Frugal Mom Expenses | How Moms Save Money

Frugal Living Tip: Miscellaneous Purchases

Most of the larger groups of topics have been discussed
when it comes to saving money. But everyone always has
other purchases that have to be made. Televisions need to
be replaced, people want to watch cable television,
computers will break and more. Babies will be born and
children will go to school and have expenses there. But you
don’t have to worry about breaking the bank when it comes
to these things.

If you don’t mind used items that you can get for free or
little money, check out the local Freecycle group in your
area. All major cities have one and some smaller
communities do as well. Freecycle is a place where you can
post that you have items to offer people and you can post
when you are in need of items as well. There are always
items available and more than likely you will find what
you need for nothing except maybe the gas to pick it up.
There is also another opportunity out there on the Internet
called Craigslist. Here you post things that you want to sell
and others post things they are selling. Most of the time,
pictures are available and you can locate what you are
looking for at more than half the price.

Televisions sometimes do need to be upgraded as times
change. But there are several options out there before you
run to the electronics store to pick one up. For starters,
look at different stores and see what they are advertising.

If you have researched and know exactly what television
you desire, compare the prices at the different stores. If you
plan on putting the purchase on your credit card, it is best
to use the credit card for that store. Most of the time, they
offer a discount if you put it on your store credit card or no
interest for a certain amount of time. The key to this
method is making sure you make all your payments on time
or your no interest option will go away.

Another option is watching, waiting and saving. If this is a
purchase you want to make, forget about impulse buying.
Check out the ads each week and while you’re doing this,
be setting back money each week for the purchase.

There’s no shame in making this big of a purchase and
paying cash. If you are diligent, you can place this on a
credit card, but immediately pay the credit card off. You
can use these plans for any major purchase such as a
computer or DVD player or other items.

Think about buying furniture secondhand when you do
need something new. There are plenty of stores selling good
quality furniture at discounted prices. Think about
reupholstering furniture instead of buying new if the fabric
is just worn. You do have to judge the cost factor there. The
material could be more expensive than a new piece of
furniture.

Remember that when you do have a new baby in the
family, feel free to ask for hand-me-downs. Borrow your
friend’s crib mattress if they aren’t using it anymore. Buy
diapers and wipes in bulk to save money as well. Don’t over
buy as far as toys go and ask to borrow the larger items like
strollers, cribs, changing tables, walkers, high chairs and
more.