How Women Can Save More to Work Less for Life Balance

February 8th, 2012 Balance Family, Work, Self

Recently, I had a very good friend of mine really take stock of her life, examine the direction of her business and evaluate her family’s needs. After much blood, sweat and tears that went into running her business, she decided the answer was to put the business on the back burner. This would allow her to focus on her husband’s business which is growing, allow for more mommy time with their child and also create time for self-care such as exercise. Now she can focus on what’s important for her in her life life right now. Even it that still keeps her busy, it’s a more balanced busy. Hats off to you girl!!

So that brings up the subject of readjusting the household budget to accommodate a decrease in income. As a former stay-at-home mom for 11 years, I know what it’s like to watch the budget and live within my means. Now as a single mom, I really have to toe the budget line. The circumstances in both of our lives have forced us to take a closer look at our spending habits and how we can still have what we want for less. Often times we work our butts off when we could really just find ways to cut back, make some changes in our spending and not have to work quite so hard or for so many hours.

Cutting back or finding a better deal does not mean you have to live without or live with less. Here are a bunch of easy ways you can look for ways to save:

1) Get quotes for services that you already have. You may be able to get a better deal with another company or you may get a better deal with the company you already use if you explain that you are shopping around and need a better price for your budget. Recently I switched from cable to a dish to do just that.

Calls you should make: Cell phone company, cable company, auto insurance company, homeowner’s insurance.

2) Make sure you are maintaining your car to attempt to avoid any major breakdowns or repairs. Keep up on tune-ups, oil changes and check on the condition of your tires. Catching a problem early could save you a big bill later, not to mention the headache.

3) Start couponing so you can get the most out of your grocery shopping trips. Groceries are probably the second biggest bill next to the mortgage. If couponing makes you groan, then at least plan your shopping around the weekly ads for your local grocery store, that’s mainly what I do.

4) Reserve eating in restaurants or fast food as a special treat, eating out can be a major budget killer.

5) If you are in the market for a particular item, see if you can get it on craigslist in good condition before buying it brand new. I bought an awesome kitchen table set this way and I was so happy with myself!

5) Can you pamper yourself? Instead of expensive salon trips, can you go a little longer between haircuts or find a more affordable stylist? I switched from a stylist in a salon to a stylist who works from her home. Can you go to your local beauty supply shop and buy face masks, deep conditioners and quality nail polish to do your own nails?

6) Put on your tool belt for your own home repairs. Consider learning how to do some of the repairs that creep up on your own or ask a friend who can do it before spending a ton of money on a professional. But don’t try to fix something on your own that’s too hard and makes the repair problem worse!

7) Exercise at home or get out the door for a run or a bike ride. You can come up with something creative if you need to let the gym membership go.

I’ve got a pretty darn simple budget, but we are never without and we have everything we need and most of what we want. Sure, I’d love an iPad or a smart phone, but that’s not where I’m at right now and that’s OK. Where can you cut back and still have a good life?

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