5 yard sale buys to ease the budget

With todays climbing grocery prices, it’s time to start looking at more homemade price-saving options. Just last week I paid $5 for the indulgence of buttered carbohydrate bliss. However if bread is a staple in your family – think PB&J’s this summer for the kids – the cost point is just too high (without a really great sale) to purchase often.

As much as I love the flavor and cost of homemade bread, I just don’t have the time (or inclination) to make it on a regular basis. The bread machine is a great fit for busy moms and you can find recipes online.

Now that the fad is over, check your local yard sales this weekend and buy one on the cheap.

2. Bicycle
Gas prices are staggering. It hurts to watch the dollar amount roll as the tank fills. Folks I hate to tell you this, but it’s not going to get better anytime soon. The cheaper route is self-powered transportation. That means riding a bike.

If biking to work is unreasonable, think about regular nearby travel destinations. Cycling to those will help reduce the amount of gas used each week.

Get the kids involved too. Go on a family trip to the neighborhood grocery store. Use a bike trailer (another great yard sale find) to help haul home the bounty.

Schedule pedaling-trips to the library, park, and mall. While you’re saving money and bonding, you’re also exercising and sparing the air. It’s a win-win situation.

Just remember to keep it safe. Plan your trips during the cool part of the day, take along plenty of water, wear helmets and obey traffic rules.

3. Coffee Maker and Mug
Oh coffee, glorious wondrous coffee! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Coffee is a morning must for many moms. However if you work outside the home, chance is you’re stopping by Starbucks way too often to be budget friendly. Buy a second-hand maker and take it into the office. Get the coworkers to take turns buying the beans, flavored syrup and creamer. It’ll save everyone a bundle.

The local coffee house is also a great, but pricey, meet up location for moms. Ditch the expense. Grab your bike, trailer, and toddlers and then pedal to a predetermined place — like a friend’s house — for a sip and chitchat. Take turns hosting so it’s a fair expense for everyone.

4. Haircut clippers
Yes, I know what you’re thinking, “Cut my kid’s hair? You’re nuts!” Now I’m not saying tackle your daughters and give them a buzz (though trimming their bangs with scissors could be cost-effective), this one is for the boys.

My sister-in-law is the first person I’ve known to do this. She’s been clipping her son’s hair for years. After the first practice session you’d never know this kid’s mom was his stylist.

CentralValleyMoms.com blogger Lisa Boyles mentions it’s a great deal even if you buy the clippers new. They pay for themselves after two haircuts. Most clippers come with a how-to video, so you won’t be totally hacking it.

5. Children’s Clothes
You can pick up children’s clothes for a fraction of the cost at yard sales. Because of the fast rate babies and toddlers grow, often you can find items that look brand new and sport the latest style.

Donna Freedman, writer at MSN’s Smart Spending blog, shares some advice:

“Many people who shop yard sales are looking for kids’ clothes but surprisingly buy just one or two items. I tend to shop for them late in the day and offer a lowball price for everything in specific sizes.”

In today’s economy it’s time to move past the ‘used’ stigma and save some bucks.

So there you have it, five ways yard sales can help ease your budget. So go out this weekend and SHOP to save.