Do you go to Sam's or BJ's for diapers? The generic diapers at wholesale clubs are SOOOOOOO worth the price of membership. And I don't notice any change between them and the expensive diapers. With my son, I have to buy the "good nights" for overnight, and one of my daughters went through a phase where Huggies overnights were the only thing that worked at night, but for everyday use, those generic diapers are great. I get wipes there, too. I buy lots of their clothes at resale stores - I love Once Upon a Child stores - their clothes are so reasonable, and they are pretty picky, so you're not going to be buying used clothes with stains or tears. They sell shoes and toys, dvds and books as well. When I don't shop there, I buy what I can at Target and Walmart, and use ebay a lot for buying clothes. My rule of thumb for clothes is that I do not spend more than $6 on shirts, $10 on pants,dresses, or pajamas, with very few exceptions. We have 4 kids, and I'm a stay at home mom. It's tough to always try to pinch pennies, but there are always ways to do it. I clip coupons like crazy, and go onto some of the online coupon places... like coolsavings.com or eversave.com. If you type in "free coupons" to your search engine, you'll get lots of sites. Be careful, though, because it opens you up for lots of junk email, too. I only go to the grocery store every 2 weeks, and I save between $12-$19 each time I go. Good luck! Keep scrimping! It's soooo worth all those sacrifices to be home with your little ones!
I know you said you already use coupons, but have you checked out thegrocerygame.com? Its a great site and if you want to subscribe, they take your normal sunday coupons and match them up to the weekly ads to get you the best deal. It does cost a small amount, but if you take 3 list stores for $20 every 2 months, you will save so much!! I have learned to never pay a penny for toothpaste or deodorant. If you pay more than $.25 for a bottle of dishsoap, its not worth it! I won't pay more than $.50 for a bag of name brand halloween candy(this week I am getting it for $.16 a bag) If you have any questions, just message me and I will try to help!
Where do you live? Do you have a WinnDixie around you they have certain bargains on meat buy one and get one free! What is your profession?
There's a ton of great advice here. I'd like to reiterate the comment about breastfeeding. It will SAVE SO MUCH MONEY. If you are having problems, call the hospital and ask to speak to the lactation consultation. Or go to a La Leche League meeting for free. (You can find a local meeting here: http://www.lllusa.org/groups.php ) 95% of women can breastfeed, but most need some sort of help, so don't feel bad about that.
If you breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, think of all the money you will save on formula! Plus children that are breastfeed will save you a lot of money on doctor's bills ... they are far less likely to have ear infections, asthma, allergies, and lots of other nasties.
Damiane
I would advise using coupons.com. This has lots of varied
coupons, as well as taking Sunday St. Pete Times, there is
much coupons in that issue. After you get acquainted with sources, keep a watch as to where they are best used. Publix,
Albertson's or others when they have buy one, get one free -
plus you have a coupon for the item. That saves me loads!
I also regularly shop for meats, etc. at the big box stores
like Super Walmart & Super Target. There is also great savings on meats, etc. at Sam's. This depends on how much/
how often you need to buy meats, poultry storage wise. If you are like me, I can only fit so much in my freezer. But,
keeping well stocked on coupons, and then watching the ads is my best advice as to how to save the most. It goes without saying that the cost of everything is just way up there!
Good luck!
Kaye H
I dont know if anyone has told you about this site buts its awesome and has helped my family save money on kids clothes, chrismas gifts and up-comming birthdays. http://www.kizoodle.com Its like ebay but instead of paying with cash you use a point system. Its really easy and alot of fun. I am a member on the site so if you refer me we both get some points just for you joining. My Referral Code: F7EUQB Good luck! Tina
Wow, twins, congratutlations!! Well, it looks like you got some really good advice. I don't think I can add much to the suggestions. However, one thing is for sure, impulse buying will really cause you to spend more than you think you are spending. So keep impulse buying to a minimum or eliminate it alltogether if you can. That's about all I could tell you, because everyone has touched on the things that I would have suggested and much more too.
I like the idea of making your own baby food and breastfeeing. These are excellent suggestions and as was already said, breastmilk is free. Of course it goes without saying that this was how God designed us.
So, have fun with the babies and best wishes to you and yours. Kindest regards, Dorothy
You can do it.Cut from going to the cleaners. Stop eating out , don't visit any store at all. Stay focuss on your dreams. Read a lot, listen to music, pray, go to church often, meditate, fast. Keep your mind off your needs and on God. I have been married for 19 years to the same man. Whether he is working or not, I pay my bills and keep my home.We are always happy, peaceful and in love.
Just another idea that I didn't see here yet. There is a great thrift store just called Community Thrift Store. One is on south Orange Avenue and the other is on north Edgewater Drive. They have a great sale on Wednesdays - buy one get 2 free! I have picked up some great stuff for my son there. You can't beat getting Gymboree clothes for $1! Anyway, I hope that helps. I know that they grow so fast, so saving on clothes for twins should be a big help!
Also, take all of the hand-me-downs you can get! :)
Try turning all that stuff they've outgrown into money at stores you always shop at, like Target and Walmart. Check out www.Zearly.com. You can have them come get your hand-me-downs and they'll give you points for anything that is still in good condition. You can use your points to buy other cloths or save them to get gift certificates to other great stores!