Ask the Readers

Today’s question is from Amy:

I was wondering if you could post my question. I’m pregnant with my second child and thinking about becoming a stay at home mom (Currently working full-time). For moms who have done this, did you find that you spent less because you were able to do more things yourself? Like cooking from scratch, couponing, making homemade cleaners, or more energy to take care of things like cloth diapers? Or are these unrealistic savings expectations? Were there any extra costs that surprised you? -Amy

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Today’s question is from Bobbie:

I am currently 14 weeks pregnant, the mother of a four year old and a night shift nurse. We recently moved and lately, I have noticed that my husband has picked up a lot of my slack. I really want to get back on track and ease his load, so I need to find a way to streamline my household duties, financial duties and menu planning all at once. I am committed to finding a system that I think will work for my family.

I am wondering if any of your readers have suggestions on places to find printables or systems that work for them?

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Today’s question is from Kari:

My husband and I recently started the Dave Ramsey program and we are halfway through baby step #2 (the debt snowball). I’m having a hard time with how much I should budget for grocery — and making that stretch for the whole month.

Can any of your readers share some ideas and/or cheap recipes for a family of 4 (our boys are 3 and 5) with a $200 monthly budget? I am doing a lot of freezer cooking, making a lot of rice meals, and using my bread machine like crazy, but I am having trouble with wanting to use meat but just cant afford it. We are already doing some meatless meals and I am buying my flour in bulk at Sam’s Club. -Kari

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Today’s question is from Sarah:

I just started doing the money envelope system for my house budget, and at the end of the month, I have some extra money! I’m wondering how I should use this extra cash? Should I leave it in the envelope for a month that may have more expenses, put it towards a debt, or something else? -Sarah

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Today’s question is from Jenny:

I’m a work-at-home mom and my husband and I are living on a tight budget. We were just invited to a wedding and we aren’t quite sure how to handle the gift. Do you have any suggestions for inexpensive wedding gifts? We don’t want to seem cheap, especially when most people give monetary gifts of $50 or more. Thanks!

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Today’s question is from Karen:

My family is planning a trip in April and I can order an Entertainment Book for the city that we are going to, but I’m wondering if it would be worth the $20 to buy the book or not? -Karen

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Today’s question is from Amanda:

I love all of the freezer cooking posts that you have! However, I’m wondering if you or any of your readers have suggestions for low-carb freezer cooking meals?

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Today’s question is from Amanda:

I know pre-packaged sandwich meat is generally unhealthy and pricey. What suggestions do you have for minimizing this cost? I have a child who always takes a ham sandwich for lunch and husband who loves meat and cheese sandwiches.

Is buying a whole ham and having it sliced (then freezing it) a better idea?

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.