My husband left his teaching position in October of 2007. The income I gain from writing (mostly online) has been enough to keep our heads above water, but only just enough so that we can breath. Things would be better if I had squeezed the finances tighter in the beginning but would’ve, should’ve or could’ve will not put money in the account.

Saving Money when There IS no Money

1. Eat from the pantry, freezer and other places where we tend to store food. I have managed to feed the family quite well using creative recipes that include items I already have. That tip only goes for so long and then you will have to start restocking, but we have made it two months without a major grocery trip.

2. Find free entertainment. Friday has become library day. After the older boys finish school and the youngest (and dad) get up from a nap then it is off to the library for movies and new books. We also try to make time to go to the recreation center to play in the gym or at the playground. Let the kids choose the activity and there is no telling where you might end up.

3. Use what you have even if it may not be what you wanted. My mother-in-law got Red Rooster plates for her wedding china. They have been in storage since my husband and I inherited them. I am NOT a rooster kind of gal. But the truth is that my kitchen is a rooster kind of kitchen and we do need new dishes and there is no reason to leave the thing that I need sitting in the shed even if the thing I need may not be exactly what I want.

4. Be honest – with yourself and with your family. Financial troubles may be able to be hidden for a time but eventually the truth will catch up and it is usually worse by that time. Talk to your family. They may have some ideas that can help you get out of trouble before you hole is too deep. Talk to the kids. Let them know that things will be tight for a bit but that you will work it out together. Honesty really is the best policy when the money is tight.

Saving money when there is no money does not always mean that you are building up a giant nest egg to use down the road. It may just mean that you are building up enough support to keep a little breathing room. It may mean that you are using every thing that you can find just to stay afloat.

No matter where you are in your financial walk, there is always something extra that you can do. Sit down and think hard about where you can cut, what you can do differently or maybe where you need to add to help keep your finances above water.

Tips for Baseball Savings

1. Eat before you head out to the ball field. Not everyone has time to cook a meal between getting home and heading out so this is a great time to use the crock pot. Throw a few ingredients in the Crockpot in the morning and the meal will be ready when you arrive home. Add a green salad or some fresh fruit and you will have a well balanced meal.

2. Pack up a cooler with some drinks or just carry a few to the ballpark. A large Gatorade will cost just over $1 at the grocery store. A smaller version at the ballpark will run around $2. The same costs exist with the waters and the soft drinks.

3. Keep some gum, candy and small snacks in a purse or bag that goes to the ballgames each time. This is also a great place to stash some toys and activities to entertain smaller children.

4. Wait until the end of the game. Not all ball fields will do it, but some do hand out (or discount) food items at the end of the night.

5. Plan to splurge on occasions but be picky. Choose foods that you are not able to buy at the grocery store like a hotdog or hamburger. The kids will feel like they are being treated and you won’t feel like you are being robbed. Buying from the concession stand can also be a way of supporting the local recreation center or sports booster club.

Baseball season may mark the beginning of warmer days but it can also mark the decline in the bank account. Following a few simple tips can help you save big bucks during baseball season without leaving you (or your children) feeling deprived.