Saving Money (by You)

The new year might not have brought much cheer with the ‘new economy’ and all, but thanks to the amazing response from our savvy readers to last December’s article on saving money, we have a great new crop of tips on how families can save this year—savvy style. (And those readers now have a brand new SavvyMom stainless water bottle to show off!)

Stop Printing Photos
Kathy S. in Thornton, ON has stopped printing her photos and buying albums in which to keep them, and instead now uploads her images monthly to a service like Kodakgallery.ca and at the end of the year she takes advantage of the regular special offers and prints an album for about $40.
Benefits: the kids get to actually see the photos, they make great gifts and if the album is ruined, another one can easily be printed.

Green Your Clean
Maria T. of Toronto, ON uses white vinegar for fabric softener and a diluted water/vinegar solution to wipe down wood furniture.
Benefits: it’s safe if the toddler gets a hold of the spray bottles.

Crafty Cards
Christine B. of North Vancouver, BC gets her kids to make cards instead of buying them. If they are pressed for time, she uses an old piece of saved art, and glues it to construction paper.
Benefits: all those little masterpieces get appreciated by friends and family.

Become a Pizzaiolo (Pizza Maker)
Alexis R. of Mississauga, ON, Anita B. of Toronto, ON and Karen M. of Toronto are all having regular ‘make your own pizza’ nights with their families. The cost of the dough, and toppings runs less than $10, much less than ordering in and the pizza is much healthier.
Benefits: kids have fun making pizza ‘faces’ and adults can enjoy their creativity and some non-kid-friendly toppings.

Sitter Swap
Joanne C. of Orleans, ON and her sister swap babysitting nights once a month by having the other family’s children sleepover and giving the other parents a night off.
Benefits: the kids have a night with their cousins and the adults get a night to themselves.

Quality Family Time
Arlene W. of Scarborough, ON has a wonderful cost-effective family time routine. About half an hour before their sons’ bedtime, they turn off all the lights and electronics in the house except one. Then, as a family, they do something together that requires no electricity under that light, such as ‘snuggle up and read’ or play board games or cards. 
Benefits: you save money on your utilities (and save on the environment too) but are also able to fit quality time in with the whole family for no money at all.

Meal Meeting
Heather H. of Milverton, ON holds a family meeting every week to plan the week’s meals and shops once accordingly.
Benefits: saves time, prevents repeating trips to the grocery store (saving gas and more time, as well as reducing impulse shopping) and avoids the endless debate about what’s for dinner.

Fresh Air Fun
Sue M. of Calgary, AB reminds us that fresh air is still free! Her family finds getting outside to explore is a wonderful way to spend time together (and not much advance planning required as no hours of operation in effect). Dress appropriately and bring along healthy snacks and everyone will be happy.
Benefits: time away from iPods, TV and telephones is priceless.

Soup’s On
Janet M. of Toronto, ON and Kim I. of Ottawa, ON both keep a large Ziploc bag in the freezer for vegetables that might not get used otherwise. Once the bag is full, they use what’s inside to make stock or soup.
Benefits: not only is it cheaper than buying soup, it’s also much lower in sodium.

Save. Savvy. There’s definitely something in common there.

P.S If you have some more great tips, we’d love to hear them! Send them in now and if your tip is chosen to be published, we’ll send you a SavvyMom water bottle.