How We’re Raising Kids Without Spoiling Them
(Frugal Parent Edition)
Raising unspoiled kids frugally involves teaching them the value of money, distinguishing needs from wants, and emphasizing experiences over material possessions. This means involving them in budgeting, assigning chores for allowance, encouraging saving for desired items, and saying “no” sometimes. Frugal parents model contentment and resourcefulness.
The Millers gave their kids allowances for chores, requiring them to save for “want” items. When their son wanted a $100 video game, he saved for months. This taught him patience and the value of money, preventing an entitlement mentality.
Saving $10,000 in Baby’s First Year
How We Did It
Saving significant money in a baby’s first year involves embracing second-hand gear (clothes, some equipment), breastfeeding if possible (formula is expensive), making your own baby food, cloth diapering, utilizing library programs for free entertainment, and resisting the urge to buy every new baby gadget marketed as “essential.”
The Smiths saved over $10,000 by buying most baby gear used, Sarah breastfeeding, making purees at home, and cloth diapering. They also avoided expensive baby classes, opting for free park playdates, proving a frugal first year is possible.
Second-Hand Baby Gear
What’s Safe (And What to Avoid)
Much baby gear can be safely bought second-hand, saving hundreds: clothes, bouncers, playmats, high chairs (if sturdy and clean), and books. Avoid used car seats (unknown accident history), cribs (unless they meet current safety standards, which change), and breast pumps (hygiene reasons). Always check for recalls on any used item.
Lisa furnished her nursery almost entirely with second-hand finds: a gently used bassinet, clothes from consignment, and a high chair from a friend. However, she bought a new car seat and crib mattress, prioritizing safety for those critical items.
50 FREE Activities To Do With Your Kids
Fun Without Spending
Entertaining kids doesn’t require money. Free activities include: park visits, nature walks/scavenger hunts, library story times, building a fort at home, backyard camping, drawing/crafting with household items, family bike rides, playing board games, visiting free local museums on designated days, or having a picnic. Imagination is key.
The Jackson family made a list of 50 free activities. Every weekend, they’d pick one, like a “puddle jumping expedition” after rain or a “backyard Olympics.” Their kids had a blast, proving fun doesn’t need a price tag.
How To Cloth Diaper
(And How Much It REALLY Saves)
Cloth diapering involves using washable, reusable diapers instead of disposables. While there’s an upfront investment in diapers and accessories (800), it can save 2,000+ per child compared to disposables over 2-3 years. It requires a washing routine but is more eco-friendly and can be cost-effective, especially for multiple children.
Maria invested $500 in a cloth diaper stash for her first baby. She calculated she saved about $70 a month compared to disposables. By the time her baby potty-trained, she had saved nearly $2,000 and used the same stash for her second child.
Frugal Birthday Parties Kids Actually Love
Memorable and Affordable Celebrations
Frugal kids’ birthday parties focus on fun experiences rather than expensive venues or elaborate decorations. Ideas include backyard games, a park picnic with homemade cake, a themed dress-up party at home, a simple craft activity, or a “pizza and movie night.” Kids value fun with friends over costly extravagance.
For her son’s 6th birthday, Sarah hosted a “superhero training camp” in their backyard with simple obstacle courses and homemade capes. The kids loved it, and the party cost under $50, proving memorable parties don’t need to be expensive.
Feeding a Family Frugally
(Without Complaints!)
Feeding a family frugally involves meal planning around sales and seasonal produce, cooking from scratch, minimizing food waste (using leftovers creatively), buying in bulk strategically, reducing meat consumption or using cheaper cuts, and involving kids in cooking to make them more receptive to healthy, homemade meals.
The Chen family ate frugally by planning weekly meals, making big batches of chili or soup, and packing lunches. They involved their kids in choosing one “fun” but healthy meal each week, which reduced complaints about their budget-friendly dinners.
Teaching Kids About Money
Practical, Age-Appropriate Lessons
Teach kids about money early with age-appropriate methods. For young children: use clear jars for Save/Spend/Share. For older kids: give allowances tied to chores, help them budget for desired items, explain needs vs. wants, and involve them in family budget discussions (e.g., “We’re saving for a vacation, so we’re eating out less”).
David gave his 8-year-old daughter an allowance. He helped her divide it into “Spend,” “Save” (for bigger toys), and “Give” jars. This tangible system taught her basic budgeting and the value of saving for goals.
How To Save For College Without Sacrificing Your Own Retirement
Balancing Future Needs
Prioritize your own retirement savings (401k, IRA) before aggressively saving for college; kids can get loans for college, but you can’t for retirement. Utilize 529 plans for tax-advantaged college savings. Encourage kids to seek scholarships and consider affordable school options. It’s about balance, not sacrificing your security.
The Lees prioritized their retirement contributions first. Then, they consistently put a smaller, manageable amount into a 529 plan for their children’s college. They knew their financial security was paramount to truly helping their kids long-term.
Back-To-School Shopping
How We Spend Less Than $50 Per Kid
Frugal back-to-school shopping involves taking inventory of existing supplies first, buying only what’s truly needed from the school list, shopping sales and utilizing coupons, buying generic brands for basics, and checking thrift stores or consignment shops for gently used clothing and backpacks.
Before school started, Maria had her kids “shop” their closets and existing school supplies. They only needed a few new notebooks and pens, which she bought on sale for under $20 total for two kids, far less than the average.
Childcare Costs are Insane
Frugal Alternatives and Strategies
Frugal childcare strategies include: utilizing family support if available, exploring co-op babysitting groups with other parents, considering a nanny share, finding in-home daycares (often cheaper than centers), adjusting work schedules for one parent to be home more, or one parent staying home if financially feasible long-term.
When childcare costs hit $1500 a month, the Wilsons formed a babysitting co-op with three other families. They rotated watching the kids one day a week each, effectively getting free childcare three days a week and drastically reducing their expenses.
The Frugal Parent’s Guide to Extracurricular Activities
Balancing Enrichment and Budget
Manage extracurricular costs by limiting the number of paid activities per child, seeking out free or low-cost community programs (library, parks and rec), volunteering as a coach to offset fees, buying used equipment, and prioritizing activities that offer the most value or passion for the child.
The Johnsons allowed each child one paid extracurricular per season. They supplemented this with free library coding clubs and family bike rides. Their son played soccer with used cleats, keeping enrichment affordable.
Allowances
How We Do It (And Why)
Many frugal families give allowances tied to age-appropriate chores, teaching work ethic and money management. The amount varies. Some use a “Save, Spend, Share” system. The “why” is to provide kids with hands-on experience budgeting, saving for goals, and understanding the value of money from a young age.
The Davis family gave their 10-year-old $10 a week for completing his chores. He was responsible for buying his own small toys or saving for bigger ones. This taught him financial responsibility and how to make choices with his limited funds.
How Having Kids Changed Our Frugal Strategy
Shifting Priorities, New Expenses
Having kids often shifts frugal strategies. While some expenses increase (childcare, food, bigger housing), new frugal opportunities arise (second-hand kids’ items, free family activities). Priorities may shift from extreme saving for early retirement to balancing current family needs with long-term goals, often leading to a more moderate but sustainable frugality.
Before kids, Mark and Lisa saved 50% of their income for early retirement. After their daughter was born, childcare and other baby costs reduced their savings rate to 25%. Their frugality became focused on providing for their family while still saving responsibly.
DIY Toys and Activities That Kids Prefer Over Expensive Gadgets
Imagination is Priceless
Simple, DIY toys and activities often capture children’s imaginations more than expensive gadgets. Cardboard boxes become forts or cars, playdough can be homemade, nature walks yield craft supplies, and empty containers become musical instruments. These foster creativity and prove that engagement doesn’t require high cost.
Instead of buying a $100 play kitchen, Tom made one for his daughter out of cardboard boxes. She spent hours “cooking” and decorating it, proving that her imagination, sparked by a simple DIY creation, was far more engaging than a store-bought toy.
Navigating Peer Pressure
When Your Kids Want What Others Have
Help kids navigate peer pressure by fostering self-esteem based on character, not possessions. Teach them about budgeting and saving for wants. Openly discuss marketing and the difference between needs and perceived social necessities. Validate their feelings but uphold family values and financial boundaries.
When Tim’s son wanted expensive sneakers all his friends had, Tim acknowledged his desire but explained it wasn’t in their budget. They discussed saving allowance for them or finding a more affordable, similar style, teaching financial decision-making.
Saving Money on Kids’ Clothes
(They Grow So Fast!)
Save on kids’ clothes by: accepting hand-me-downs gratefully, shopping at thrift stores and consignment sales, buying off-season for clearance deals, choosing durable, gender-neutral basics that can be passed down, learning basic mending skills, and only buying a few “nice” outfits, focusing on play clothes.
Sarah clothed her two young children almost entirely from consignment sales and hand-me-downs from friends. She estimated she saved over $500 annually compared to buying new, especially since they outgrew items so quickly.
Hand-Me-Downs
How To Organize and Utilize Them Effectively
Effectively use hand-me-downs by: sorting them by size and season as soon as received, storing them in clearly labeled bins, regularly checking what fits your child, passing on items that don’t work for your family (wrong size/season, not your style), and expressing gratitude to the giver.
When her older sister gave her bags of hand-me-downs, Maria immediately sorted them into labeled plastic bins by size (e.g., “2T Summer,” “3T Winter”). This made it easy to find what she needed as her son grew.
Frugal Date Nights
(When You Have Kids and Need a Sitter)
Frugal date nights with kids often mean “at-home” dates after bedtime: cook a special meal together, have a movie night with popcorn, play a board game, or have a themed dessert night. If using a sitter, opt for shorter outings, swap babysitting with friends, or utilize family for free childcare.
The Lees put their kids to bed early one Friday a month for an “at-home date night.” They’d order takeout from their favorite inexpensive restaurant or cook a nice meal, light candles, and connect, all for under $30 without sitter costs.
Making Your Own Baby Food
Easier Than You Think
Making baby food is simple: steam or bake fruits and vegetables (like sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, apples, pears) until soft, then puree them with a little water, breast milk, or formula using a blender or food processor. It’s cheaper, fresher, and allows control over ingredients compared to store-bought jars.
Instead of buying $1 jars of baby food, Emily spent an hour on Sunday steaming and pureeing a batch of sweet potatoes and green beans. It cost her about $3 for a week’s worth of food, saving her nearly $20.
Getting By on One Income After Baby Arrives
Planning and Sacrifice
Transitioning to one income after a baby requires careful planning: drastically reduce discretionary spending, create a tight budget based on the single income, build a substantial emergency fund beforehand, explore ways the stay-at-home parent can contribute (e.g., frugal meal prep, managing household efficiently), and potentially downsize major expenses.
Before their baby arrived, the Johnsons practiced living on John’s income alone for six months, saving Jane’s entire salary. This built their emergency fund and helped them adjust their spending habits for when Jane stayed home.
Frugal Family Vacations That Create Memories
Affordable Adventures
Frugal family vacations focus on experiences over luxury. Consider camping, road trips to nearby attractions, staying with family or in budget-friendly rentals (Airbnb outside tourist hot-spots), packing your own food, and seeking out free activities like hiking, beach days, or visiting local parks and festivals.
The Davis family went camping at a state park for their vacation. They spent $100 on campsite fees and food for three days. The kids loved hiking and roasting marshmallows, creating lasting memories for a fraction of a resort vacation cost.
What To Do When Family/Grandparents Spoil The Kids
Setting Gentle Boundaries
When family members spoil kids with excessive gifts, have a polite, private conversation. Express gratitude for their generosity, but explain your family’s values around materialism or specific limits (e.g., “one gift per occasion,” or “experiences rather than toys”). Suggest alternatives like contributions to a college fund or shared outings.
When Grandma showered the kids with toys every visit, Laura gently told her, “We so appreciate your thoughtfulness! We’re trying to teach the kids about saving, so maybe an experience gift or a book next time?”
Buying Used Toys
A Frugal and Eco-Friendly Win
Buying used toys from thrift stores, consignment sales, or online marketplaces is a fantastic way to save money and reduce environmental impact. Kids often outgrow toys quickly or lose interest, so perfectly good items are readily available for a fraction of their new price. Always clean used toys thoroughly.
Instead of buying a new $40 toy truck, Mark found a similar one in excellent condition at a garage sale for $5. His son loved it just as much, and Mark saved $35 while also keeping a toy out of the landfill.
Building a Frugal Maternity / Paternity Wardrobe
Comfort and Savings During Transition
Build a frugal parental wardrobe by: borrowing from friends who’ve recently been pregnant, shopping consignment or thrift stores for maternity/nursing clothes, buying a few versatile basics (leggings, long tops, belly bands) that can be mixed and matched, and choosing items that can transition into postpartum wear.
For her pregnancy, Sarah borrowed maternity jeans from her sister, bought a few nursing tops at a consignment sale, and mostly wore her regular stretchy tops and cardigans. This saved her hundreds on a temporary wardrobe.
Are Family Passes (Zoo, Museum) Worth The Money?
Calculating Cost Per Visit
Family passes to zoos, museums, or science centers can be worth the money if you plan to visit frequently enough that the pass cost is less than paying individual admission fees each time. Calculate the break-even point (pass cost divided by per-visit family admission cost) to determine if it’s a frugal choice for your family.
A family zoo pass cost $150. Single visit admission for the Miller family was $50. They knew they’d visit at least three times that year, making the pass a worthwhile investment that encouraged more outings.
How To Talk To Your Partner About Family Finances
Open Communication for Shared Goals
Discuss family finances with your partner by scheduling regular, calm “money dates.” Be open and honest about income, debts, spending, and goals. Listen to each other’s perspectives, work together to create a budget, and agree on shared financial priorities. Use “we” language and focus on teamwork.
Laura and her husband used to argue about money. They started having weekly “finance check-ins” with no blame, just reviewing their budget and goals. This open communication got them on the same page and reduced financial stress.
Setting Financial Boundaries With Adult Children
Supporting, Not Enabling
Setting financial boundaries with adult children means providing support (emotional, occasional guidance) without enabling financial dependence indefinitely. This might involve clearly communicating when financial assistance will end, encouraging them to budget and live within their means, and avoiding cosigning loans or bailing them out of poor financial decisions repeatedly.
When their 25-year-old son kept asking for money, the Chens lovingly but firmly explained he needed to create a budget and find ways to increase his income, as their regular financial support had to end.
Frugal Ways To Celebrate Holidays With Kids
Joyful and Budget-Friendly Traditions
Frugal holiday celebrations focus on traditions and togetherness over expensive gifts and decorations. Ideas: DIY decorations and gifts, potluck meals, focusing on experiences (caroling, looking at lights, holiday-themed movie nights), setting gift-giving limits or drawing names, and volunteering as a family.
For Christmas, the Smiths focused on baking cookies together, making homemade ornaments, and driving around to see holiday lights. They set a modest gift budget, emphasizing family time over expensive presents, creating cherished, frugal traditions.
Eating Out With Kids Without Blowing The Budget
Smart Restaurant Strategies
Eat out with kids frugally by: choosing restaurants where kids eat free or cheap on certain nights, sharing adult meals with young children, ordering water instead of pricey sodas or juices, looking for lunch specials or early bird deals, and packing snacks/drinks for before or after to avoid expensive add-ons.
The Walker family loved eating out but had a tight budget. They often went to a local pizzeria on Tuesdays when kids ate free with an adult entree, allowing them a family meal out for under $25.
How to Use Your Local Library To Save Thousands
A Treasure Trove of Free Resources
Your local library offers far more than books, saving families thousands annually. Utilize free access to: DVDs/Blu-rays, audiobooks, museum passes, children’s programs and story times, internet and computer access, meeting rooms, online learning platforms, magazines, and sometimes even a “Library of Things” (tools, games).
The Peterson family cancelled their streaming services and instead borrowed movies and TV series from the library, saving $50 a month. They also attended free toddler story time and used library museum passes, saving hundreds more.
Creating a “Yes” Space for Kids
(That Doesn’t Cost a Fortune)
A “yes” space is an area where kids can play freely and explore without constant “no’s.” Create one frugally by childproofing a room or corner, using second-hand or DIY storage for toys (bins, shelves), providing open-ended play materials (blocks, art supplies, dress-up clothes – many found used or homemade), and ensuring easy cleanup.
Maria set up a “yes” corner in her living room for her toddler with a soft rug (thrifted), low bins of Duplo blocks (hand-me-downs), and board books (library discards). Her daughter could play safely and independently without expensive setups.
Frugal Teenagers
Driving, Phones, Jobs, and Budgets
Navigate frugal teen years by: having teens contribute to car insurance/gas if they drive, opting for budget-friendly phone plans or used phones, encouraging part-time jobs for spending money and savings, teaching them to budget their earnings, and involving them in family discussions about costs for activities or desired items.
When their son turned 16, the Bells had him pay for half his car insurance from his part-time job earnings. They also helped him set up a budget for his phone bill and spending money, teaching valuable financial skills.
Creating Family Traditions That Don’t Cost Money
Priceless Memories
Meaningful family traditions don’t need to be expensive. Consider: weekly family game nights, monthly themed dinner-and-a-movie nights at home, annual backyard camping, volunteering together for a cause, creating a yearly time capsule, or having a special “pancake Saturday” breakfast. Consistency and togetherness are what make them special.
The Chen family’s favorite tradition was “Friday Fort Night.” They’d build a giant blanket fort in the living room, eat popcorn, and tell stories. It cost nothing but created years of cherished memories.
Staycations
A Frugal Family Adventure
A staycation involves enjoying vacation-like experiences in your own city or region without the cost of travel and expensive accommodation. Explore local parks, museums (check for free days), hiking trails, community pools, or have themed days at home (e.g., “beach day” in the backyard). It’s a budget-friendly way to create family fun.
Instead of an expensive beach trip, the Miller family had a “City Explorer Staycation.” They visited local historical sites, had a picnic by the river, and tried a new ice cream shop each day, discovering hidden gems in their hometown affordably.
Dealing With Unexpected Kid Costs
(Braces, Field Trips, Broken Bones)
Manage unexpected kid costs by having a robust emergency fund. For predictable but irregular costs like field trips or sports fees, use sinking funds. For major expenses like braces, research payment plans or financing options well in advance. Frugal habits in other areas create buffer for these inevitable expenses.
When their daughter needed braces costing $5,000, the Wilsons were prepared. They had a “medical/dental” sinking fund and the orthodontist offered an interest-free payment plan, making the large expense manageable without derailing their main budget.
Toy Rotation
Keep Kids Engaged Without Buying New
Toy rotation involves storing a portion of your child’s toys out of sight and regularly swapping them with the toys currently in use. This keeps playthings feeling “new” and engaging, reduces clutter, and curbs the desire to constantly buy new toys, saving significant money.
Sarah kept half her toddler’s toys in a bin in the closet. Every two weeks, she’d swap them out. Her son would greet the “old” toys with fresh excitement, as if they were brand new, eliminating the need for constant toy purchases.
Balancing Frugality With Giving Kids Great Experiences
Value Over Cost
Frugality doesn’t mean depriving kids of experiences. It means prioritizing experiences that offer high value (learning, bonding, joy) for lower cost. This could be camping instead of a luxury resort, library programs instead of expensive classes, or nature walks instead of amusement parks. Focus on quality time and creating memories.
The Johnsons couldn’t afford Disneyland, but they took their kids on an annual camping trip filled with hiking, storytelling, and stargazing. These experiences cost little but provided rich family bonding and lasting memories.
Consignment Sales
How To Sell (And Buy) Kids’ Stuff
Children’s consignment sales are events where people sell gently used kids’ clothing, toys, and gear, and shoppers find bargains. To sell: price items competitively, ensure they are clean and in good condition, and follow the sale’s tagging rules. To buy: go early for best selection, inspect items carefully, and know your child’s current sizes.
Maria sold her children’s outgrown clothes at a local consignment sale, earning $150. She then used that money to buy clothes in the next sizes up at the same sale, effectively outfitting her kids for very little out-of-pocket cost.
Frugal Self-Care For Overwhelmed Parents
Recharging on a Budget
Frugal self-care for parents can include: taking a long bath, reading a library book, going for a solo walk or run, meditating, enjoying a cup of tea in silence, engaging in a hobby (many are low-cost), or swapping childcare with a friend for a few hours of uninterrupted time. It’s about finding small, affordable ways to recharge.
Overwhelmed, Lisa, a stay-at-home mom, started waking up 30 minutes before her kids to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee and read. This free, simple act of self-care made a huge difference in her daily stress levels.
Screen Time: Frugal Entertainment or Costly Habit?
Balancing Act for Families
Screen time can be a frugal entertainment option if it utilizes free content (library apps, YouTube Kids with supervision, free educational games). However, it becomes costly if it leads to expensive gaming subscriptions, in-app purchases, or displaces active, creative play that fosters development. Moderation and content choice are key.
The Davis family allowed limited daily screen time using free educational apps and library streaming services. They balanced this with plenty of outdoor play and reading, ensuring screens were a supplement, not a replacement, for other activities.
Starting a 529 Plan With Small, Consistent Contributions
Investing in Future Education
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan for education expenses. Even small, consistent contributions (
50 a month) can grow significantly over 18+ years due to compound interest. Starting early, even with modest amounts, makes a big difference in reducing future college debt.
When their daughter was born, the Chos started a 529 plan with an automatic $50 monthly contribution. It seemed small, but they knew over nearly two decades, those consistent contributions would add up to a helpful sum for college.
The Cost of Having Pets
A Frugal Family’s Guide
Pets bring joy but also costs: food, vet care (including unexpected emergencies), grooming, toys, and supplies. Frugal pet ownership involves: adopting from a shelter (lower initial cost), choosing pet insurance wisely or having a dedicated pet emergency fund, buying food in bulk or on sale, and DIYing toys and treats.
The Miller family adopted a cat from a shelter. They bought food in bulk, made their own cat toys from household items, and set aside $30 monthly in a “pet emergency fund,” enjoying their furry friend without breaking the bank.
Moving With a Family on a Budget
Relocating Without Overspending
Moving a family frugally involves: decluttering ruthlessly to reduce volume, sourcing free boxes (grocery stores, online groups), packing yourself, comparing costs of DIY truck rental vs. shipping pods, enlisting friends for help on moving day (pizza and thanks as payment), and transferring utilities efficiently to avoid overlap.
When the Smiths moved, they decluttered heavily, packed everything themselves in free boxes from the liquor store, and rented the smallest truck necessary. Friends helped load and unload, significantly reducing their moving expenses compared to hiring professionals.
How Community and Swapping Can Save Young Families a Fortune
Sharing Resources, Reducing Costs
Young families can save immensely by engaging with their community: join Buy Nothing groups to give and receive items for free, participate in clothing/toy swaps with other parents, share babysitting duties in a co-op, borrow occasional-use items (like baby gear or tools) from neighbors, and share bulk purchases.
Sarah’s moms’ group organized a bi-annual kids’ clothing swap. Parents brought outgrown items and “shopped” for free from others’ contributions. This saved everyone hundreds of dollars on clothes each year and built community.
Making Lunches vs. School Lunch
Cost Breakdown
Making lunches at home is almost always cheaper than buying school lunch. While school lunches offer convenience, daily costs (e.g.,
4.00) add up quickly. Homemade lunches using bulk-bought ingredients, leftovers, and simple sandwiches can cost significantly less per meal, often under $1.50, saving hundreds per child annually.
Lisa calculated that school lunch cost her $3.50 daily per child, totaling $70 a month for one. By packing lunches with sandwiches, fruit, and bulk snacks, she spent about $30 a month, saving $40 per child.
Affordable Summer Camp Alternatives
Fun Without the Hefty Price Tag
Affordable summer camp alternatives include: local parks and recreation programs (often subsidized), library summer reading programs and activities, YMCA or Boys & Girls Club camps (often offer sliding scale fees), DIY “camps” at home with themed weeks, or creating a “camp co-op” with other parents, rotating hosting duties.
Instead of a $400/week private summer camp, the Johnsons enrolled their kids in their city’s parks and rec day camp for $75/week. The kids enjoyed sports, crafts, and field trips at a fraction of the cost.
Side Hustles For Stay-At-Home Parents
Earning Extra From Home
Stay-at-home parents can earn extra income through flexible side hustles: freelance writing/editing/graphic design, virtual assistant services, online tutoring, selling crafts on Etsy, providing in-home childcare for another family, pet-sitting or dog-walking, or creating and selling digital products. These can supplement family income without requiring traditional employment.
While staying home with her kids, Maria started a small Etsy shop selling handmade greeting cards. It brought in an extra 300 a month, which helped cover extracurricular activity costs and added to their savings.
How Frugality Helps Us Afford a Stay-At-Home Parent
Making One Income Work
A frugal lifestyle is often key to affording a stay-at-home parent. By consciously minimizing expenses across all categories (housing, transportation, food, entertainment), reducing or eliminating debt, and focusing on needs over wants, a family can comfortably live on one income, allowing one parent to care for children full-time.
The Davises wanted Sarah to stay home with their children. They achieved this by living in a smaller, affordable house, driving older paid-off cars, and meticulously budgeting their food and entertainment. Their frugal choices made a one-income lifestyle possible.
Lessons in Frugality My Kids Have Taught ME
Simple Wisdom from Young Minds
Kids can inadvertently teach adults about frugality: they often find joy in simple things (a cardboard box, a walk in nature), are masters of imaginative play without expensive toys, are less susceptible to brand marketing initially, and their rapid growth highlights the fleeting value of material possessions, encouraging mindful consumption.
Watching his daughter play happily for hours with an empty oatmeal container “drum,” Tom realized he often overspent on toys she quickly ignored. Her simple joy taught him that expensive doesn’t always equal engaging or valuable.