits and out-of-pocket costs. Dropping certain extra policies like dental may also make sense if you don’t use them enough.

5. Refinance Loans and Credit Cards

Consider refinancing high-interest loans like auto, personal, or student loans to secure lower interest rates. This reduces the amount you pay over the life of the loan. You can also consolidate or transfer balances from high APR credit cards onto a single card with a lower promotional interest rate.

Just be sure to not let balances grow and calculate how much you’ll truly save on interest with any refinancing after accounting for fees. Read all terms carefully.

6. Audit Your Memberships

Gym memberships, clubs, alumni or work associations – take a close look at what organizations you pay for membership fees and dues. Cancel any you haven’t used in awhile or provide little real benefit. For instance, maybe a cheaper gym with fewer perks actually fits your routine better. Or you could suspend certain memberships during seasons when not used often.

7. Cut Energy Use

There are many ways to reduce your spending on electricity, water, heating and other utilities. Switch to energy-efficient lighting, turn off lights when not needed, power down electronics completely, lower the thermostat a few degrees in winter and raise it in summer. Run full loads of laundry and dishes and wash in cold water. Limit showers to 5-7 minutes max with lower flow shower heads.

Unplug chargers when not in use, use power strips for easy shut off, and enable energy saver settings on appliances and computers. If legal in your state, installing solar panels can also greatly reduce electric costs over time. Every bit you can reduce utilities saves money each month.

Cutting monthly costs takes diligence and constantly assessing what provides the most value and priority. But with some smart moves and negotiation, you can painlessly reduce monthly bills and keep more of your hard earned money. What expenses will you try trimming first? Consistent monitoring of your recurring costs ensures you’re thoughtfully spending on what matters most.