Money Monday: The top 5 ways Moms waste money

Even though I am not a financial expert, as a mom, I notice many ways that us moms “waste” money.  I guess I started paying attention to this more and more when I read an article that discussed the top ways most people waste money in general.  As moms, I know we all struggle to teach our kids the value of a dollar, but I discovered some subtle ways where many of us don’t practice what we preach:

1. We purchase juice boxes.  I know that this is mostly a matter of convenience, but buying juice in those portable juice boxes is not only wasteful financially, but it is wasteful environmentally as well.  It is much more frugal to buy juice in bulk and then pour it into reusable, take along bottles or cups.
2. We buy high priced coffee drinks.  We all know that it is much more affordable to make coffee at home.  It is much better (and cheaper) to buy a thermos and fill it with your home brewed coffee and take it with you.
3. We purchase prepackaged snacks and lunches.  Aside from this being really unhealthy, it is also much more expensive.  I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that packing your own lunches and snacks saves a ton of money.
4. We buy new toys and clothes.  I don’t always do this, but I admit to sometimes being in the “shopping mood” and I have unnecessarily spent money on clothes and toys for my son.  It is much better to plan your shopping trips and to shop at thrift stores and garage sales for the things your children need.
5. We buy our kids “stuff” because other kids have it.  I have seen this with my friends.  One girlfriend of mine recently bought her kids cell phones because all of her kids friends had them.  This only teaches your children that they must “keep up with the Joneses” in order to feel valuable and included.

I hope this list encourages you to find ways where you can cut back or save money in your family.  I think it is important to eliminate wasteful spending as much as possible.  Do you know of any other ways us moms waste money?  Please share them with me in the comments section below.  Here’s to happy $avings!