As a WAHM, it’s essential to find a way to network since there’s typically nobody else to talk or exchange ideas with when you’re working at home. I discovered several online forums and social networks dedicated to WAHMs and SAHMs (work at home and stay at home moms). Through these forums, I met several talented new friends whom I’ve been communicating with about our work, families and finances. We all share our tips and talk about ways to save money and earn income in our “virtual” office break rooms.
Renita Perrone is one of these treasured friends. Recently, she compiled many years’ worth of money-saving tips into a book, “Wow! You Saved How Much?” Her book outlines how she literally saves hundreds off dollars off on her weekly grocery bill. Saving money often means the difference between staying home with your children or working outside the home, so frugal activities become a family affair for me. When you get your family involved, they truly understand the significance of saving.
Work At Home Mom Shares Tips On Saving Money!
Renita was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule for an interview to share tips with other WAHMs. Here’s what we discussed:
Q. How did you get started with freebies, coupons and money-saving offers?
A. About 8 years ago, after the birth of my first child, I knew that I would be staying home. Losing over half of our income was a huge blow to us financially. I began to look for any way I could save or make money while still being home with my daughter. A friend in my local mom’s group told me about a Yahoo coupon group she was in. I joined the group and started learning what others did to get the best deals.
Q. When did you realize this information was valuable to others?
A. Immediately! When I started seeing some of the good deals people were posting about in the coupon group, I was amazed.
Q. What inspired you to write “Wow! You Saved How Much?”
A. I had written a series of short “bullet-point” articles to help some of the ladies in my local mom’s group. Many of them wanted to stay home with their babies but didn’t see how it was possible. My husband convinced me that I needed to put it all in book form so that I could help more people, because it’s not just about moms wanting to stay home. It is really about people just wanting and needing to be able to pay their bills.
Q. What type of information do you share in your weekly blog?
A. Currently my blog is geared toward local residents so I highlight a few of the good deals in my area. However, I also try to add some helpful bits of information that can be used everywhere.
Q. What are your three biggest tips for saving money off everyday expenses?
A. Sure! Here are my ideas:
1. Stock up on nonperishables when they are on sale (and preferably with coupons).
2. Plan your meals based around sales that week.
3. Share/trade coupons with others to have more of what you need.
You can check out these additional coupon tips and tricks to cut down on your grocery bill.
Q. How does your family feel about your deal-finding activities?
A. At first, my husband assumed that I would only be able to save a couple of bucks, and didn’t believe that the savings would justify the time I spent going through coupons. Doing the work does take a bit longer at first, as you are learning how to deal with a new system. But, when I’d come home with receipts on a regular basis showing that I’d saved 50% or more, my husband became much more supportive. It also helps that my children never ask for anything in the store. Instead they say “Next time ___ is on sale and you have a coupon, can we get it?” They’ve learned the value of coupons and sales as well, even at their young ages (5 & 8)!
Q. Do you think we’ll ever see grocery prices go down?
A. Probably not. The prices of some items may go down for certain periods of time, but overall I doubt it. Do we ever see any prices going down permanently? Not very often!
Q. About how long does it take you to cut coupons and search for deals each week?
A. I probably spend about an hour per week. I used to spend more time, but after refining my techniques and getting more organized, I can now do it in about an hour.
Q. How much do you typically save during a weekly trip to the grocery store?
A. It depends on what I need that week. If I have to buy meat, then I won’t be able to save as much, but otherwise I usually save at least 50%, and this is in an area where none of the stores offer double coupons.
Q. What advice would you give to other budding entrepreneurs now that you have your own successful book and blog?
A. Don’t give up. Keep pressing forward toward your goals. Don’t let the fear of being told “no” keep you from asking someone to help you. Do your research and learn what steps you need to take to accomplish your goals and then work on them one by one.
If you’re looking to work from home, start doing what you love and get paid for it, while reigning in your spending. By doing so, you’ll be able to make an entrepreneurial lifestyle work out for you. Remember that there are countless ways to earn a living without needing to step out of the house and having to pay for daycare in the process: from cutting coupons to babysitting to writing a book. And if you’re able to control your budget, you’ll be able to manage the resources needed to build a profitable home business.
For more on the topic of coupons, deals and free stuff, check out our articles:
- Ebates Review: Online Rewards, Cash Back When You Shop!
- Where To Get Free Stuff Online
- Best Coupon Sites For Online Shoppers
- 21 Deal Sites and Online Tools To Help You Save Money
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Smart tips for all work at home moms on how to save money out of our weekly budget. Thanks for sharing.
I was in the grocery line one day behind a Mom with kids in the cart, on the floor, hanging on her, etc. She had a couple of carts full of food and loads of coupons. When she finally got done checking out her total bill will almost FREE. That lady knew how to save money!
Thanks for the link.
Great article. I never thought that I could save so much with coupons, but I load up on specials and base my meals around what I have. I have a freezer full of food and my pantries are full! I only spent $65 last week on groceries when I normally would have spent $130 plus.
Another way to save money is by working at home. You save on gas, clothing, day care and eating out. I have been doing it successfully for more than 10 years now. It was the best thing that I ever did.
Big companies are cutting costs by hiring home workers. Below is a link to a FREE list of hundreds of LEGITIMATE stay at home jobs offered by known companies. These jobs do NOT cost you money. They are employment positions. I hope this helps some of you find success at home. http://www.stay-home-income.com
Some really good ideas for saving your money.Every little helps in this economic crisis. Successful people leave clues! Copy what these people do and you could also prosper. New opportunities are developing on the internet every day.
Always looking for some great fiscal tips. When I am not using any electrical appliance I keep it unplugged; the lights, clocks, etc eat up energy which adds up significantly in the long run.
Thanks for sharing.
Ryan
Money saving habits are subject to lifestyle and can be cultivated over a period of time. It is not necessary to give up on all the pleasures of life. In fact, a few minor adjustments and awareness of expenses can help people save a considerable amount of money.
There are some great tips to help anyone save a bit of money here! I have been a stay at home mom for nearly 3 years but because my husband runs his own company I can help him out when I get the chance. Staying at home doesn’t mean you wont work there are plenty of jobs you could do from home with internet access so find the compromise that works for you and your family and if you do child care between you it’s all profit!
According to me cut down upon small pleasures will not help us to save money. You should plan some good budgeting so you can improve your savings. Take some slow and steady steps to achieve that goal, by doing all transactions from bank and not from ATM, cc you can make your saved money difficult to access. So, i conclude that aimless budgeting is not going to get you anywhere. So, always try to save money for better future.
What a great post! The book sounds wonderful.
Well, I am not a mom 🙂 BUT! I have found your tips in saving money straight to the point. Budgeting is a must and setting priorities vital to anyone who is interested in saving without neglecting needs.
All the best
Kazooli
Your tips are great. ive been saving a load of cash now since reading your post.
just want to say a big thank you!
love ya lots!
It amazes me how few parents even seriously consider cloth diapers. Our initial investment has paid for itself several times over already, and my baby still has a long way to go in diapers. Newer styles of cloth diapers are much easier to use and it only takes me about 18 minutes a week to run a few washloads and throw them in the dryer. Saving money on things like diapers and baby food has made it possible for me to keep working from home as my business grows. We simply could not afford a baby if we were paying for disposables every week and spending money the way so many young families do.
Well i have 2 beautiful kids to raise, that’s why i understand what you are saying, because saving is all i want to do.
ugh! I really try to do the whole coupon cutting thing.. but then I forget them. I’m so envious of the lady in front of me that ends up paying $5 for a cartload…
Hi Stacey,
I do earn a lot; however i have never aimed at saving money. This blog gives an insight of how to save money and it was very inspiring too.
That’s a really good list of opportunities, many of which I haven’t thought of before. Thanks for the resources.
I have just created my own information product about setting up a business on ebay, and starting it with the items from around the house.
Thanks again, Barry
I love your list. I have been couponing for years but during the last year I have really done it. Be sure to piggyback your manufacture coupons with the local ones. Many stores will also double!
What online forums and social networks dedicated to WAHMs and SAHMs did you find most useful? There are so many… it’s hard to know where to find some great WAHM and SAHMs to network with that really talk about the nitty girtty of balancing work and home and kids (and aren’t just selling their work).
Have you got a e-zine which you supply? Or perhaps any sort of coaching or lessons?