Ten smart money moves for families looking to build more with less

This is a collaborative post

Let’s be honest—family life gets expensive. From school supplies and rising grocery bills to kids’ sports, clothing, and unexpected car repairs, it sometimes feels like your pay check disappears the moment it lands in your account. Add in the desire to save for the future, and it’s no wonder families often feel financially stretched.

For families living in North Dakota, these challenges hit especially close to home. The average household income is around $76,000, but many families report having only about $5,000 in savings. That doesn’t leave much room for error—or opportunity. If you’re looking to build more without adding stress, these smart, simple strategies can help you get there faster and feel more in control along the way.

Photo credit Jakub Żerdzicki via Unsplash

1. Rework the Family Budget with Real-Life Goals in Mind

Budgeting doesn’t mean giving up what you love—it just means being more thoughtful. Start by tracking what you’re actually spending each month. Are you spending $200 on takeout? $50 on unused subscriptions? Shift those dollars toward things that truly matter to you—like a home project, family outings, or emergency savings. Budgets are more likely to stick when they support your values, not just restrict spending.

2. Tap Into Your Home’s Value for Bigger Plans

When a big expense comes up—like a medical bill, home upgrade, or school costs—it can be tough to cover with cash. Instead of piling on credit card debt, some families use the value built into their homes to move forward more confidently. A great first step is checking home equity loan rates in North Dakota. It’s a flexible way to fund major goals without taking on unpredictable interest or multiple new payments.

3. Save on Everyday Expenses with Smarter Shopping Habits

You don’t have to stop buying the things your family needs—you just need to shop smarter. Use coupon apps, track weekly sales, and stick to a grocery list. Buy in bulk when it makes sense, and plan meals to reduce waste. Little shifts in shopping habits can free up more room in your budget for fun, savings, or paying down debt.

4. Rethink How You Fund Home Projects

You don’t need a massive remodel to make your home feel fresh and functional. Instead of big-budget upgrades, focus on small changes with big impact. Paint a room, upgrade lighting, or improve storage. Break projects into phases, shop sales, and consider secondhand items to cut costs while still creating a space you love.

5. Consolidate Debt to Save on Interest

Keeping up with multiple loans or credit cards can be overwhelming. Consolidating debt into one payment may lower your interest and make budgeting simpler. One due date, one interest rate—it’s easier to manage and may even help you pay things off faster without adding stress.

6. Set Up Automatic Savings for Big and Small Goals

Saving isn’t always easy—especially when you’re managing a busy household. That’s why automation can be such a game-changer. Set up small transfers from your checking account into a savings account each week or month. Even $20 or $50 at a time adds up. Label each account with a goal, like “family vacation,” “home upgrades,” or “emergency fund,” so you always know what you’re working toward. When the money moves automatically, you don’t have to think about it—and you’re less likely to spend it elsewhere.

7. Take Advantage of Tax Credits and Family Perks

Tax season may not be exciting, but it’s full of opportunities for families to save. Look into benefits like the Child Tax Credit, Dependent Care Credit, and deductions for education expenses. These can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings each year. Also, if your employer offers flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for health or childcare, consider using them. Planning ahead and knowing what’s available can make your annual tax return a little brighter—and help you put that extra cash to good use.

8. Plan for Seasonal Expenses in Advance

If you're not ready for them, expenses like back-to-school shopping, holidays, birthdays, or summer camps can sneak up on your budget. Try setting up mini “sinking funds” throughout the year to prepare. For example, if you know you’ll need $300 for Christmas, saving just $25 a month starting in March gets you there with no stress. Planning ahead also means taking advantage of sales and spreading out the spending, rather than relying on last-minute credit cards or dipping into your emergency fund.

9. Find Fun That Doesn’t Cost a Fortune

Family fun doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable. Local events, free museum days, nature hikes, beach afternoons, library programs, and movie nights at home can all bring smiles without straining your budget. Get the kids involved in planning weekend outings with a “fun jar” full of free or low-cost ideas. You'll spend quality time together and teach your children that you don’t always need to spend money to enjoy life. It’s about connection—not cost.

10. Teach Kids the Basics of Budgeting Early On

Talking about finances as a family doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, it can be empowering. Give kids small allowances and let them practice dividing them into save, spend, and share jars. Encourage older kids to help plan meals or track family grocery spending. Use simple apps or games that teach money skills in an age-appropriate way. These early lessons can help kids grow into confident adults who understand how to manage what they earn, plan ahead, and make smart decisions.

Smart financial habits don’t happen overnight—but they start with small, thoughtful changes. Whether it’s setting up savings, cutting daily expenses, or talking to your kids about budgeting, every effort counts. These strategies aren’t just about spending less—they’re about making more room for the things that matter. By taking control of your finances and being intentional with your choices, your family can feel more secure, more flexible, and more focused on building a better future—together.