5 Ways We Saved in September

I love reading blogs like Frugally Blonde and Medium Sized Family which share practical ways that their family has saved money.  A few months ago I decided to write my own post each month on how we save, and it has quickly become one of the most popular features here on The Orthodox Mama.

Here are 5 Ways We Saved in September:

1. Sold Clothes to the Consignment Shop

We have a wonderful kids’ consignment shop near us.  They give instant store credit for items that you bring in (though they are fairly picky about which items they will take).  Last week I shifted the kids’ dressers and closets into fall-mode, and I brought in several items to the shop.  They gave me store credit, which I used to buy two nice shirts and a pair of pants for my youngest son.  If I had bought these items new, I would have spent over $30.

Amount Saved:  $30

2. Free Entertainment

We had a lot of fun this month as a family, but we spent very little money doing it!  My parents gave us a membership to our local children’s museum as a Christmas gift.  (Best Christmas present ever, by the way!  I love gifts of experience.)  We spent one rainy Saturday playing and discovering at the museum.  We also invited another family over for dinner one night and watched Star Wars together.  It was our oldest son’s first time watching, and he loved it!

Amount Saved:  $30

3. Simple Meal Planning

Now that we have started back to school, our schedule is significantly busier.  My husband, a PhD candidate working on his dissertation, is also having to spend a few evenings a week away from home writing.  This means that there are nights where I have to make a meal quickly and by myself.  For many of you this is old hat, but it can be quite difficult with 3 children under the age of 7 after a full day of work.  There are nights when I am sorely tempted to pick up a pizza or go through the drive through.  However, because I use Simple Menu Planning, I have something that is quick, healthy, and easy to make ready at home.  We have had pancakes and eggs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and crock pot meals and other simple meals.  Planning ahead saves time, sanity, and money!

Amount Saved:  $80 (a conservative estimated cost of eating out twice a week)

4.  Exercising Outdoors

I firmly believe that anyone can have a healthy lifestyle on a budget.  A few months ago I cancelled my gym membership (A big sacrifice for me, since I love my Zumba, Pilates, and yoga classes!  However, the gym is something we choose not to spend money on right now.)  Instead I have been running outdoors, preparing for a 5K in a couple of weeks.  It has been wonderful!  I really look forward to this time when I can get moving, get outdoors, and be alone for awhile.

Amount Saved:  $40 per month

5. Eating from the Freezer

I try to purchase produce when it is at its cheapest and then freeze it.  There are so many things that you can freeze!  (Take a look at What Frugal People Freeze to find out more.)  In the past week alone, we’ve had chicken noodle soup that used chicken stock I made months ago and chicken I froze from a good sale; deer burgers using venison given to us from a friend; and spaghetti with meatballs I made several months ago.  I try to shop my freezer and pantry before I make my grocery list each week.  I’ve saved countless thousands over the years through this simple trick.

Amount Saved: $30

Total Saved:  $210

How did you save this month?

(Linked to Tips and Tricks, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Thrifty Thursdays Small Victories Sunday.)