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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 31 Still struggling? "Make a list. Put your values and priorities in order. Budget around that," Cowden says. "If you find all of your income going towards things that don't bring you joy, it's time to reevaluate and get creative." Control Your Control Your Control Your Inclinations Inclinations Inclinations Beth Beseau, whose children are ages 8 and 5, is the primary breadwinner in her family. "We've had to be flexible and willing to make adjust- ments in our lifestyle," she says. Her greatest challenge: controlling the urge to impulse buy. Decide how often you can afford to dine out at restaurants as a family. Instead of hitting the drive-thru for coffee every morning, make your own at home. And brown bag your lunches for work and school. Planning your family's meals ahead of time can help you save money by curbing the need to pick up unhealthy fast food on the fly. Try planning your weekly meals around whatever specials your favorite grocer is offering that week. Or, head to a bulk store like Costco or Sam's. Take an afternoon to prepare meals that you can stick in the freezer and pull out on nights when you don't have time to cook. Emily Cowden and her husband Jason have five chil- dren, ages 10, 8, 6, 4 and 2. Cowden left her job as a registered dietitian to stay home with her children and homeschool. As a busy mom who is also committed to eating healthy on a frugal budget, she often skips time- consuming coupon-cutting and instead looks for sales at stores like ALDI , which offers healthy organic foods. She found that eliminating processed snacks and cere- als was especially helpful. "This cuts out a lot of unnecessary foods and unneces- sary spending, leaving room for more nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables and proteins," she says. Get Creative Get Creative Get Creative Many moms also turn to direct sales opportuni- ties, like Pampered Chef, Mary Kay and Thirty- One, as ways to pad their income. "Just be sure that stocking up (on product) doesn't sack all of your earnings," Ingram advises. "Also, you have to have the right personality to do direct sales. Not everyone is outgoing and direct sales is not a path to easy money. These women work very hard, even if it's at night and in people's living rooms." The Cowdens sell essential oils and other prod- ucts through Young Living to help support their goal to live a healthy lifestyle. Rather than car- rying an inventory, the couple works to educate others about the benefits of using essential oils properly. The extra income helps cover extracurricular activities for their children, meals with friends and vacations. "This winter we're actually planning a trip to Europe for just my husband and me," Cowden says. Beseau says she sells items that she no longer needs, uses or wants. "The pocket cash has come in very handy," she says. Ironically, happy memories are usually borne from what seem like mundane family activities. Go on bike rides together, visit area parks, get out the watercolors and have a paint party, play board games, make homemade pizzas together or check out movies or video games at the library. Also stay tuned for coupons and deals at area attractions for reduced price or free admissions. Slim Down Your Slim Down Your Slim Down Your Food Budget Food Budget Food Budget Seek Free or Cheap Seek Free or Cheap Seek Free or Cheap Family Entertainment Family Entertainment Family Entertainment When you're making a purchase, you have to ask yourself if it's a want or a need. If you can do without it, then don't buy it," Beseau advises. " Other moms turn their skills into entrepreneurial ventures that they can run from home like freelance writing, photography or baking.