Today, families more than ever are looking to save money. However, having fun with your family is still a priority and something that all parents want to give to their children, but at a good price. No one can fully enjoy going out to restaurants or taking a vacation if they’re spending outside of what they can truly afford.   Every family wants to live their lives to the fullest!  Find out how to save on any activity your family wants to participate in.

Saving Money at Restaurants

A great way to save money at restaurants is to take advantage of promotional deals. KidsMealDeals.com and MyKidsEatFree.com are two great online sources for finding discounted or free meals for your children at local restaurants. Another source of savings are coupons in both large and smaller, independent newspapers. In my area, the smaller publications are placed in businesses all over the city and are free to take. They offer locally owned business coupons for bakeries, restaurants, shops, etc. This is one way to support local business and save money while doing something special with your family.  It is also a great way to discover new or more ‘underground’ places. Some of what you find may turn into a family favorite!

Saving Money on Family Vacations and Trips

Vacations are one of the most memorable parts of growing up. It can be expensive to pay for accommodations and food for your family. WeJustGotBack.com is an excellent source for planning an economically friendly trip, and also for ideas and tips for taking vacations from other families. In addition, visiting hotel websites or calling the hotels in the city you’re considering staying in can net you a bargain as well. On top of promotions for kids staying or eating free, speaking to a manager directly can save you money. For a weekend trip, I found a room on a discount travel website, called the hotel, and the manager offered, without me even asking, to discount the room an additional 25% a night if I booked directly through them!  Even if you do have to ask for an additional incentive to give a hotel your business, the worst that they can do is say no.

Saving Money on Everything Else, Every Time You Leave the House

Before we leave the house to buy anything out of the ordinary, I do a quick search to see if there are printable coupons out there for what we are about to do. One site that I can generally rely on is RetailMeNot.com. They offer printable coupons as well as promotional codes that can be used for online shopping discounts. I find myself going back to them again and again whether I’m buying clothing in the store or online, paint at a home improvement store, or looking to save money when we’re going out to have ice cream as a treat. Signing up at store and restaurant websites is also a great way to receive coupons directly in your inbox!
There is absolutely no reason to pay full price for anything in a market like the one we’re currently in. Business owners are fighting for your business. Take advantage of all of the free ways you can save money while still enjoying quality time with your family.