5 Simple Money Hacks for Busy Moms

Can We Afford This?" to "Dream Vacation Here We Come!"

Hey mamas! Ever feel like your bank account is playing hide-and-seek with your dreams? You're not alone. Between endless grocery lists, unexpected school supplies, and that-one-toy-they-absolutely-must-have, managing money can feel like wrangling toddlers – messy and unpredictable.

But what if I told you there's a way to take control of your finances without feeling like you're depriving yourself (or your little ones)? Here are 5 MOM-APPROVED hacks that will have you saying "buh-bye" to budget blues and "hello" to your dream life:

1. The Penny Jar Pantry Challenge: Turn Spare Change into Savings Superpower!

We all have that overflowing jar of loose change. Instead of letting it gather dust, transform it into a saving machine! Here's the trick:

• Pick a category: Is it a family vacation, a new wardrobe, or that dream kitchen renovation?

• Play the "Change Game": Every time you get loose change, round up your purchase to the nearest dollar and toss the difference in the jar. For example, a $3.75 bill becomes $4.00, with the extra 25 cents going straight to your dream fund!

• Get the Family Involved: Make it a fun challenge! Decorate your jar with your savings goal and track progress together. Seeing that jar fill up will motivate everyone!

2. The "Unsubscribe Fairy":

How many monthly subscriptions are silently draining your bank account? Streaming services, gym memberships you never use, and that magazine subscription you haven't touched in months all add up!

Become the "Unsubscribe Fairy"! Dedicate 15 minutes this week to comb through your bank statements and online accounts. Cancel anything you don't love or use. This quick audit can free up surprising amounts of money each month.

3. The "Meal-Plan Mama": Cut down your Groceries billdddk Without Sacrificing Flavor. We all know grocery bills can be a budget buster. Here's how to be a "Meal-Plan Mama" and save:

• Plan It Out: Dedicate 30 minutes each week to plan your meals. Consider what's on sale, utilize coupons, and incorporate leftovers for lunches.

• Embrace "Meatless Mondays": Studies show plant-based meals are budget-friendly. Explore delicious meatless recipes that are easy on the wallet and the waistline.

• The "Freezer Flex": Stock up on staples when they're on sale. Freeze fruits, veggies, and meats for future meals, saving money and last-minute grocery store dashes.

4. The "Craft-tastic Cashback": Turn "Screen Time" into Savings Time!Instead of mindless screen time, get crafty with the kiddos! This quality time doubles as a money-saving hack:

• DIY Gifts & Decorations: Encourage them to create homemade gifts for loved ones for birthdays and holidays. This saves money and teaches valuable skills.

• Upcycle & Repurpose: Turn old clothes, jars, and containers into something new! Embrace the "Pinterest Mom" spirit and create unique treasures that cost next to nothing.

5. The "Envelope Budget": Cash is Queen (and in Control!) Feeling overwhelmed by digital transactions? The "Envelope Budget" is your new BFF:

• Categorize Your Spending: Divide your cash into envelopes for groceries, gas, entertainment, etc. Allocate a set amount to each category.

• Stick to the Plan: Only spend the cash allocated to each category. Seeing the physical money dwindle keeps you accountable and prevents overspending.

Bonus Tip: The "Mama's Night Out" Money Jar

Being a superhero mom is exhausting! Set a small monthly amount for a "Mama's Night Out" fund. A massage and dinner with friends – investing in yourself prevents burnout and energizes you to manage those finances like a champ!

It is okay to take a break, kick back and relax. After, you need to recharge to keep the house running smoothly.

Remember, mamas, you are the CEOs of your households! Taking control of your finances empowers you to create the dream life for yourself and your family.

How to stop spending: 8 ways to save money

It is very tempting to spend when you are trying to work on your financial goals. With the advent of online shopping, all it takes is a click of the mouse or a swipe of a finger and your purchase is on the way. Many shopping sites are making it very easy to save your credit card information and are using adverts to make their products harder to resist.

The good news is, there are things you can do to remove the temptation and stay focused on your goal.

1. Make a budget before the month ends and before you receive your income and make sure you stick to it.

2. Cancel subscriptions you are not using. The cable that you barely watch or the gym you have been planning to go to are all recurring expenses that steal your income.

3. Unsubscribe from newsletters and emails. Those deals that are delivered in your email are a trigger for you to spend. So why not remove the trigger. If you do not know there is a deal, you will not go looking to buy. A good app to use to unsubscribe is unrolled.me app

4. Use coupons, discount codes and cash back apps to shop. Make sure you are shopping for things that are on your budget. Honey will show you coupons and search other sites for cheaper deals for you. Another site, Rakuten gives you cash back on purchases you make.

5. Use cash. When you use cash, you feel the weight of your spending. Remove your credit and debit card information that is saved online. When you have to input that information every time, it gives you a few extra seconds to rethink your decision.

6. Use a shopping list when you go out grocery shopping and never go shopping when you are hungry.

7. Negotiate your bills with your service providers.Most service providers have loyalty programs for longterm customers or discount programs to keep customers. So before you commit to your next billing cycle, make sure you are asking for a deal. What is the worse that can happen?

8. Plan meals. Planning meals helps you with your grocery shopping and also reduces impulsive shopping. The random trips to the fast food restaurants because you cannot figure out what to cook is $30 extra dollars you have saved. Plus, you can get the family involved and make it a fun, family bonding activity.