Life of a Cynical Peach

Everyone is tired of hearing about the economy. We're tired of hearing about the prices of things (especially gas), the un-employment rate and how badly the economy sucks in general. You can count me in on that group, however this summer trying to save money and cut back on spending has become more personal, so I'm going to write it about in hopes that maybe others can relate or share tips for how they have personally cut back.

I'm very fortunate in many ways. My husband and I are both employed, we own our own home, we own two cars and we can afford to feed and clothe our family. I am in now way attempting to present us as financially disadvantaged or say that I know what it feels like to be unemployed or underemployed. We are however trying to save money to send both of our kids through Catholic school, starting with our oldest this fall and so saving money for tuition has become important for us.

Some of my friends have asked "haven't you heard of public school, its free?" Yes, of course I know public school is an option. I was a product of Des Plaines public schools from fifth through twelfth grade, my husband from ninth through twelfth. I fully intend to send my kids to the same high school we attended. However, having both gotten out foundation in Catholic school, my husband and I feel strongly that if we can afford it and it is an option for us, Catholic school is the way to go.

There are many reasons, including more personalized attention, higher quality of education, going to school in your own parish community and the religious foundation that the Catholic schools provide. If we ever couldn't afford it, or needed something that the public school system can afford that the parochial system can't, we would of course go that route. But for now Catholic education is a priority to us.

Catholic education isn't free, however. Since parochial schools aren't subsidized state funding they rely on the support of the parish community to maintain their school system- most of that support comes in the form of tuition. On top of tuition there are fees, fundraisers and uniforms that needed to be paid for to better support the school. This is why we are saving money.

One of the areas we have cut back the most is shopping. I will admit that I am a compulsive shopper. Not in the way that many people joke about being "shopaholics" but in a very serious, real addiction problem kind of way. I have no impulse control and no restraint when it comes to spending. Its something I've been working on with the help of a therapist for a while now. I have become much better and not buying impulsively and really learning to save our money for essentials.

It used to be that if I saw something in a store I wanted, I bought. Not anymore- now I remember the item and I search online for coupons, discounts and better prices. I think about the item for a few days to decide if its something I really want or if its something I can live without. I consider its practical use- do I really need a new pair of shoes or do I just want another pair because they are cute? This system of thinking out purchases and looking for deals has saved me a great deal of money. Most recently I saw a book at a chain bookstore I wanted to read that wasn't available at our local library. I went on Amazon and was able to get it for half price plus free shipping and no tax. A book that would have cost me nearly $20 in the store cost me $8.99 on Amazon.

There are many ways to cut back like that. Shops like TJ Maxx and Marshall's are great for finding clothing and purses at discount prices and sharing clothing with friends who have kids older than you (and giving back to those with younger kids) can be a great way to build up your child's wardrobe for free. We buy much of our food and paper goods in bulk at Sam's Club.

Another way we've been saving money is modifying our sources of entertainment. We have two kids, so it’s not reasonable to say we will stay in the house all summer and not enjoy any outside entertainment. But going out doesn't mean you have to empty your wallet. We have a Brookfield Zoo membership and going to the zoo used to me spending a small fortune on lunch at the zoo. The past few trips we have packed a lunch in a cooler. Not only is it cheaper, but it is also a much healthier fare than what the cafeteria sells.

The kids like to ask for souvenirs- instead of spending money on stuffed animals or toys that we have enough of I take the kids to the penny press machine- 51 cents per kid and they get flattened pennies with the imprint of a zoo animal on them- they love of those as much as any other souvenir. We recently went on a trip downtown- kids ride free on the Metra after all! We walked along the Chicago Riverwalk all the way to the lake and then found a Subway to eat at rather than one of the more expensive Chicago restaurants. Kids love trains and water- they were thrilled with our trip. 

I was recently watching a show on TV called "Downsized" in which a large blended family is forced to cut down. I thought I might be able to gain some tips and insights from this show, but sadly I was disappointed. If you're looking for a fake and insipid show to laugh at, watch this show. Otherwise, don't bother. The show is clearly quite staged and the parents are making a great example of how to cut down for the kids by doing things like refusing to give up their $30 a week coffee budget and refusing to look for a rental home without a backyard or driveway.

While the changes we have made may seem small, $10 here and $20 there can add up very quickly and will come to make a significant difference in the end.  I feel like the small adjustments in lifestyle we have made will serve us a great deal by allowing us to save some money for school (and later on for the children's college) as well as teaching our children that it is possible to live frugally and still have fun.