Have you resolved to be budget-oriented in 2013? Well, my good friend Denise Davis has made it her mission. She recently launched her blog, www.GoCheapGoHome.com and is sharing her tips on being a frugal-oriented mom in the Queen City.
I asked her about how she stays on budget and here’s what she said:
Q: Have you always been frugal or is it something that you’ve focused on since having kids?
For the most part, I have always been frugal. My husband reminds me that when we met, I had the "nine dollar" cable. (And $4 internet. I have had times where I was able to enjoy the occasional splurge, but I still love a good deal. I always go frugal regarding travel so I can get the most "bang for my buck."
Q: What are some of your favorite low-cost things to do with your kids when out and about in Charlotte?
We are outdoor lovers and spend a lot of time biking on the greenways or to a nearby playground. I also splurged on a membership to the Charlotte Nature Museum, so we could visit regularly. The one -time cost was high, but the breakdown was worth it. We also love riding the LYNX to Discovery Place (included in Nature membership) and Imaginon (FREE!)
Q: Do you have a favorite grocery store to shop for deals?
I’ve surprisingly found that Target has the lowest prices on most of the products I buy. We eat a preservative-free diet, which means a lot of fresh fruits and veggies that are not offered there. The Harris Teeter near me has an amazing selection, as long as I exercise self control.
Q: Do you have a favorite seasonal budget-friendly recipe?
A chicken chili recipe I found on Pinterest. Here’s the recipe: Add 2-3 cooked and shredded chicken, a can each of kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (I ran out of stock from my summer garden), and tomato sauce to the crock pot. Also, add package (low sodium) taco seasoning. Cook it on low for 4-5 hours. I serve it with Greek yogurt and fresh grated cheese. We had it tonight and my kids even cleaned their plates!
Q: How do you save on clothes?
Last year I discovered Green Jeans Consignment Sale and I will never go back to the mall! In theory, at least. I had no idea I could get brands like Joe's Jeans and Anthropologie for cheaper than what I had been buying at Target. I have visited some local consignment stores that had good prices for their brands, but still they haven’t compared to Green Jeans. I like to go early for the good stuff, and again on half price day for the real deals! My kids are hand-me down models with the occasional Kid-to-Kid consignment store purchase. They also wear dresses my mom made for ME when I was young.
Q: Best splurge ever?
Family Vacation to Disney World this past August. We had free dining and stayed at the Value resorts. It was still so amazing, I am already plotting to go back!
My other splurge is my kitchen table - it's a handmade walnut table that I knew when I bought would hold so many memories and one day become an family heirloom. We eat together every night, and it is worth every penny to have these memories!
