When I became a stay-at-home mom, I quickly realized something: living on one income in today’s world is no small task. Groceries are expensive, gas prices fluctuate, and kids seem to outgrow clothes overnight.
But here’s the good news—living frugally doesn’t have to mean living without. For me, frugal living has become less about cutting back and more about being intentional. It’s about stretching what we have, finding joy in simple things, and making our home a place where contentment grows.
Here are some practical ways I’ve learned to save money as a stay-at-home mom while still creating a life that feels rich in the ways that matter most.
1. Shifting My Mindset About Frugality
The biggest change didn’t happen in my bank account—it happened in my mindset.
- Gratitude over comparison
It’s easy to feel behind when scrolling through Instagram. But I’ve found so much more peace when I focus on what I already have and the blessings that surround me. Pro tip: delete the app! I did this a while back and have no regrets at all. - Contentment as a habit
Choosing to be content doesn’t mean I don’t have goals or dreams; it just means I’m not constantly chasing the next thing to buy. Being happy with what you have is a habit that you need you practice. - Resourcefulness over sacrifice
I’ve learned to see frugality as a challenge: How can I make what we have work? How can I repurpose this? This shift makes saving money feel empowering rather than limiting.
2. Everyday Frugal Practices That Save Us Hundreds
Small, consistent habits add up over time. Here are a few that make the biggest difference:
- Meal planning to avoid takeout
Knowing what’s for dinner keeps me from making last-minute (and expensive) drive-thru runs. - Cooking from scratch
I make breads, snacks, and even cleaners at home. It saves money and feels satisfying. - Capsule wardrobes
Keeping a simple, mix-and-match wardrobe for myself and my family means less laundry, less clutter, and less spending. - Secondhand shopping
Thrift stores, consignment shops, and Facebook Marketplace are my go-tos for clothing, toys, and even furniture. We even visited a few yard sales this summer and I scored an Instant Pot for $10! - DIY home care
I’ve started making my own cleaners (like all-purpose sprays and laundry detergent) and simple household items—cheaper, safer, and often more effective.
3. Budget-Friendly Family Fun
Frugal living doesn’t mean the fun stops. In fact, some of our best memories have cost almost nothing.
- Free (or cheap) local outings
We visit parks, library story times, and free community events. - At-home entertainment
Movie nights with popcorn, board game marathons, or themed dinners are a hit. - Old-fashioned skills with kids
We garden, bake together, and do crafts—activities that cost little and teach valuable life skills.
4. Avoiding Common Spending Traps
Even when you’re careful, little expenses can creep in.
- Impulse online shopping
Before becoming a stay at home mom and being on one income, I used to be really impulsive when shopping online. Now, I keep items in my cart for 24 hours before buying. Usually I end up exiting the site without thinking about the item again. - Subscription creep
Every month, review your subscriptions. If you haven’t used something in weeks, cancel it. This is also a great way to make sure you don’t forget about free trials you might’ve signed up for! - “Mom guilt” spending
I try not to buy unnecessary extras just to make up for a rough day or my own feelings of guilt. Love and presence are what kids remember most.
Final Thoughts: It’s a Journey, Not a Race
Frugal living as a stay-at-home mom isn’t about perfection. Some months are tighter than others. Some weeks I plan meals perfectly, and other weeks I’m just grateful we stayed out of the drive-thru.
The key is starting small. Choose one or two habits to work on, and let them grow over time.
Your value as a mom isn’t measured by how much you spend—it’s found in the love, time, and presence you give your family.
What’s one frugal habit you’d like to start this month? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments.
Simple Little Moments 
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