Parenting is expensive—there’s no way around it. Between endless snack requests, diapers, and activities, the financial demands of raising kids can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: achieving financial wellness doesn’t mean giving up all the fun stuff. It’s about making small, intentional changes that add up over time.
As a parent to two busy toddlers, I’ve tested dozens of strategies to save money and create financial stability while balancing the chaos of family life. These tips are inspired by some of the ideas in my book, “25 Ways to Make Money in 2025,” which is packed with creative ways to earn and save, even if you’re short on time. Here’s how you can get started today—plus some Amazon tools I use to make life easier.
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1. Automate Savings to Build Financial Security
Automating savings might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s the easiest way to make progress without feeling the pinch. Set up automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account every payday, even if it’s just $10 or $20. Over time, those small amounts add up.
Our real-life example:
We automated $15 a week into what we call our “Adventure Fund.” It’s how we paid for RV upgrades and unexpected repairs—like when our toddler thought the heater vent was a piggy bank.
Pro tip:
Name your savings account something fun, like “Vacation Fund” or “Future House Fund,” to stay motivated.
👉 Amazon Pick: Try this savings tracker to visually track your progress and involve your kids.
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2. Cut Costs with Meal Planning
Feeding toddlers is no small expense, but meal planning can help you save big. By planning meals ahead of time, we’ve cut our grocery budget by 20% while reducing food waste (and avoiding those expensive last-minute takeout orders).
What works for us:
•Cook in batches. I make extra pasta or chili and freeze portions for quick, stress-free dinners.
•Plan snacks. Pre-portioning snacks like crackers and fruit saves money compared to prepackaged options.
Extra tip:
Shop online for pantry staples and use cashback apps to stretch your grocery budget.
👉 Amazon Pick: This toddler bento box makes packing healthy, affordable snacks super easy.
In “25 Ways to Make Money in 2025,” I share how meal prepping can even turn into a side hustle, like selling pre-made meals or teaching others how to plan their own meals effectively.
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3. Audit Subscriptions to Free Up Cash
How many subscriptions do you have right now? Chances are, there’s at least one you don’t use anymore. Canceling unused subscriptions is one of the easiest ways to free up extra cash.
What we found:
We were paying for three streaming services but only using one. Canceling the extras saved us $30 a month—which we now use for our kids’ music lessons.
Pro tip:
Use apps like Truebill or Rocket Money to track and cancel unused subscriptions automatically.
Bonus tip:
Instead of paying for subscriptions, consider making money with them. In “25 Ways to Make Money in 2025,” I share how to create subscription-based content, like online memberships or Patreon pages, to generate steady income.
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4. Turn Toddler Chaos into Income Opportunities
Raising kids isn’t just expensive—it’s also full of inspiration for money-making opportunities. From starting a blog to creating toddler-friendly products, there are so many ways to turn parenting into profit.
Our story:
This blog started as a way to share tips with other parents, but it’s since grown into an income source through Amazon affiliate links and ads. Sharing your knowledge—whether it’s crafting, meal prepping, or parenting hacks—can help other families while putting extra cash in your pocket.
Quick start idea:
Write a short ebook (like mine!) or create printables for parents, like meal plans or activity ideas. These low-cost, high-value products can bring in consistent income.
👉 Amazon Pick: This book on side hustles is a great resource for beginners.
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5. Save Big on Toddler Gear
Kids grow fast, and buying brand-new gear for every stage isn’t always worth it. We save hundreds of dollars a year by shopping secondhand and finding deals on essentials.
How we save:
•Facebook Marketplace for big items like strollers or play kitchens.
•Thrift stores for gently used clothes and toys.
•Amazon Outlet for discounts on baby and toddler gear.
Pro tip:
Look for gear that grows with your child, like this convertible car seat that adjusts as they age. It’s a one-time investment that lasts for years.
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Bonus: Add Income Streams While Raising Toddlers
In “25 Ways to Make Money in 2025,” I share how parents can create extra income streams, even with a busy schedule. Here are some family-friendly ideas:
•Sell what you don’t need. Declutter and sell unused items on platforms like Poshmark or eBay.
•Offer child-focused services. If you’re great with kids, consider offering babysitting, tutoring, or party-planning services.
•Share your skills. Are you crafty? Sell handmade items on Etsy, like baby blankets or toddler toys.
Why it works:
These side hustles are flexible, require minimal startup costs, and can grow into larger income streams over time.
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Your Financial Wellness Starts Here
Parenting is a financial balancing act, but with small changes and intentional habits, you can create stability while working toward your big goals. And if you’re ready to explore even more creative ways to make money in 2025, grab a copy of my book, “25 Ways to Make Money in 2025.”
👉 Get your copy now on Amazon.
It’s packed with actionable tips for boosting your income, saving smarter, and building a secure financial future—all while managing the beautiful chaos of family life.
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