Life as a New Mom: Ballin’ on a Budget

It's no surprise: kids are expensive. Like, ridiculously expensive. I have become obsessed with trying to save as much as possible on our grocery bills and other expenses, and I have found a few awesome and easy ways to save our much-needed moolah. Let's talk about my favorite savings secrets.

You got me--they're technically not "secrets," but before I had my daughter, I never gave too much thought to the savings that were offered to me by the places I already shop. I've gotten wise about these loyalty programs and rewards cards, and we save an average of $100-$150 a month. NOT BAD.

We use Rite Aid as our family's pharmacy. Rite Aid, like most drug stores, offers a rewards program. You sign up for the Wellness Plus Rewards Program, and every time you fill a prescription or make a purchase, you earn points. These points add up, and you'll get coupons as you reach each new rewards level. Here's the part I love the most: after you reach the "Gold" rewards level, YOU GET 20% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE. FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR. I am not kidding y'all about this one. I save so much money on shampoo, makeup, and other essentials with my Wellness Plus Card.

For groceries, we shop at Winn-Dixie. They, like most grocery stores, offer a rewards card that adds up to some boss savings. I saved $48.50 at my last trip to the store with my rewards card alone. Sometimes I wait until all my groceries have been scanned and totaled before handing the cashier my rewards card, because I love watching that total price go lower and lower.

We've also signed up for the Baby Club, which was the smartest decision I have made in a long time. It literally takes like three minutes to sign up online. The Baby Club keeps track of our purchased baby items (food, formula, diapers, etc) and sends us coupons in the mail for being loyal customers. I get coupons mailed to me every month for things like $3 off formula and $3 off diapers, and I love it so much!

Winn Dixie also offers this rad program called Fuel Perks which uses your rewards card to help you save at the pump. You get Fuel Perks Points for various grocery items, and then you can swipe your rewards card at participating Shell stations and save big when you full up. We filled up our Jeep with gas the other day and paid $2.25 a gallon for gas thanks to the Fuel Perks Program. I shed a tear of pride when I saw that receipt.

Winn Dixie and Publix also offer digital coupons or 'e coupons.' I don't care what the technical term is for these, because all that matters is my saving money. You can go to the store websites and load your reward card or account with coupons offered online. No paper. No clipping. It's 2013, and these programs are so on point. I love it.

I still hassle with my old school coupons, though you won't see me being an extreme coupon-er and buying 87 buggies full of dish soap and tampons just because I can. I don't have time for that. I just clip and use coupons that help us save on the items we need--and some grocery stores double coupons, which means I am twice as happy to save, save, save.

If you're the parent of a little-bitty like me, sign up for a loyalty program with the brand of formula or baby food you purchase most often. We're a Gerber family, and I signed up for their savings program. They mail us coupons for formula, baby food, cereal, and more. It's simple to sign up, and it's an easy way to save big.

Score additional savings with Seize the Deal. You can save big on everything from hair cuts to carpet cleaning. There are even offers from great restaurants in town. Check it out. There are some awesome Daniel Moore prints that would make an amazing Father's Day present, too!

We also offer coupons with our Local Experts Program. My wheel cylinder busted the other day and I took my car to Drivetrain Automotive Supercenter and was able to use a 10% off labor coupon. It was incredible.

God help me, I am addicted to saving.

Do you have any savings tips and tricks? Share them in the comments below. Please. I need to SAVE. It's my crack.