Our  need for money never ends and budgeting gets a bit more complicated when you have children to take care of. There are many struggles associated with being a parent  making ends meet is a pressing issue for many parents. With help from our members, we have compiled a list of money-wise saving tips that your family can use in order to ensure that you get the most out of your bank account. Let's walk together down this beautiful road of parenting without going in debt!

1) Start buying one or two things kids need in school every time you do your weekly shopping. The cost is not as noticeable as when you buy everything at once and you can find better deals throughout the year then you would the week before school begins.

2) When you buy a new DVD make a copy that your family can use and put the original DVD away. When the copy gets damaged (and it will, no doubt about that) you can re-copy the original.

3) Wash out empty plastic food containers ...ie. yogurt or margarine tubs ...that you can use instead of buying expensive storage containers.

4) Use washable cloth dishtowels instead of expensive paper towels.

5) Save your money and the planet by using homemade cleaning products instead of the expensive household chemicals. The internet is filled with easy-to-use recipes for natural cleaning products. You won't believe how many things can be cleaned with baking soda and white vinegar!

6) Buy generic medicines as often as you can. The brand name drugs will cost you substantially more and the bills and prescriptions can add up. So next time you find yourself reaching for Tylenol or Aspirin at the local drug store, ask the pharmacist for the generic brand.

7) Hair cuts, although not overly expensive, can add up if you have couple of kids that need a trim every six weeks. Save money by having everyone's hair trimmed at student hair and beauty salons.

8) Join the local library! You can borrow the latest books and movies free of charge, as well as your favourite magazines that you would normally buy on an impulse as you wait in line at the grocery store.

9) Take the time to clip coupons as it can save you 25 to 30% off your weekly grocery bill.

10) If you don't like spending money on dry cleaning, then stop buying clothes that need to be dry-cleaned. If you can't get away from outfits that need to be dry-cleaned, then leave them to hang when you are in the shower. The steam does a good job and saves you money!

11) Use a dryer only when you absolutely have to. You will save energy and preserve the life of your clothes by using a drying rack that you place on your deck or balcony. During the winter place the drying rack near an air vent. The clothes will dry fast while making the air the house more humid.

12) Use cash instead of cards. It's easier to track where your money is going.

13) Stop using money on expensive beauty products. Try homemade masks, scrubs, make up removers and so much more. The money you save will make you feel good and the natural products you use will make you look young.

14) Take a bagged lunch to work! I can't stress enough how much money you will save by packing your lunch instead of buying it every day. Make it up the night before to avoid being rushed in the morning. And since you are getting the lunch ready for the next day, why not set up the coffee maker too? Your coffee will be ready just the way you like it when you get up in the morning, thus avoiding a stop to Tim Horton's or Starbucks.

15) Buy an herb planter and use only as much of the herbs as you need. This way you avoid buying them at the grocery store for a lot more money, or wasting the herbs from the bunch that you don't need.

16) If you want certain fruits or vegetables that are not in season look for them in the freezer section. It's cheaper and just as nutritious as the fresh kind.

17) Never leave the house without a water bottle and a heathy snack in your bag. You will avoid spending good money at the corner store just because you or the kids are thirsty.

18) Review how much money you spend on phone service. Most families have a home phone number, a cell phone for each parent and even a mobile phone for kids. Do you really need all these phones? If you do, then make sure to compare and switch your phone providers if you're not getting good value for your money. Bundle up your internet, cable and home phone for additional discounts.

19) Use Skype for your long distance and overseas calls. It's free! (www.skype.com)

20) Pay your car insurance and house insurance yearly rather then monthly. You will save money on the monthly administration fees.

21) Collect all the spare change you have. Try placing a Piggy Bank or a container in the place that you normally empty your pockets. Invite grandparents to "donate" their spare change too and once a year use the money you've collected in the Piggy Bank to pay for your child's RESP's.

22) Pay your bills as you get them to avoid the late payment fee.

23) Use garden solar lights around the house. They do the job of a night light while saving money on your power bill, as well as provide you with light during a black out.

24) Instead of having a garage sale for the things you no longer need, try selling them online. It's been proven than you can get 5 to 6 times more money for an item you sell online then at a garage sale.

25) Avoid buying new toys. Instead search the consignment stores or garage sales for gently used toys. Most kids will not care if the toy is new from the store, as long as it's new to them.

26) Make your own organic playdough.

27) Buy colouring books at the Dollar Store instead of department store or use the internet to get free printables, puzzles, and mazes.

28) Don't spend the money on wrapping paper and cards. Instead, spend quality time with your kids making these items together and watch their creative talents unveil as they create wrapping paper and cards for the special people in their lives.

29) Young kids love finger painting. Make your own organic finger paints and stop worrying about the safety of the store bought paints.

30) Check out the events in your area. Most festivals are free of charge and present your family with a great opportunity to get out of the house and spend quality time together with your kids.