15 Simple Changes to Decrease Family Expenses

You might think it’s difficult to cut your family expenses down, but in reality, living a frugal lifestyle only takes a few basic changes! Putting the majority of your family income into family savings or investments rather than spending it will really benefit you in the long run.

The following is a simple yet effective list of 15 ways to decrease family expenses and live a more frugal lifestyle.

1. Reduce/eliminate daily luxury costs (Starbucks, take-out lunches, etc.)
2. Carpool with coworkers
3. Prevent car repair costs by keeping up-to-date with oil changes, tire rotations, etc. and prevent body repairs by going to your bi-yearly dentist appointments
4. Shop on a full stomach
5. Share baby clothes
6. Purchase generic (food, clothing, furniture, etc.)
7. Buy in bulk
8. Turn off the lights
9. Purchase used items like cars, home appliances, furniture and gardening tools (garage sales are amazing hubs of used treasures!)
10. Reduce reoccurring costs like cable, internet, phone, magazine subscriptions, and other reoccurring costs
11. Use a piggy bank to store your spare change
12. Eat nice things at home (steak and seafood are much cheaper when you buy them at the grocery store than if you bought them at a fancy restaurant)
13. Use coupons
14. Avoid bars for sports events (watching sports from home prevents you from constantly buying drinks and apps and running up a huge tab!)
15. Do your own taxes