5 Frugal Tips for Families Trying to Save Money

Do you feel like you're always struggling to keep up with your bills?If so, you're not alone. But it doesn't have to be that way! Saving money doesn't mean depriving yourself or putting your life on hold; this simply means making small changes in your lifestyle and spending habits.

Saving Money as a Family

Saving money can feel like an uphill battle.Take the struggle out of this frugal fight by following these five tips:

1. Buy Groceries Online

Shopping online is one of the best ways for families to start saving more money. According to one study, people who shop online have higher incomes than those who don't.Over time, you'll see your savings from shifting to buying essentials online rather than in person.

By budgeting for an online grocery service like Instacart, you can purchase from the likes of Whole Foods Market and Costco. Though this service isn't free, you'll save more than you would when shopping in a traditional brick-and-mortar shop.Make the most of this frugal tip by budgeting for this service in advance. By knowing how much you'll spend on groceries each month, you'll save even more money.

2. Purchase Refurbished Appliances

Another way to save money is to purchase refurbished appliances.

Though new models may seem like the better investment, they'll quickly depreciate as soon as you bring them home. By paying for a gently used model, you'll be able to save an average of 75% off your next purchase. Moreover, refurbished models often come with full warranties, meaning that the savings never end.

Keep in mind that refurbished models may have minor cosmetic blemishes-like scratches or dents. However, this is relatively insignificant compared to the amount of money you'll save. In your efforts to find used appliances, use sites like LetGo.com, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace to find individuals that selling their appliances at even more affordable prices.

3. Buy In Bulk When Possible

Another frugal habit to consider is buying in bulk. Research shows that families who take advantage of bulk buying options save money and space over time. By stocking up on all your essentials for months at a time, you'll save more money than clipping coupons for each meal.If you are going to go the bulk grocery method, you also need to make sure you meal plan several weeks ahead. Meal planning will ensure you only buy what you need, and that you actually consume everything you buy and don't waste money.

Not sure where to buy in bulk?

Keep your eyes peeled for sales and shop around at major supermarkets. Some larger bulk grocery stores offer membership discounts for a small fee. These bulk deals are particularly helpful for large families looking to supply groceries to multiple members. Local grocery stores often have rotating promotions for customers purchasing larger quantities.

This means you can get the same amount of food you'd while ultimately paying less it all.

4. Stop Expensive Habits

As you become a more frugal family, it's important to replace your unnecessarily expensive habits with budget-friendly ones.

For example, giving up a daily Starbucks habit to make coffee at home will save you at least $5 a day. You can also save a ton of money by using coupons that you can find online or in your local stores. Always ask if they offer discounts, most places will offer military, student, senior, or child discounts that can help you save quite a bit over time.

Take some time to analyze your expensive spending habits. Whether you choose to eat at home regularly rather than go out or you make an effort to cut back on weekend bar hopping, you'll quickly see the difference and your bank account will thank you.

5. Use an Automated Service to Pay

Another trick that keeps many families financially afloat is to use an automated service to pay their bills.

Simply make it a habit to set up automatic payments with your bank and you'll never need to worry about having enough in the bank to cover the costs. This saves time and prevents you from overspending (or forgetting entirely) about certain bills and fees.

Another way to put automated payments to use for your family is with a service that allows you to pay later. A service like this spaces out your payments over time, making it easier than ever to autopay on your schedule. Whether you're paying for flights or buying clothes online, these services make it easier than ever to save.

With some commitment, and by incorporating these habits into your life permanently, you'll soon see the savings roll in. Put these five frugal tips to work for your family and enjoy the benefits of a total money makeover.