I partnered with this brand in exchange for sharing my honest opinion.

I feel like everyday I spend money, maybe not a lot but always something. Whether it be eating out, gas in my car, school fees or groceries, I feel like it is impossible to not spend money. Believe me too I have tried to not spend money by staying home all day, but then a bill comes in or someone from my family needs something.

I have decided though that I will do my absolute best to cut costs where I can. My logic is that I won’t miss the little costs but rather they will add up. It is not easy but I have a goal in mind: saving for my children’s futures.

Ways I save without going broke:

• Plan my driving routes efficiently so I don’t waste gas. While driving a few miles here and there may not seem like a lot but it adds up.

• Make lunch at home and use what I have. I am all about throwing stuff together and making it work.

• Cut down bills that I have. While I can’t cut cable because my husband wants it, I have lowered and negotiated us to the best plan. I also participate in a plan in the summer where my energy company cycles my air conditioner and we get a credit. Keeping our thermostat at a low/high temperature helps too.

• I sell stuff when we are done with it. Clothes, toys and electronics my family outgrows gets sold online. I have even sold old remotes for a profit! It is amazing what people will buy online. I don’t just mean eBay either, but also Craigslist, Facebook groups, and Amazon.

• Shop at thrift stores. I love thrift stores and get pretty much all my kids clothes there as well as pieces for my husband and I. Shopping at regular stores and paying $10+ for one article of clothing kills me, unless obviously, I am looking for something specific.

• I use coupons. I am not crazy with coupons (although I used to be) but I do try to use a coupon whenever we go somewhere. I never shop without first searching for a coupon and I always sign up for newsletters since usually a coupon is sent to new subscribers.

Why is it important for me to save for my children’s futures?

I don’t want my kids to struggle or dread going to college because of the debt they will accumulate. I want them to be able to focus on their education and if it just costs me cutting back where I can and putting some extra thought into my purchases, why wouldn’t I do it? I always say that ‘Every little bit counts’ and yes I do pick up every penny I find! It is crazy to think about how my oldest could be heading off to college in just seven years but that still gives me plenty of time to save for him and my other two children.

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