When my husband and I decided to put a deposit down in March, for a family trip in December, we knew we were going to need to save money. And by saving, I mean more than just putting a few bucks back each month. We needed to tighten our purse strings, and I mean that figuratively for Ryan as he doesn’t carry a purse! Haha!

Saving is going to be the key if we want to payoff and enjoy our travels at Christmas. So we began discussing and reflecting on ways we could cut back costs each month until then. Like many, we discovered we spent too much money on eating out, entertainment (movies and such), and I frequently went shopping. These were areas we needed to reign in.

I too often catch myself using our money to buy things that become idols. It’s something I have always struggled with and consistently have to seek the Lord on. Check out this post from a few years ago on that struggle. Dancing Between Two Gods

Before sharing with you a few ways that are really helping my family save this year, I want to share some scripture on using our money frugally and in ways that glorify Him. These are truths that have enlightened my own thoughts and spending.

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15

To begin, I follow other blogs and Facebook pages of women who love to share great deals and savings. Search these on social media accounts:
Money Saving Mom
Passion For Saving
How Does She

These are not necessarily Christian-based accounts, but they do offer some insightful tips! It is my hope that my own social media will provide women with saving tips as well! You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

First, if you live near a Kroger, using the Kroger app for grocery shopping is a MUST to save. The chain offers multiple sale items each week, which you can see on their app. The app allows you to make your entire grocery list from the comfort of your own phone. This cuts down on impulse spending and gives you an exact total of your growing cart as you shop. You can apply coupons and even do Kroger ClickList. You can pull into designated parking spots at any Kroger, and they will bring out your groceries and place them in your car! I LOVE this feature. The first three times you have them bring the groceries to your car, it is FREE. After that is a $5 fee each time you use the service.

Second, the Dairy Queen app is another phone feature I love to save money with. This company is doing a great job of offering free food and great coupons to give its consumers savings.

Third, did you know LifeWay stores have been giving away FREE materials every week? Be sure and sign up for their email updates by clicking on the link and scrolling to the bottom. I have gotten and awesome chronological Bible, and devotional CD this summer.

Last, but certainly not least, get a Target REDcard. This is NOT a credit card. I do not promote credit card use. While Target does offer a credit card, the REDcard is linked directly to your checking account. It’s like a debit card, but with perks. This card gives you 5% off when you shop their store, and allows customers free shipping and surprise additional perks throughout the year. Click here to get your REDcard!

Do you have any money saving tips? Please feel free to share them in the comments. I’ll be posting all I learn as the year continues! Let’s strive to save!