Having a big family is a challenge and a privilege at the same time– particularly concerning how to handle money. It doesn’t bloody matter whether you are a family of five, six or a hundred, the fact remains that every small pinch applies quite easily. The food gets erupted within one day, utility bills stripe overnight, and “budgeting” ends up as a juggling game with blindfolds strapped on.
Now the great news is that you can live well on less. Parsimonious life of large families is not tantamount to deprivation. It does not necessarily imply trying harder, but rather performing smarter and more creatively phrased intentions that will allow your family to prosper, without having to over-spend.
In this post I will discuss some practical and realistic tips on frugal living that you can actually use, and will provide real life examples to follow. Depending on whether you are attempting to save money on food, shelter, clothing, recreation, or everyday activities, know that you will find something in the book that suits you and every large family that struggles to survive (who wants to have fun too).
1. A Culinary Revolution is Meal Planning
So let us see first the most stable one: food.
It is not very inexpensive to feed a large family, but neither does it need to exhaust your entire pay check. The secret is to meal plan strategically not merely during the week but also leftovers, economy foods, and mass cooking.
Example: Plan meals that have common ingredients as opposed to cooking different meals each day. Make a large batch of rice and stir-fry some of it, make a burrito bowl, and a rice and beans meal during the week.
Tips of Frugal Meal Planning:
- Make your meals based on the items that are on sale in the shop.
- Buy large amounts: canned foods, flour, beans, rice or oats.
- Prepare twice and freeze one when you need to have a quick dinner.
- Avoid snacks in a package. Mix up your granola bars, muffins or trail mix.
2. System in the Grocery Shop with a System
The unplanned purchase of groceries is as unconstructive as trying to construct a house without a blue print. Not only will you spend too much and forget items on the list but you are most likely to purchase duplicates.
Intelligent Grocery Practice:
- Write a monthly (or bi-weekly) list (and then live by it).
- Never go grocery shopping with an empty stomach as you will buy things unnecessarily.
- Carry a calculator when you are shopping. It is bring back the old school and it will keep you on budget.
- Earn at regular purchases when using cashback applications, e.g. Fetch Rewards or Ibotta.
Examples: One family said that, by following the list to a T and not making any extra store visits, they had saved more than 300 dollars in a month.
Related: 7 Frugal Christmas Bucket List Ideas
3. Resale Used–and Be Proud of It
When you have a bunch of children who are always outgrown their clothes, shoes and even their interests, second hand shopping is your best chicken.
Where is it to be Fixed?
- Thrift stores (particularly during the half off days).
- Facebook Marketplace or Buy/sell groups.
- Such online resale shops as ThredUp or Poshmark.
- Exchange of clothes between other families.
Example: I have a friend with 7 children and she spends less than $100 each year on clothes per child and she just goes to yard sales and flea markets and occasionally Facebook Marketplace.
And recall, second hand is not disgraceful. It is intelligent, efficient and eco-friendly.
4. Employ a Budgeting System That is Suitable to You
They are all diverse. Something that will not destabilize others will overwhelm another. However, whatever the case, you should have a system.
There are families that are obsessed with apps such as:
- YNAB (You Need a Budget): The best app with zero-based budgeting.
- EveryDollar: Intuitive and simple to use especially by those who are fans of Dave Ramsey.
- GoodBudget: It is based on the envelope system.
And if you like pen and paper, then it is your choice! You simply have to ensure you:
- Keeping a record of what you spend every month
- Putting restrictions on things such as groceries, entertainment and gas
- Consistently analysing the spending of your money
Case in point: One big household discovered that they were going out to take away on weekends alone, and that they expended more than 200 dollars every month. The tracking was one which enabled them to reduce and instead channel that money into family outings.
Related: 8 Effective Ways to Live Frugally
5. Tidify Your Entertainment
It does not take costly trips to create memories. Actually some of the finest ones are virtually free.
These ideas of having frugal fun:
- Board games or card games during the family game nights
- Movie nights back at home and blanket fort with popcorn milled at home
- Spending time out in nature or out in the park or a day at the beach
- Scavenger hunt or back yard camping
- Free workshops, storytimes, even museum passes, at a local library
Example: A friend of mine has so-called family Friday Fun Nights, and they take turns with activities. On Monday it will be LEGO building followed by a dance off on Wednesday. No money but a lot of laughter.
6. Utilise Resources in the Community
Families with large families will have huge savings with resources within the local locality being offered free or in discounted ways.
What to look out:
- Church pantry days and the food banks
- Free children lunch (during summer too!)
- Children clothing closets
- Extracurricular activities scholarships
- Shared gardens or share tables
There also are Buy Nothing groups in many cities, where families give away the things they do not want anymore, whether it is a crib, couch, or craft materials. Do not be afraid to join and ask!
Related: 9 Habits of Debt-Free People
7. Let it Go DIY (When it is Needed)
You do not need to turn into a Pinterest parent to get it done by yourself but this approach can save hard money.
DIY Examples:
- Make birthday cakes rather than purchasing it.
- Create your own household cleaners (the mix of vinegar and baking soda can do a lot).
- Repair simple pieces of clothing and do not throw away things.
- There is reclaimed wood to make your own bunk beds or a bookshelf.
Warning: Do not do it yourself to save some money, unless it will cost you time, nerves and emotions. Be able to know your depth.
8. Educate Kids to Money at an Early Age
Pared down living becomes much easier when it is an entire family affair. When you teach your kids the importance of money, it will minimize waste, complaining, and extraneous spendings.
The Way to Do It:
- Assign them age-appropriate chores that can be linked to some rewards.
- Motivate them to have some access to either birthday or allowance money.
- Present to them the grocery budget and state the reason you will be missing soda this week.
- Promote thanksgiving and satisfaction as opposed to materialism.
Example: One family (they are a big family) has what is known as a saving challenge where the children are vying to save the most pocket money at the end of the month. They are taught discipline and as a team.
9. Cut Down on Utility Bill
The larger the number of people is, the larger the number of lights, showers, laundry—and bills. However, some minor habits can go a long way.
Energy-Saving Tips:
- Install LED bulbs and switch off the lights in vacant rooms.
- Replace the normal showerheads with low-shower heads and replace the drippy faucets.
- When applicable, use cold water when washing clothes and hang drying.
- Minimize computer use (you will save electricity, and your sanity).
- Don’t use AC, use fans and wear multiple layers instead of increasing heating.
Example: A family of eight saved an amount of $40/month by programming a bathroom timer, and replacing worn out appliances with energy saving ones.
10. Select Experiences Instead of Stuff
Lastly, never forget that being frugal does not mean having fewer things; it is having more of the things that count.
Children will not think of all the toys you forgot to purchase but will recall family bike rides, rainy-day baking, late-night gazing at the stars, and dinner time laughter.
A frugal life allows your family to live freely. It gives room to additional recollections, reduced strain, and enhanced feeling of connectedness.
Final Thoughts
Living fruitfully on a large family is hard work, creativity, and teamwork, but there is a way to do it. Actually, in most of the families that adopted it, they experience greater peace, enjoyment, and connection compared to when they used to spend without restraint.
It is not about being economical. It is intentionality. Saving money is not such a burden when everyone contributes to it, and it turns out to be more of a lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the ways of beginning leading a frugal life as a big family?
The first thing you do is to monitor your expenses over a 30-day period. Be aware of where to spend your money. Then select one or two areas that you want to start with—such as food or utilities. Momentum will be created by small wins.
2. Is homeschooling of large families affordable?
Homeschooling may turn out to be more affordable, particularly when there is some sharing of materials and when free resources are utilized. It, however, will depend on your local school system, course curriculum choices, and time availabilities.
3. What can I do to keep my kids amused at a low cost?
Low-cost but high-impact approaches that will please the kids and keep them engaging are nature walks, recycling projects, library activities, and playing games at home.
4. Which are the most recommended apps to manage frugal family budget?
Use YNAB, EveryDollar or GoodBudget. Cash envelope system and a notebook will also do the job should you want to adhere to analog methods.
5. What happens when my husband/wife does not share in the idea of frugal living?
Begin talking to each other frankly, sharing goals such as going on vacation, or getting out of debt. Demystify the idea that small changes can bring big change by showing them the examples.
Hope you liked these tips, you can share this post with one other big family you know of. Cheap living is not a perfect journey, it is an improvement. And you do not have to do it by yourself.
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