Just a few months left in the year and once again I am trying to assess how we have fared financially this year. I think almost any mom puts the budget among her new year’s resolution every year and although it is too early to start writing mine, I figured that I could benefit from budgeting tips any time of the year. Not only would constant reminders help a lot, it would hopefully prevent us from taking any cash advance loan in case of emergencies.

• Review the expenses. It would help a lot to list down all the household expenses and then from time to time, review them. Since almost ¾ of the year is almost over, it is a good time to take stock of the household budget situation. Add up all the expenses and list them down in descending order. This would help a lot in seeing which things are taking up most of the family budget. You could also do this on a month by month basis. This way, you could easily identify the biggest expenditures and you could focus on bringing that down.
• Prepare for emergencies. In our experience emergency expenses could totally wipe out any good efforts for the year if you are not prepared for it in some way. Set aside money every month for future health emergencies, car troubles, or house repairs.
• Want or need? It can be pretty difficult to distinguish between these two especially if there are sales going on everywhere. However, limiting the spending on as little wants as possible and sticking to the needs could greatly improve the family expenses. Admittedly though, this is made even more difficult with how everything is within reach through online shopping.
• Set a goal. Every year, set financial goals for the family. Make sure the goal is bigger and better every year. This way, you do not just focus on limiting something which are expenses but you also work actively towards something.

One of the hardest things as a parent is coming up with meals on a daily basis. It seems like you always eat the same thing and your kids are always asking, “What’s for dinner?” If this sounds like you and your family, then you should take some time to put together a calendar menu and get your family involved in the decision making. This will help you be less stressed and make meal time more enjoyable.

If you are worried about money and are considering a mortgage refinance Virginia residents can get, then you are probably looking for other ways to save money too. Your groceries are a great place to save money. The best strategy to save money at the grocery store is to sit down with the Sunday newspaper ads and clip coupons for the things you are going to buy. You should also plan your meals around what items are on sale that week. Then write out a list and don’t buy anything that isn’t on the list. This takes a little time, patience, and planning, but it is a great way to save money on food.

Your family really should be giving input on what meals they want to eat during the week. Sure, not all requests can be satisfied, but any idea is better than no idea. Have each of your kids suggest at least one meal idea each week. This will help ensure that you do not get in a rut and eat the same things week after week and your family will be happy about what they eat too. You could take the idea further and have each member of your family be in charge of one meal per week and they have to help cook it too. Your kids will learn cooking skills and you will be less stressed about meals.