Being more economical doesn’t always come naturally. When you’re a father, especially a single father, saving money seems very hard. There are so many things that have to be bought to keep the family going.
There are, however, many ways to save money; you just have to learn the best ways for you. Here are 16 smart tips for becoming a more economical dad.
1. Reduce the cable
To save on those pesky cable bills, cut back on unwatched channels. Let’s face it: do you really watch all those extra channels anyway?
2. Skip the movies – get Netflix
You’d be amazed by how many great movies are available on Netflix. There’s no reason to pay all that extra money for overpriced popcorn and drinks.
3. Get rid of the “home phone”
You really have no need for a home phone when you have a cell phone. Get rid of your land line and save major money.
4. Carpool
Find friends or coworkers who would be willing to carpool to work or other places. Help each other out and save money for everyone.
5. Consolidate trips
Don’t go out to the store five times in a day, for gosh sakes! Make a list of everything you need to get and make one trip to take care of all your business. This saves lots of gas you can use for other things.
6. Get a bike and ride it!
Instead of using the car for short distances, ride a bike. This not only helps economically, it also does wonders for your health.
7. Buy generic
Although some things just have to be bought with brand names, if you can, buy generic. Many things are exactly the same in generic form as they are with a brand.
8. Grow your own vegetables
It’s not that difficult to cultivate a basic garden. Even if you have a small one, it’ll help to provide produce. This will save at the grocery store.
9. Take a short shower
Don’t get in the shower and stand there for 15 minutes before soaping up. Get it, get the job done, and get out. You’ll save on the water bill as well as electricity.
10. Stay out of stores
I know that might sound silly, but think about it. Don’t go in a store just because you think you need something. Only shop when it’s completely necessary and you have a list.
11. Get rid of the gym membership
I know, I know … this might seem like a bad idea. But it’s really not so bad. There are other ways to keep in shape, like running and utilizing aerobics CDs. You can also save to build your own gym at home. The money saved with this endeavor will amount up.
12. Keep the change
Try to use only cash when making purchases and dump the change in a container at home. When the container’s full, deposit the change in a savings account. This works much better than interest at the bank.
13. Pack your own lunch
Avoid fast-food restaurants and pack your own lunch for work.
14. If you smoke, stop!
Smoking costs a lot of money. If you take all the money you pour into cigarettes, you could buy a whole new wardrobe in no time.
15. Put away credit cards
If you are not diligent about your spending, the last thing you need is a credit card. Credit cards can be the death of your future.