Simple Budgeting Tips For Busy Moms

Regardless where you live, food, gas, housing, activities and everything else can be expensive.  Having a budget can help. But moms are busier than ever these days. There are over 60% of moms working outside the home, and 40% report that they always feel rushed.   One of the best ways to save and stay within a budget is to use old fashioned coupons and available coupon codes for extra discounts. Money saving apps are a fabulous option to finding coupons and sending them directly to even the busiest mom’s hands. 

The truth is, unless you’re using coupons, you are throwing money down the drain. Throwing a $1.00 coupon in the trash is just like throwing away a one dollar bill (or even more if your store offers double coupons).

It is possible to live within a budget. In a recent report, statisticians revealed that 85% - 96% of people do use coupons and coupon codes.  But where do these people find the time? Most coupon savvy shoppers says it just take a smidgen of organizing to enjoy significant savings from coupons.

We offer these budget tips for the busiest moms on how to save on everything from groceries to underwear to demonstrate that it doesn’t have to be stressful to save.

Where are all the Good Coupons?

There are so many sources to get coupons these days it’s enough to make your head spin. The key is to keep it simple. 

• Sunday Newspaper. If you still get the Sunday newspaper delivered to your home, always check for coupon inserts. Cut out only the coupons you’ll use and immediately put them next to your shopping list so there is no excuse to leave them behind when you go to the store and spend beyond your budget.

• Social Media. Most moms have a Facebook page to at least share their family photos.  Facebook is also a great avenue to save money. Use Facebook to “like” the pages of brands you use. Whenever there is a coupon or coupon code available for the products you choose, you’ll be notified right away.

Coupons at Your Fingertips

The number of smartphone users in the United States in 2016 is estimated to reach 207.2 million.   That means just about every mom has a cell phone in their pocket or purse or briefcase at all times. And this snazzy device can deliver great saving with electronic coupons and coupon codes. Most people have caught onto this secret weapon of money saving apps for staying on budget. Over 127 million Americans will use digital coupons in 2016.  And there is no reason you should ignore this technological gadget to stay on your own budget. 

There are easy-to-use money saving mobile phone apps that can save big bucks on groceries, toys, restaurants, apparel, health, beauty and more. Here are some of the best.

• SavingStar

Over 6 million members use the SavingStar money saving app to help them stay within their spending limits on their budget. This money redeeming app links to your supermarket and drugstore loyalty cards. SavingStar has a list of available discounts and coupon codes which always includes a Healthy Offer of the Week on produce. Payment thresholds are only $5, and you can choose to have the money sent to your bank account, received through PayPal, or forwarded directly to a charity.

• SnipSnap

Uncomplicated, and frankly a genius concept, SnipSnap allows you to take a picture of a paper coupon. The software on the SnipSnap money saving app “magically” recognizes all the text and images, and turns it into a mobile-ready offer. When you show up at the checkout counter, all you have to do is show the cashier your phone and voila…super savings to keep your expenses on budget. According to SnipSnap’s CEO, shoppers save an average about $40 a week from stores that moms frequent like Babies ‘R’ Us, Toys ‘R’ Us and Walgreens.

• Grocery iQ

This app is a must-have for busy moms trying to keep their grocery budget under control. It helps even the busiest household stay true to their shopping list and avoid impulse purchases. What sets Grocery IQ apart is its ability to quickly grab coupons that match your items on your list. The money saving app automatically downloads them to your supermarket loyalty card, or allows you to print them out. It’s most helpful for folks who tend to stick to the same products in the same stores.

You’ll want to remember to check your coupons for size and quantity restrictions and especially expiration dates. Some money saving apps will do this automatically. Coupon codes also have some limitations so read the fine print. Whether you want to coupon as a hobby, or to stay on a budget, you are going to save at the register when you use coupon codes and coupons on-line or inside stores.