The Frugal Family

Today, families are dealing with some scary economic times. Many parents are losing their jobs and families have to adjust to living with less money. This can be tough on the whole family, especially when you want to help and don’t know how. Here are some tips to help you and your family weather the storm.

Humor. In these stressful times, it’s important to take a moment and be lighthearted. Even though your family may be having money struggles, you still have each other and your sense of humor. It’s important to be understanding, and tell stories, jokes and have fun.

Entertain the whole family for less. Sometimes your parents may think the only thing that will make you happy is to go to an expensive movie or trip or amusement park.

Reassure them it doesn’t take much to make you happy!
• Revisit your board games in the closet - It could be a lot of fun to break out the Scrabble®, Monopoly® or even Twister®, you’re older, smarter and it’s a whole new game now.
• Share video games - Talk to your friends - you may find trading your Wii® games back and forth can give you weeks of new entertainment.
• Hit the kitchen - Experimenting with different ingredients and recipes can not only be fun, but also take the pressure off your parents from coming up with dinner ideas and will give them time off from making dinner.

Family Taco Nite!
With a quick trip to the grocery store you can make your family an easy, inexpensive,
nutritious dinner. It is also a great way to make dinnertime an event by getting the
whole family involved in the preparation.

Ask how you can help. Approaching your parents with your concern not only shows your maturity, but your need for wanting to be a part of the family and interest for their needs as well. It may be something as simple as offering to do yard-work, babysitting your younger sibling, helping clean part of your house or picking up a part time job to pay for your own expenses. Either way, they will appreciate your concern and will give you the confidence that your family will bond together and pull through this challenging time - after all, that’s what family is for!

Prioritize. Sit down with your family and figure out what is truly important to you; your cell phone, new basketball shoes, a new pair of jeans. When you figure out what is important, create a list and rate them from most needed to least wanted.

Having clear goals will help you and your family budget for what you really want and need.