Snack and Save

Children have to eat. Parents have to feed children, and for the most part, they enjoy doing it. That being said, it costs money to fulfill that obligation. Actually, feeding your children could be one of the costliest ventures of your life. Spending a lot on snacks can quickly amass to small fortune if parents aren't penny wise with their buying.

It is only natural for parents to want their children to have the best and be happy. Here are a few ways to give them what they want without breaking the bank:

1. Take advantage of the "season"! Whether or not you celebrate the year end holidays, you can still take full advantage of all of the great money saving opportunities. In late September or early October, many restaurant chains such as McDonalds and Wendy's offer discount coupons for Halloween. They usually offer the coupons for free items such as an apple pie or Frosty shake in books, or sheets, of 8-12 coupons. The cost of these coupon packets is $1. So, you could potentially get 12 snack items for your children at a cost of only $1. This is a huge deal because if you bought each item without using the coupon, it would cost you about $15!! The other wonderful thing about these coupons is that, although they are offered around Halloween, most of them do not expire until December 31st of the offer year.

2. Surveys pay! Every time you splurge and get something to eat at many restaurants such as Burger King, or regionally local eateries such as Sonics, you may find a request, on your receipt, for you to complete a survey regarding your visit. These surveys pay out in a big way. Many of them offer a "buy one, get one free" offer or money off of future purchases. While, yes, they do keep you coming back, they also keep you saving. Look at it this way; you may want to spend an afternoon out with your child. Instead of paying for two hamburgers, you pay for one but get two!

3. Use coupons...all of the time! There are so many great deals available in your Sunday paper, online, or even in the supermarket aisles. Coupons are one of the best ways to save money on just about anything. Truth be told, not only will you see savings, you will probably get tons of free snacks for your family. Many stores double manufacturers’ coupons. Watch the weekly sale papers or visit your favorite store online to view the weekly specials. Cull your coupons, organize them, and use them when there are deals on the snacks that you and your family want.

You don't need a mint to feed your children if you just employ a few cost saving tactics. If you stay abreast of the sales and coupon offerings, your family can enjoy a deliciously rich lifestyle for less!