Ever heard of a savings idea that just doesn’t make sense? Things that people claim are frugal, but the math just doesn’t work out? There are some things that people swear are frugal, but they just don’t make sense, especially anymore. These may have been frugal once upon a time, but these outdated pieces of advice just don’t hold water anymore, for so many reasons. Here are some of the old-school frugal habits that you might have picked up or internalized that just don’t make sense anymore. It’s time to leave them behind and look for new and more modern savings advice! Bundles Are Cheaper Old-School Frugal Habit: Bundles are cheaper. Modern Truth: Fast food bundles, cable and internet packages, and ski, amusement, and hotel packages are rarely deals. Now, all the packages do is rope you into buying more, not discount both package items. Dollar Stores Old-School Frugal Habit: Always shop at the Dollar Store.  Modern Truth: Do you mean $1.25 stores? That’s right, even the dollar stores no longer sell things for a dollar. It’s essential to be vigilant about each item. Sure, a can of tuna “only” costs $1.25, but the same can is only .77$ at Aldi. So, it’s not always what it appears to be. And, many cleaners and bathroom toiletries are smaller, tricking you into believing you’re saving money when you’re not. Buying the Larger Size Old-School Frugal Habit: Buy the larger size. Truth: Buying the larger size isn’t always the best deal. This is a real-life story: someone explained that buying two 16-oz blocks of cheese at the store was cheaper than the 32-oz she had in her hand, so she swapped it out. However, when she attempted to tip off another shopper, their response in a snotty tone was, “I don’t need two…” Buying Things on Sale Old-School Frugal Habit: Always buy on sale. Modern Truth: The myth of getting a good deal, so needing to buy it because it is on sale, costs you more in the long run. For example, if you go to the mall every weekend to hit clearance racks. Instead, you waste money on items you don’t need just because they’re “on sale.” DIY Projects Old-School Frugal Habit: DIY to save money.  Modern Truth: Doing things yourself is cheaper but won’t necessarily save you money. While you can save some money on basic DIY jobs, attempting to tackle projects that require a professional will end up costing you in the long run.  Fast Food Is Cheaper Old-School Frugal Habit: Fast Food might not be healthy, but it’s cheap. Modern Truth: While dollar menus may have helped add to the rumor, those days are long gone. Also, eating that non-nutritious food will cost you more in the long run. Gardening Old-School Frugal Habit: Grow your own food to save money.  Modern Truth: Gardening is an expensive hobby. Although it might cost a little more, the recreation is enjoyable, and the food is fresh. However, the ” grow your

Raising kids is one of the most rewarding experiences in life—but it’s also one of the most expensive. From groceries and childcare to activities and unexpected expenses, family finances can quickly feel overwhelming without a clear plan. That’s where budgeting comes in. Why Budgeting Is Essential for Families with Kids In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a realistic family budget, optimize spending, and build long-term financial stability. We’ll also walk through a detailed monthly budget example for a family of four so you can see exactly how it works in practice. If you’ve ever wondered where your money went at the end of the month, you’re not alone. Families with kids face unique financial challenges: Variable expenses (school, sports, birthdays) Rising grocery costs Childcare or after-school care Healthcare and insurance Saving for future goals (college, vacations, home upgrades) A solid budget helps you: Gain control of your cash flow Reduce financial stress Plan for irregular expenses Teach kids healthy money habits Build savings and wealth over time Step 1: Calculate Your Family’s Monthly Net Income Start with your net income—the amount you actually bring home after taxes and deductions. Include: Salaries Side income Child support or alimony (if applicable) Government benefits or tax credits Example: Parent 1 take-home pay: $4,500 Parent 2 take-home pay: $3,500 Total monthly net income: $8,000 Step 2: Track Your Current Spending Before building a budget, understand your current habits. Look at the last 2–3 months of: Bank statements Credit card transactions Subscriptions Group spending into categories: Housing Food Transportation Child-related expenses Entertainment Debt payments This step often reveals “leaks” like: Unused subscriptions Frequent takeout Impulse purchases Step 3: Use a Family-Friendly Budget Framework A popular approach is the 50/30/20 rule, but families often need a modified version: Recommended Family Budget Breakdown 50–60% Needs Housing, groceries, insurance, utilities, childcare 20–30% Wants Dining out, entertainment, vacations 10–20% Savings & Debt Paydown Emergency fund, retirement, college savings Families with young kids may temporarily spend more on “needs” (especially childcare), and that’s okay. Step 4: Plan for Kid-Specific Expenses Children introduce costs that can sneak up on you if you don’t plan ahead. Common Family Expenses to Include Recurring: Groceries Diapers or baby supplies School lunches Extracurricular activities Childcare or babysitting Periodic: Clothing (seasonal) Birthday parties and gifts School supplies Summer camps Holidays Long-Term: College savings Braces or medical needs Technology (phones, laptops) Monthly Budget Example for a Family of 4 Let’s walk through a realistic monthly budget example for a family of four (2 adults, 2 kids) with a net income of $8,000. Income Total Monthly Take-Home Pay: $8,000 Fixed Expenses (needs) CategoryAmountMortgage/Rent$2,200Property Taxes/HOA$300Utilities (electric, water, gas)$300Internet & Phones$150Insurance (health, home, auto)$800Childcare / After-school care$1,200Minimum Debt Payments$300Total Fixed Costs$5,250$5,250 Variable Expenses (Needs + Wants) CategoryAmountGroceries$900Gas & Transportation$400Dining Out$250Kids Activities$300Clothing$150Household Supplies$150Subscriptions$100Total Variable Costs$2,250