I love learning new ways to save money! Because of this, I eagerly devour blogs like My Mother Mode and Frugally Blonde where bloggers share how they saved money that month. So I thought I would start a new monthly feature in which I gave practical examples of how our family saves money each month.
Here goes! 5 Ways We Saved in April:
My Husband Gave Haircuts
My husband has been cutting his own hair since we got married–and he’s really good at it! This month he cut his hair, as well as Big Brother’s and Little Brother’s. Around here, even a child’s cut can cost $20, so we save serious money every time my husband pulls out the scissors.
Estimated Savings: $60
No Eating Out
Compared to the national average, we don’t eat out very often–around twice a month. In April, however, we decided not to eat out at all. This was partly due to busy schedules that didn’t allow for much family time. We also wanted to put away more money than usual into our savings to help us prepare for the summer. So, we avoided the $25 restaurant bill and ate at home instead.
Estimated Savings: $50
Renegotiated our Internet Service
My husband did some research on our internet plan and decided that we were overspending. He contacted customer service, and negotiated our price down by $15 a month. That’s $180 a year saved by one 15 minute conversation!
Savings: $15
In-House Date Night
One of my goals for 2015 is to have a monthly date night with my husband. Some months this involves going out, but other months we choose to have an in-house date night. April was one of those months. We opted for a bottle of wine, a game of Settlers of Catan, and a movie off of our list. Lots of fun for little money!
Estimated Savings: $40
Sold Items to Kid-to-Kid
We love the Kid-to-Kid consignment shop near us. They give cash or store credit for gently used, quality kids’ clothing. In April, I sold a few items and was given $18 in store credit. We then used that credit to purchase some summer clothing for Sister. I love getting kids’ clothing for free!
Savings: $18
These simple things added up to $183 in savings!
How did you save this month?
(This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.)
(Linked to Frugal Fridays, Share the Wealth Sundays.)
We have the “lite” version of our internet provider’s service. It’s a little slower. Videos don’t load super fast but frankly, it’s worth the $15 savings per month.
The savings I’m most proud of from April is my daughter’s swing set. We were able to find a used, very nice wooden swing set for $1300 cheaper than it would have been new.
(visiting from Frugal Friday)
I love finding great deals on quality toys. That’s very exciting!
They were all great ideas that you used to save a bunch. It would have given you all a great feeling of satisfaction doing those savings.
Thanks,
Kathleen
Thanks! I love keeping track of how much we saved. It gives a real sense of accomplishment and helps me see how we’re doing getting closer toward our goal.
Awesome savings! In the last couple of months I have managed to cut my internet service, phone, and car insurance bills which adds up to some serious savings. Now I want to see if I can cut every other bill. I love the thrill of savings!
It does get addicting, doesn’t it Charissa! I’ve been amazed at how easy it can be to negotiate lower rates on utilities and services. Thanks for sharing!
I cut my husband’s hair here too. I had to buy new clippers, but they were only $15 or $20. That’s the price of just one haircut. I also buy boxed color for myself vs paying the rediculous fees they charge in a salon ($75 for a color… despite the fact that it equals out to less than $5 in product and about an hour’s work for my short hair).
Visiting from Share The Wealth Sunday.
I don’t color my hair right now, but I’ve always thought that I would do it myself. I’m sure I’ll be terrified my first time, though. Anyone have any tips or tricks for cutting/highlighting/coloring your own hair?
This is such a cool idea for a post! I love it! Seems like you are great at finding ways to save money. I’m looking forward to how you saved in May! 🙂
I had fun writing it! I also love finding series that I can write, as they help so much with the editorial calendar. I like your One Cookbook series, as well.
Great money saving ideas! Although I would say that in stay-in date night could have saved a lot more than $40 🙂 I have three kids and that is pretty much the savings of what a babysitter would cost for about 4-5 hours! Thank you for sharing on #ShareTheWealthSunday link up!