Save it!

With a growing family, you could always save a buck here and there. Start at the grocery store. Make a list! Walking through a store picking up anything that sounds good will certainly increase your total unnecessarily. Plan your meals ahead and make a list using this method. This also prevents unneeded extra trips to the grocery store for those forgotten items which almost guarantee added items you don't need. I like to plan 1 extra meal every 2 weeks for those unexpected guests. Buy your meats in bulk and use freezer bags to seperate them into manageable meals. You save big per pound making the extra freezer bags worth while and still save in the end.

Kids like to take chips for lunch? Buy full size bags instead of snack size bags. All you have to do is is seperate these into individual serving baggies. What you paid $6 will only cost you average $4. You get more for your buck and spend less in the long run.

Clip those coupons and actually take them with you. Only clip coupons for items you will actually use. Can't seem to find coupons for what you need? Look online. Most companies have jump on the ecommerce wagon giving us a great convenience of printing our own coupons for our favorite brands. Join online coupon clipping groups. This is a great way to trade coupons with others for what you are looking for.

Read the sale paper. There are many hidden sales we all over look. Take those sale papers with you if your local store does a price comp. Don't be afraid to try store brand products instead of name brands. You will be surprised on how great they taste leaving you with big savings. Most times you are paying for the name not the product.

Have leftovers? Pack up your leftovers and take for lunch. The average person spends $5 a day for lunch alone while at work. That is $25 a week; $100 a month. What could you do with an extra $100 a month? Not only are you saving money but most times you are saving that waistline.

Like those specialty coffees in the morning? Brew your own favorite coffee and keep flavored creamers and even whipped cream on hand. You can make your own special drink right at home for a fraction of the cost.

You have a closet or 2 full of clothes you don't wear. All or most in great condition. Your friends wear them more than you do or they always compliment your clothes. Why not have a rerun party? Gather your friends together with your old clothes (or course good condition and clean) and exchange clothes with each other. You just gained a new wardrobe without spending a dime. It's a great way to get your friends together for laughs, maybe something to eat, and shopping. You can trade anything from clothes, purses, belts, old jewelry, scarves, jackets, and so on. How about those shoes you have never worn? Trade with someone who will wear them for a pair you will wear. This is a great way for moms on a budget to get something "new" for themselves without the price tag. Even better you just saved a bundle and have great new clothes to wear!

Use the rebates! We throw away hundreds even thousands of dollars every year. File your rebates and send them all at the end of the month. If you send them off once a month it is easier to keep track of and you don't feel overwhelmed with trying to remember.

Don't be afraid to ask for those rainchecks on sale items. A sell out of a great sale might leave you to purchase a similar item but that raincheck will save your wallet next time around. A savings is a savings. Don't skip it because you can't be bothered. Would you walk over a $1 bill laying in the street because you can't be bothered?

Request those samples. Many times not only are you receiving a sample but also a coupon. Samples can be a great stand by such as sample deodorant. These are great to keep in the car, use for traveling, or keep in your drawer for those times you run out a little too quick. Most companies these days have websites where you can request samples. Go take a look.

Keep your eye out for those bargins. They are everywhere!