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" Being home with the kids every day requires moms to find new ways to keep everyone entertained and happy. Too quickly, a week at home with the kids can cost more money than you might have spent on daycare. Money saving tips are essential for families trying to survive on one income. These money saving tips for stay-at-home moms can help mothers break free of costly routines and plan active, exciting days for the whole family.   Limit eating out to once a week  There&amp;#039;s nothing wrong with one lunch or dinner out a week. It gives you and the kids something to look forward to. But limit it to once a week, and don&amp;#039;t head for the most expensive restaurant in town, either.   Schedule playdates at home  Rather than spend money taking the kids to Chuck E. Cheese or an arcade, alternate homes for regular playdates. You&amp;#039;ll save money on food and the kids will learn that you don&amp;#039;t have to go out to have fun.   Trade child care duties with friends  Need a break from the kids? Don&amp;#039;t hire a nanny or invest in expensive day care centers. Watch a friend&amp;#039;s children one day a week, and plan for her to return the favor the following week.   Invest in a membership to a local museum, pool or zoo  Frequent visits can get pricey unless you invest in a membership. If going to the zoo is a full day of fun for your family, and you like taking the kids regularly, get the membership.   Only visit the ATM once a week  Take out the week&amp;#039;s spending money in cash on Monday. When it&amp;#039;s gone, it&amp;#039;s gone. Put any leftover money away, and take out less the following week.   Make your own coffee  Though it can be tempting to make getting a morning cup of coffee and a bagel a regular part of your routine, daily cups of coffee add up. Make a cup of coffee at home while the kids play or watch a television show instead.   Frequent playgrounds, parks and free mall play centers  These activities cost absolutely nothing, and can keep children entertained for hours.   Pack a picnic lunch  Not only does packing a picnic lunch save you money that you might otherwise spend eating out, but kids love the fun and excitement of eating lunch somewhere new.   Clip and trade coupons  Make a date with girlfriends to clip and trade coupons that you don&amp;#039;t need for ones you can use. You&amp;#039;ll save money on groceries and help other stay-at-home and working moms do the same.   Stop texting Text messaging can be the most expensive feature on your cell phone. Don&amp;#039;t get rid of the cell phone, but start calling friends to plan outings instead. Better yet, e-mail them from your home computer, or if you have Facebook Mobile, use the chat feature. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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