I Tried Saving Money as a Mom and All I Got Was This Crusty Fruit Snack in My Wallet

Here’s the deal: Before I became a mom, I thought I was bad with money.

After becoming a mom? I realized I was actually doing great—because now I’m responsible for feeding, clothing, and entertaining tiny humans who think money grows in vending machines.

So yeah, I tried saving money in 2025. What could possibly go wrong?

Let me take you on a journey through Target aisles, birthday party inflation, and the soul-sucking abyss of kids’ extracurriculars—with a few money-saving tips that actually work, even if your toddler thinks “budgeting” means “no snacks.”

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1. Unsubscribe From the Cult of ‘Mom Guilt’ Spending

You do not need to buy matching bamboo outfits for each season, a $600 play kitchen, and a birthday party with a petting zoo just to prove you love your child.

Hot Tip:

Your kid won’t remember what you bought. They will remember if you were too broke to take them to the park because you spent $50 on pastel-themed cupcakes.

Budget Win:

Set a monthly “Mom Guilt Fund”—$20 max. Blow it on a ridiculous toy once, then sleep at night knowing you tried.

2. Meal Plan Like a Lazy Genius

No, you don’t have to become a Pinterest lunchbox goddess. Just stop buying groceries like you’re prepping for a zombie apocalypse and then ordering pizza by Wednesday.

Try This:

• Plan 3 meals. Not 7. You’re not that consistent and that’s okay.

• Rotate kid-friendly staples: pasta, tacos, “whatever’s in the freezer surprise.”

• Use grocery pickup or delivery to avoid spontaneous aisle spending. Looking at you, cheese puffs.

Fun Fact:

I saved $136 in one month by not going inside a supermarket. That’s at least 17 iced coffees or like… one shoe from Target.

3. Thrift Stores Are Your New Religion

You know what’s fun? Watching a toddler destroy $45 jeans in under 12 minutes. You know what’s better? Buying those jeans second-hand for $3 and not caring when they get turned into mud art.

Pro Mom Move:

Buy kids’ clothes, toys, and furniture at thrift stores or FB Marketplace. They outgrow everything in 3 days anyway.

Bonus Tip:

Sell their outgrown stuff and use the money for coffee or therapy. Or both.

4. Cancel Stuff They Forgot About

I once found out I was still paying for an app that teaches toddlers Japanese. My kid used it twice—in 2022.

Action Step:

Check your subscriptions monthly. Cancel:

• That educational app you meant to use

• That streaming service you forgot exists

• That fitness app that’s been emotionally judging you for 11 months

Savings:

Easily $40–$60/month aka “diaper money” or “wine money,” depending on your stage of motherhood.

5. Create a ‘Mom Emergency’ Stash

Listen, a real emergency fund is great. But moms need a very specific emergency stash for things like:

• Paying the babysitter who texts you at 11pm

• Bribing your kid at the dentist with something that costs more than your copay

• Replacing the iPad charger for the 5th time this month

How?

Stash $10–$20 a week into a cash envelope labeled: “Because Mom Deserves Options.” Boom. Power move.

6. Side Hustle… But Make It Realistic

Yes, moms are queens of multitasking. But before you jump into a candle-making empire or start a blog while sleep-deprived, ask: Do I have the mental capacity for this or do I just want to avoid folding laundry?

Easiest Mom Hustles in 2025:

• Selling stuff online (your attic is a goldmine)

• Freelancing in short bursts (writing, design, admin work)

• Reselling thrifted finds (especially baby gear)

Don’t start a YouTube channel unless you’re ready to hear your own voice 400 times a day.

7. Stop Trying to Impress Other Moms (They’re Just as Broke)

Let’s normalize showing up to playdates in stained leggings and a “sorry I’m late, I have kids” energy.

Truth Bomb:

No one remembers the party favors. They remember the wine and the fact you didn’t judge them when their kid licked the floor.

So yeah, save your money and your mental bandwidth. You’ve got snacks to buy and tantrums to negotiate.

Final Thought: You’re Not Failing, You’re Just Tired

Saving money as a mom isn’t about being perfect. It’s about surviving with your budget, dignity, and sense of humor mostly intact.

So next time you check your bank account and feel panic rising, take a deep breath.

You fed the kids. You avoided Target (once).

You’re doing better than you think.

And if all else fails?

Hide a chocolate bar in your purse and call it self-care.

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