I'm always looking for ways to save a little money, but I also know myself well enough to know that I don't have a lot of extra time for clipping coupons or doing all the things.
I want the easy stuff! š The apps that take a few minutes... the free birthday rewards to places we already love... the kids' activities that are free or discounted (hello, Home Depot Kids Workshops!).
So, I put together some of my favorite money-saving tips for families, including a few things you may not be using yet.
And because not all money-saving ideas are created equal, I'm giving each one a Mom Effort Rating from 1–5 stars.
Let's get into it!
1. Use Fetch to Turn Your Receipts Into Gift Cards
If you aren't using Fetch yet, this is probably one of the easiest things on this list.
Fetch is an app that gives you points for taking pictures of your receipts. You can scan receipts from stores and link eligible digital receipts to earn points toward gift cards.
I literally just take a picture of my receipt after I get home and then toss it. Sometimes I'll make a small stack on the counter and scan a few at once. You have 14 days to submit a receipt, so you don't have to do it immediately.
Once you earn enough points, you can redeem them for gift cards to stores like Amazon, Disney Store, or Marshalls, just to name a few.
I love using the points for a "free" coffee or grabbing a couple of fun things I probably wouldn't have bought otherwise.
2. Check Ibotta Before You Grocery Shop
Ibotta is another app I use to get money back on purchases I'm already making.
The difference between Ibotta and Fetch is that with Ibotta, you need to activate offers before you shop. If you do it after the transaction at the register is complete, it's too late. Then you submit your receipt and get cash back when you meet the offer requirements.
This one does take a little more effort than Fetch because you actually need to check the app before you go shopping. For example, if I'm already buying toothpaste, I'll search for the brand I'm buying and see if there's an offer available. Maybe it's something like "$4 back when you buy 2." They give you specific information about what you need to buy (i.e. package size or quantity), and you only get the reward if it matches.
I usually only search for things I'm already planning to buy. You can browse through all of the available offers too, but I don't want to convince myself I "need" something just because I can get a couple dollars back. š
3. Sign Up for Birthday Rewards
If you aren't taking advantage of birthday freebies and rewards, you're leaving free stuff on the table!
A lot of restaurants, coffee shops and stores offer birthday rewards when you sign up for their loyalty programs.
Some are free food or drinks, while others are coupons or discounts.
The trick is to sign up before your birthday. Some programs require you to be a member for a certain amount of time before you qualify for the birthday reward. Others, like the Starbucks app, may require you to make a purchase during the year.
And don't forget about the kids!
Some rewards programs let you add your whole family, like Culver's, so you can collect birthday rewards for everyone instead of just yourself.
It takes a little time to sign up for everything, but once you're in the system, those birthday rewards can show up every year. A free coffee and ice cream on my birthday? Yes please!
4. Look for Free Kids' Meals
Eating out with kids can get expensive FAST.
Check to see if any local restaurants offer a kids-eat-free night or another kids' meal promotion and plan your family dinners out around that! These deals vary by restaurant and can change, so always check the current details before you go.
5. Check Your Library Before Paying for an Activity
Your library card can get you a lot more than books!
At many Wisconsin libraries, you can check out passes for places like Wisconsin State Parks and local zoos, which can save you quite a bit if you're planning a family outing.
And then there's the Library of Things. Madison Public Library has things you might not expect to find at the library, including vinyl records, BCycle bikes and helmets, disc golf kits, a seed library, DVD players and more.
Libraries also have plenty of free things going on throughout the year, including storytimes, crafts, movie nights, performances and other activities for kids (many of which can be found on our calendar).
So before spending $20+ on something to do with the kids, check your local library first. You might be able to borrow what you need or find something fun to do for free.
6. Take Advantage of Fuel Rewards
If you're already buying groceries, grabbing gas, or making regular stops at the same stores, check to see if they have a rewards program that can save you money on fuel.
For example, Kwik Trip's Kwik Rewards program lets you earn fuel discounts by purchasing qualifying items in the store. The app also shows current offers, so it's worth checking before you shop.
And don't forget about your grocery store! Some grocery chains have fuel-point programs where you can earn points on your grocery purchases and use them toward gas (check Metro Market, Pick 'n Save, and Festival to name a few).
7. Get a Little Money Back With Mavely
I love Mavely (now called Later), and this is one of those things I wish I had started using sooner.
If you do a lot of online shopping or you're always sending your friends links to things you love, Mavely lets you create affiliate links for products you find online. When someone makes a qualifying purchase through your link, you can earn money.
I originally started using it because I already love sharing my favorite kid and family finds through my other site and Facebook group. But then I realized I could also use it when I was shopping for my own family. Diapers? Yep. Cleaning supplies? Yep. Even that oversized swivel chair I had been eyeing for months? Yep. š
If I'm already going to buy something online, I'll create a Mavely link for the item and shop through that link when eligible. When I see a few dollars come back, I get a ridiculous amount of satisfaction out of it.
You don't have to be a full-time influencer. It's free to get started, and you don't need a certain number of followers to sign up.
Once you've got your account set up, it really doesn't take much effort. I only ranked it a 3 because you need to sign up and become a little familiar with the rules of linking (disclosing it's an affiliate link, etc...), but the actual creating the link and shopping from it is a 1/5!!
This is probably one of my favorite easy money-saving/money-making tips, so if you have questions about how I use Mavely, reach out! I'm happy to help.
Mavely (Later) Affiliate Link
8. Use Kids Bowl Free When It's Available
Kids Bowl Free is a program I recommend anyone who's going bowling with kids to check out!
Participating bowling alleys offer free bowling for kids during designated dates and times. Families generally still pay for shoe rental unless they have another promotion or membership that covers it.
The exact dates, times and participating locations vary, so check what's available near you.
While the program is often associated with summer, some bowling alleys have programs or promotions that extend into September and October.
It's a great option to keep in mind when you're looking for something to do without paying full price for an entire family bowling outing.
9. Check Resale Events for Kids' Clothes and Toys
Kids grow out of clothes ridiculously fast.
Before buying an entire new wardrobe at full price, check out local children's resale events.
Events like Half Pint and Just Between Friends can be a great way to find gently used kids' clothing, shoes, toys and other family items for less than buying everything new.
And if your kids have outgrown a closet full of clothes, you may be able to make some money back by selling them.
You're saving money on the front end and potentially making some back on the things your kids no longer need.
10. Check Facebook Marketplace Before Buying Something New
I absolutely love Facebook Marketplace! I've found some really awesome stuff on there, and it's one of the first places I check when I'm looking for something specific.
And it works the other way, too. If we have outgrown something that's still in good shape, I like to try and sell it!
One family's "I don't need this anymore" can be another family's "I've been looking everywhere for this."
Bonus: Use Rewards Credit Cards for Things You're Already Buying
One important rule: only use a rewards credit card if you're able to pay off the balance and avoid carrying credit card debt. The rewards aren't worth it if you're paying interest!
But if you already use a credit card for everyday expenses and pay it off each month, it can be a really easy way to earn rewards for money you're already spending.
We have a hotel rewards credit card that has been really worthwhile for our family. We've used the points to cash in for multiple hotel nights, which can make a family trip a whole lot more affordable.
There are tons of different rewards cards out there, so it's worth looking at what your family already spends money on and what types of rewards you'd actually use.
A Few More Quick Ways to Save Money as a Family
- Host birthday parties at a local park
- Open a high-yield savings account
- Create a family budget
- Try weekly meal planning
- Review your recurring expenses
