The excitement of welcoming a new baby into the family simply can't be measured. It's a joyous occasion - and a time for intense preparation. As a loved one, you can participate in the fun and take some of the edge off by picking the perfect present.

If the thought of finding the right present for your friend intimidates you, fear not! Here's our list of the nine best gifts for expectant moms - no matter your budget.

1. Smart baby monitor: $40-$300

Every mom wants to know that her baby is safe at all times - even when she's not in the same room. Many new parents put a baby monitor on their gift registry, but if you really want to treat them to a great gift, splurge on a smart baby monitor that does more than just let them hear their baby crying. There are many different kinds of smart baby monitors to choose from, but mothers will really appreciate those with the following features:

• Motion sensor

• Temperature gauge

• Video monitoring

• Two-way talk features

• Night vision

• Pan and tilt capabilities

Tip: If you're looking for the perfect gift that every new mom needs, get a baby monitor.

2. Owlet Smart Sock Breathing Monitor: $250

While we are on the subject of peace of mind, let's talk about the Owlet, a great gift for first-time mothers.

The Owlet monitor is built into a tiny sock that slips comfortably over a baby's foot. Owlet uses pulse oximetry, the same technology hospitals use, to monitor blood flow and breathing patterns of the baby. If at any time the baby stops breathing, the monitor will send an alert to mom's smartphone. It's compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Bonus: 83% of parents report they sleep better with Owlet, so you'll also be giving the gift of rest - which every new parent quickly comes to realize is priceless.

3. Wubbanub Pacifier: $15

If you want to purchase a thoughtful gift but don't have the money to purchase something as expensive as a baby monitor or an Owlet, don't worry. There are plenty of heartfelt and useful gifts within your price range, and one of the best is the Wubbanub.

The Wubbanub combines one of the market's top pacifiers with a small stuffed animal. The attached stuffed animal - choose from a range of animals like dino, puppy, or giraffe - helps prop up the pacifier, which allows babies to self-soothe and keeps the pacifier in their mouths when they go down for a nap. This is especially comforting for new parents, as pacifier use is one of pediatricians' top recommendations for reducing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Bonus: The Wubbanub is not a typical gift a mom would think to register for, but it's something she will soon find she can't live without.

4. The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease: $17

Are you looking for a creative and thoughtful present to give to your favorite mother-to-be without spending a lot of money? If so, consider giving her The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease.

Reading to babies is the best way to grow vocabulary, increase intelligence, and create a lasting bond between children and parents. The Read-Aloud Handbook is a gift that new parents will treasure for years to come.

Bonus: Give your friend a few of your favorite children's books as well and write a short message to the new baby in the front cover so they grow up knowing how loved they are.

5. Pregnancy and sleep training books: $9-$20

If you are still struggling to decide what to give the expectant mother, consider giving the gift of information. Pregnancy and child-rearing are completely new experiences to first-time parents, and sometimes the most useful gifts are those that offer insights from experts.

Moms-to-be will appreciate pregnancy books, fetal development books, sleep training books and books on breastfeeding. Some of the most popular books for expectant mothers include these bestsellers:

• What to Expect When You're Expecting
• The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy
• The Pregnancy Countdown Book
• What to Expect the First Year
• On Becoming Baby Wise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep
• Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child
• The Breastfeeding Book: Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Your Child from Birth Through Weaning
• The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be

Bonus: If the parents haven't picked out a name yet, a baby naming book would also be a fun gift to add to the list. You could send a subtle hint by highlighting your name as well.

6. Diapers and a Diaper Genie: $20-$50

Babies are adorable, but they are also prolific poopers: according to Investopedia, the average child will go through 2,700 diapers in the first year alone, costing new parents about $550. While it may seem boring to give diapers as a gift, new parents will definitely appreciate the thoughtfulness.

If getting your friend diapers still doesn't seem like enough, consider combining the gift with a diaper genie. It helps keep the house smelling fresh, even when its contents aren't.

Tip: When choosing between another adorable outfit and a box of diapers, opt for the diapers. After all, the child will wear ten times as many diapers as they do outfits.

7. Maternity pillow: $15-$70

Giving gifts to expectant mothers doesn't have to be all about the baby. In fact, you'll be surprised at just how much a mom will appreciate a gift that is all about her. Pregnancy comes with nine months of nausea, aches, and pains, and anything that will relieve some of the stress on the mother's body will be a godsend.

A maternity pillow will help your pregnant friend get a more comfortable night's rest.

Tip: Maternity pillows come in all different forms, but moms often tout sleeping beans and full-length body pillows as the most comfortable options.

8. Prenatal massage: $60-$150

Another great way to pamper the mom-to-be is to set her up with a spa day. Several spas offer maternity massages with a special table designed for pregnancy. Not only is this a great way for pregnant women to get some relief, but massage during pregnancy has several health benefits - including reducing stress and promoting overall wellness.

Tip: Be sure to schedule an appointment or get a gift card with a licensed massage therapist. Even better, choose one that specializes in prenatal massages.

9. Gift card for maternity clothes: up to you

If there is one thing expectant mothers can count on during pregnancy, it's changing sizes and shapes multiple times over a nine-month period. This means your pregnant friend will be in need of some new clothes during the first, second and third trimester. Giving your pregnant friend the opportunity for some retail therapy is always a fun idea.

Bonus: Give your friend the gift card, then go on a shopping date with her. She'll probably enjoy the quality friend time and the help choosing clothes.

Putting together the perfect gift is a great way to congratulate an expectant mother on their new bundle of joy. What's the best gift you've ever given an expectant mom - or the best mom you've ever received from a friend before the birth of your child? Share your ideas in the comments below.

Like what you see? Sign up here for our weekly FamilyShare email.

The post 9 of the best gifts for expectant moms appeared first on FamilyToday.

You know you need to put covers on your electrical outlets, buy a gate for your stairs and install latches for your cabinets before your new baby arrives. But what about those safety risks that are not evident to first-time parents? In the U.S., children up to 14 years old encounter many risks in their homes, resulting in nearly 21 million medical visits every year.

Here are four tips to add to your babyproofing guide that you probably aren't aware of:

1. Protect windows from harmful UV rays

One of the top myths about sun exposure is that UV rays can't penetrate windows. Older windows with single panes are especially dangerous, but even modern glass will only filter out UVB rays, not UVA rays. Those rays can burn skin, harm eyes and heat up a room.

How to babyproof

Protecting the windows in your baby's nursery will block out the majority of UVA rays and insulate the room during hot summer months. UV filtering blinds and shades can protect your baby from 75%-99% of harmful rays.

Also, put a sunshade on the window next to your baby's car seat - it's worth the small investment to help protect your baby's delicate skin when you're on the road.

2. Keep toxic houseplants out of reach

Most houseplants won't hurt your child even if she inquisitively chews on or swallows a leaf. Though just a bite or two of a toxic houseplant will only cause a stomachache, a plant consumed in large quantities can be more dangerous.

How to babyproof

Be careful about where you display dangerous plant varieties, and always keep the name tag on all plants in case you need to call poison control. Here are common plants that should be kept out of your child's reach:

Spring bulbs - such as daffodils and hyacinths - can be mistaken for a shallot or onion, and are often within a child's reach when they are started indoors.

Some varieties of lilies - like the calla lily and lily of the valley - need to be kept away from kids because of their toxic nature.

Though extremely popular because of its low light requirement, dumb cane earned its name because of its effects. It burns the tongue and swells the throat, making it difficult to speak.

The poison in invasive ivy can cause hallucinations, fever and a rash.

The nectar from aloe vera can heal burned skin, but it also has a laxative affect that causes diarrhea and vomiting.

3. Hack-proof the baby monitor

Cybersecurity expert John Sileo says that hacking into a baby monitor can be as easy as taking candy from a baby. Today's baby monitors that are Wi-Fi connected can be hacked when parents don't take the same security steps they would to guard their smartphones and other devices.

How to babyproof

Here are some guidelines to follow that will help keep your baby monitor safe from hackers:

• Buy a secure device

It's important that your baby monitor is manufactured by a company that values security. Numerous models offer extra protection against hackers.

• Use a strong password

Choose a password that is unique, long, specific to only your baby monitor and combines letters, numbers and characters. Never use the default password and device name.

• Register the device

Registering your monitor will keep you up-to-date on software upgrades and security breaches.

• Turn it off

Hackers have an easier time accessing devices that are always on.

4. Lock the dishwasher

Small children seem to love dishwashers. Closed dishwashers are lined with buttons to push, and they are fun to climb when they're open - as well as full of sharp knives, candy-shaped gel detergent packs and glass dishes.

How to babyproof

Parents magazine recommends keeping utensils pointed downward in a utensil basket and putting detergent inside only when you're ready to run the dishwasher.

Childproofing firm Safety Nook cautions parents to load breakables at the back of the dishwasher, where a child isn't likely to reach. Locking strapswill also keep curious kids from opening the dishwasher when it's closed.

Congrats new parents! You're well on your way to creating a safe environment for your new baby. Kids love to explore, and you can safeguard all aspects of their new environment to keep them safe and give you peace of mind.

The post 4 important babyproofing tips you may have missed appeared first on FamilyToday.

We will never spare any expense when it comes to our children but high safety ratings don't mean you have to break the bank. Check out the top three child safety products you need and the best options available for your price range.

Baby gates

Baby gates are needed in many different areas of your home. Once your baby becomes mobile you really need that little gate to make sure they stay out of dangerous areas.

When you are choosing your baby gate there are several things to consider:

1) How wide is the space you need to gate?

2) Should it be mounted to the wall, or can it be pressure mounted?

3) How stylish do you want your gate to be?

Long and wide gate

The most versatile and extendable gate is made by Regalo. You'll pay a little bit more for its extendable functions but it can wrap around hearth areas, encompass a room, or turn into a miniature play yard for your child. The panels are removable and configurable to meet many different baby gate needs.

Pressure mounted gate

If you are looking for a pressure mounted baby gate in a smaller area, your best baby gate is the North States Supergate. It's easy to use, fits small spaces, and more importantly, won't cost you an arm and a leg.

Decorative gate

If you want a stylish gate that is easy to use in your home, you should look into getting this decorative pressure mounted gate. The contrasting wood and metal can fit a space 30-60 inches wide, which is wider than most gates. It has excellent customer reviews and with the added style, it is still cheaper than other competitors, while remaining a reliable and stylish gate.

Each home situation varies when it comes to the ability to hardware or pressure mount your baby gate. If you have any question you can refer to this complete guide of baby gate proofing.

Car seats

You'll be changing your car seats fairly often as your child grows out of them. Often people tend to give them as hand-me-downs, but it is important to know the facts about the car seat you are putting your child in.

Most car seats have a 6 year service life, after which you should upgrade. They should also be replaced if they have been in a major car accident, and car seats should be checked for national recalls. As of 2016, these are the best car seats for your price by age group:

Rear to front facing

If your child is an infant to a two year old, the best car seat for safety is the Britax Marathon. Not only will this seat keep your baby safe as a rear facing car seat, but it can be converted to a front facing when they reach two years or older. Although it is a bit pricier than other seats, it is the best bang for your buck when it comes to safety and longevity features.

Front facing

If you simply need a front facing booster for your child, you should look into this seat by Evenflo. It's the best price and offers all of the safety features to give you peace of mind with your child in the back seat. This booster should also last while your child grows.

Booster

Booster seats are the final car seat you'll ever have to buy and luckily most of them won't break the bank. If you are looking for a booster that exceeds safety regulations then check out the Graco Turbo Backless Booster. Priced similarly to competitors, this is the obvious choice to keep your kids safe.

If you are looking for a more complete list of this year's best car seats, check out this article on the top car seats of 2016.

Appliance latches

On their own, appliance latches aren't costly, but when you need to latch several doors, cabinets, drawers and windows, the cost can add up. While it is fun to watch your child's curiosity grow as they become more mobile, we want to avoid any unnecessary mishap we can by keeping them out of dangerous areas with these products:

Cabinet and drawer

If you want versatility and cost effectiveness in your latches, check out the Munchkin Dual Action latches. They are more cost effective than magnet cabinet locks but still keep the kiddos out of harm. Plus, they use a dual release system so you don't have to worry about losing your magnetic key.

Window

There are many types of windows but one stopper works for most. The cheapest and least obstructing window latch is the window wedge. The window wedge can also keep your window open. If you are using the window wedge to ventilate your home, only keep the window open a maximum of four inches to ensure your child cannot fall out or get through the window.

Door

There is no right or wrong way to baby proof a door, but if your door is inside your home the best option I've found is the Door Monkey. It acts as both a door lock and pinch guard while allowing air to circulate through your rooms.

If you want to learn a full baby-proofing process you can check out these baby proofing resources.

Protecting our children comes down to three things: know your surroundings, be aware of product pros and cons, and find what fits your situation the best. But don't let it cost you a fortune.

The post Reliable and affordable baby safety products you need appeared first on FamilyToday.

Our kids are living most of their lives on the internet - 92 percent of teens go online daily and 24 percent report they are online "almost constantly." There's no denying our kid's involvement in the information superhighway. Kids are on numerous social media platforms, socializing away from your watchful eye and in a virtual reality where "privacy" is a moving target andcyber security concerns are many and growing. Parenting in the digital age can be difficult, to say the least.

How can you stay involved in your child's online life without infringing on their privacy? Here are 7 tips for navigating the internet with kids:

1. Set smart internet rules

Though your child can likely navigate a touch screen better than you can, this doesn't equate to internet street smarts. Kids are impulsive and often don't understand the results of their digital immersion. Set boundaries for their internet use and establish clear rules for acceptable online behavior.

Depending on the age of your child, you may want your rules to cover everything from banning anonymous actions, setting social media accounts to private, prohibiting posting sensitive personal information, avoiding interaction with strangers, and letting you know immediately about any online harassment or cyberbullying.

2. Stress the internet's permanence

Children are not equipped with the emotional intelligence to know that the things they do online have lasting consequences. It doesn't matter if it's a one-second Snapchat or a 140-character Tweet, nothing is temporary on the internet. Talk with your kids to make sure they understand that the things they put online are permanent. They are building their online reputation now, and the photos and statements they post today, which may seem silly and harmless, have long-term staying power. Even if something gets "deleted," screenshots and cache searches can ensure it's never forgotten. Employers will look at their internet footprint, as will college admission officials and future love interests.

3. Install parental controls

The World Wide Web is lurking with nasty dangers - including inappropriate websites, cyberbullying, and pornographic content. What's even worse is that seventy-one percent of kids are hiding their online activity from their parents. Investing in internet security software will prevent your child from accessing questionable material. Internet security and filtering software can monitor all your devices, rate websites, record search terms, block content, and send you internet usage reports.

4. "Friend" your child carefully

It's not always best to be friends with your child on Facebook or to follow them on Twitter. Psychologist Catherine Steiner-Adair and author of "The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age" says whether or not you are friends with your child on social media depends on their "age, social and emotional maturity, and street savvy about online life." She recommends checking your kid's social media accounts just as you would casually peek in at a gathering your kid is hosting at your house: don't be wedged on the couch between their friends, but don't give them free rein, either.

5. Know where they are

Maybe you're not one of your kid's Snapchat followers, but internet security is still your parental responsibility. And you better know what social media platforms they're using. Parents must be vigilant about staying on top of social media trends. Even if you haven't heard of social networks like Ask.fm, Tinder, Kik, and Whisper, your children probably have. Make yourself familiar with the trending social platforms, their dangers, and their features.

The Family Online Safety Institute advises parents to access their child's social media pages regularly with total transparency. If you find unsavory material, discuss why it makes you uncomfortable. If you are still paying for your child's smartphone, then make it a standard that your kids must tell you which social networks they use.

6. Ask questions

You cannot stand on the sidelines in the Digital Era simply because you don't understand it - make yourself an expert for the sake of your children. Begin a conversation around the online habits of your children and their peers. Ask your child to show you, for example, what Instagram is all about. Odds are, they'll pull out their phone and show you the app.

Ask what their friends and classmates are doing online and how they are communicating with each other. Ask your kids what they're doing online, too, and regularly question if they've seen anything online that has disturbed them and discuss what you can do together to solve any issues.

7. Never use social media to humiliate

We've all seen the viral posts where a parent posts a video or picture punishing their child for not doing a chore or breaking the rules. The trend has become so popular it's now got its own term - digi-punishment. Though it may seem effective to call out your kids online, it is never a good idea to publicly shame your child over the internet. Handle problems away from social media sites. It's a parent's job to discipline their child, but it's also a parent's job to be a security net. Digi-punishment teaches your kids bad online behavior, can damage their self-worth, and can hurt their trust in you.

Modern kids should not be leading a secret life on the internet. As a parent, you must stay up-to-date on your kids' likes, tweets, snaps, grams, and swipes. Maintain an appropriate level of control over their online persona by implementing these tips in your routine.

The post 7 ways to stay involved in your child’s life online appeared first on FamilyToday.

Monthly living expenses seem to have a life of their own. Some bills appear small and inconsequential on their own, but add them all up and they can overwhelm you. Fortunately, you can tame the beast. Use these 12 money management tips and tricks to lower bills and keep your money where it belongs - in your pocket:

1. Turn off lights and appliances

Remember your mom telling you to turn off the lights when leaving a room? Turns out she had a point: turning off lights and other appliances not in use fights "vampire power" - the electricity pulled from the grid when electronics are plugged in but not used. If you have a hard time remembering to turn off the lights, invest in smart timers and power strips that automatically manage electricity flow for you.

2. Replace old lightbulbs

As your old incandescent lightbulbs die, replace them with CFL or LED bulbs. The bulbs may have a higher up-front cost, but they're also about four times more energy efficient and last years longer than traditional bulbs, making them more cost-effective in the long run.

3. Set the thermostat

An easy way to save money is to program the thermostat so that it automatically adjusts the heating and cooling of your home. If your thermostat isn't programmable, it may be time to invest in a new system - a programmable thermostat could save you $180 a year on your utilities.

4. Lower the temperature on the hot water heater

The hot water heater is most likely one of your home's primary energy wasters. Simply lowering the temperature on your hot water heater will provide you the hot water you want without burning unnecessary energy. Investing in a water heater blanket and insulating any exposed hot water pipes will keep in even more heat and save you even more money.

5. Get rid of drafts

Every fall, check the weatherproofing on your home and replace any worn-out seals on doorframes and windows. Doing so will get rid of the drafts that cause energy spikes - and higher utility bills - during the summer and winter.

6. Shop around for homeowners and auto insurance

You'll want to scope out new insurance options every so often, particularly if your credit score has improved. Many times, you can switch providers and pay less while still receiving the same amount of coverage. Give your current provider a chance to match the competitor's quote and try to bundle policies if possible.

7. Bundle Internet, television, and phone services

One of the simplest ways to save money every month is to bundle your existing services. Most cable and Internet providers offer discounts for bundling, as well as other perks.

8. Refinance your home or car

If you think you might be eligible for refinancing, talk with a few lending institutions. Locking in a lower rate can save you money over the life of the loan and lower your monthly payment. This extra money can then be put toward existing bills - a guaranteed way to pay off debt faster.

9. Consolidate your student loans

Now that most federal loans have fixed rates, consolidation is no longer the magic solution it once was considered - but it can still be a lucrative option. It usually locks in a lower interest rate and lower monthly payment. Plus, you can often decrease the rate further by opting for automatic withdrawals every month.

10. Request a credit card rate reduction

If you have a large balance on your credit card, call the credit card company and request a rate reduction. Most of the time, companies are willing to negotiate if you've been paying your bill on time. The lower rate will help, but remember that the only proven way to get back to black is to stop buying on credit and start paying down your debt.

11. Cancel club memberships

Dig through your wallet and pull out all your membership cards. Now be honest with yourself: how often do you really use the services? If you only use the gym once a month, it might be best to cancel the membership and save that monthly fee instead.

12. Look for inexpensive entertainment options

Most cities have all sorts of free entertainment, from local live music to weekend festivals. Find the free, or at least inexpensive, options and replace some of your current activities. Even if you replace 10 to 15 percent of your outings with free activities, the savings will add up.

Your home bills don't have to rule the roost. Show them who's boss. Take charge with the 12 tips listed here, and you will save money, pay off debt, and have funds left for fun.

The post 12 ways to cut costs on your home bills appeared first on FamilyToday.

As a parent, you want to protect your kids from the more undesirable parts of the Internet. But that gets harder as technology becomes more prevalent in children's lives - TVs and gaming devices are in their rooms, tablets and smartphones travel with them to school, and wearables are literally attached to their bodies.

Even if you've verbally set screen-time limits and talked with your kids about the dangers of the World Wide Web, it's a challenge to manage everything they're doing online. Luckily, there are a number of apps, guides, and controls available to make this a little easier.

Here are 10 resources to help you monitor your kids' devices:

Younger Children

1. Kiddoware

Your toddler won't need an Internet browsing filter, but they may need some restrictions on what they can access on your mobile device. Enter the Kiddoware app.

Kiddoware childproofs your phone or tablet, preventing your little one from accidentally swiping photos into the trash or sending a gibberish email to your coworkers. It restricts apps you haven't approved, blocks downloads, and bans phone calls and texting.

2. Parental Control Bar

The Parental Control Bar app is a free service for any concerned parent with young children just starting to use the Internet. This simple toolbar interface provides simple, one-click controls. Activate Child Mode when your little ones want their screen time, and the toolbar will block adult websites.

3. Satellite TV Parental Guides

Today's satellite TV providers have parental guides built into their offerings. DIRECTV, for example, partners with Common Sense Media to provide detailed information on concerning content like violence or sexuality. Once you know what is and isn't okay, you can block inappropriate channels with a password-protected control system.

Older Children

4. My Mobile Watchdog

One of the only apps that will track full cellphone use, My Mobile Watchdog, gives you access to your children's text messages, call logs, and contact lists.

The app also provides real-time location tracking, lets you blacklist certain apps and websites, and employs a time block feature to limit cellphone use.

5. Send This Instead

Teens that are pressured to send nude pictures now have a voice with the Send This Instead app. This creative app features a collection of witty and smart responses teens can send in response to requests for nude pictures. The apps gallery includes postcard-style images with responses like, "I can't send you nude photos, but I'll send this to my dad and you can try asking him for some."

6. Gaming System Controls

The most effective way to control gaming consoles and handhelds is to set up the built-in parental controls. Digital Trends offers a detailed guide on how to engage the parental settings for today's major consoles. Setup of these devices is critical, as it falls to parents to make sure things like Web browsing, voice chat, and store purchases are disabled for children.

7. Nighthawk Router

If you have older kids, you likely have multiple tablets, phones, computers, and gaming consoles connected to the Internet. Instead of installing software on every single device, Netgear's Nighthawk smart router allows you to use Netgear Live Parental Controls to filter all connected devices. The control system offers five filter levels, so the device can be adjusted depending on who's using it.

All Ages

8. Internet Matters

Are you unfamiliar with the tech your teen is using? The Internet Matters website is full of valuable information parents need to know about everything from sexting to social networking. This nonprofit website will help you set up the pre-installed controls on kids' devices, and it also offers advice for digitally managing each age group.

9. Mobicip

A one-time Mobicip setup on each mobile device gives you control over your kids' digital lives. Advanced Cloud filters scan Web pages, Internet searches, and even YouTube videos to block objectionable material. The parent dashboard lets you monitor your kids' browsing history and restrict the amount of time your children spend on their smart devices. As kids grow and their online needs change, the flexible platform can be adjusted to unblock formerly restricted content.

10. Net Nanny

If you want to protect your kids from cyberbullying, turn to Net Nanny. This software shields kids from online threats, monitors social media "friends," and alerts parents of potential sexual predators. The app also blocks pornography and vulgar language, and it even sends reports about your child's online activity.

A decade ago, placing the family computer in a common room of your home was enough to control your kid's Internet activity. But today, monitoring the many ways your child interacts with the Internet can get overwhelming. Use these parental control resources to make that job a little easier and shelter your kids from the seedier aspects of the Internet.

The post 10 parental control resources to keep your child safe online appeared first on FamilyToday.

After the holiday season comes the annual spare-change scramble. Having spent so much on gifts and travel, you may be looking at your bank account with a bit of alarm and hysteria. Don't get too stressed, though - you don't have to make drastic lifestyle changes to survive. It's surprisingly easy to save a few dollars here and there; and those dollars quickly add up.

Food and groceries

1. Bring lunch to work

If you spend around $5 every day for lunch, that adds up to nearly $100 per month for a small convenience. It's healthier and costs a lot less to make your own food and bring it with you. Fight the food truck urge and use that extra cash for something better.

2. Buy groceries in bulk

It's no wonder extreme couponers have huge food storage; it's often much cheaper to buy in bulk than it is to buy pre-packaged foods, especially if you keep an eye on sales and promotions. As an added bonus, bulk foods have less packaging, making this an eco-friendly effort as well.

3. Stick to a shopping list

Grocery stores are built to promote impulse buying. And you probably don't need those extra snacks after the holidays anyway. If you keep a shopping list and stick to it, you can avoid overspending on unnecessary items.

4. Drink water

If you've made a New Year's resolution to eat healthier, then swapping expensive drinks for water is a good move. You'll lose weight and save money, too - sodas and energy drinks take from your wallet and add to your thighs.

Technology

5. Change phone plans

You'll never get rid of your phone, but why should you pay more than someone else? While the big telecommunications companies offer name-brand recognition, there are plenty of smaller service providers that offer cheaper plan options. Find an alternative plan and save big without sacrificing service.

6. Switch to satellite

From work to fueling your Netflix addiction, Internet is a necessity. Satellite Internet has all the benefits of cable with a lower cost . You can save money every month by switching to a cheaper satellite plan or bundling your satellite Internet plan with your TV service.

7. Buy used or refurbished devices

While it can be fun to have the newest device, it's not always the most cost effective. But you don't have to give up technology to save money. Electronics are significantly cheaper when purchased used or refurbished, and they usually work just as well as their newer counterparts.

Finance and investing

8. Budget, budget, budget!

Staying organized will help you cut back on unnecessary expenses. A budget can provide you with a bird's-eye view of where your money is going, making it easier for you to pinpoint any excessive spending habits. If you're not confident in your budgeting abilities, try a nifty budget app to keep your finances in order.

9. Switch to a high-yield savings account

Change may not be your favorite word when it comes to banking; but not all banks offer great savings rates - sometimes they don't even match the rate of inflation. Pay attention to savings account interest rates, and switch to a higher yield savings account if possible - even if it means switching to a smaller bank.

10. Automate savings and investments

It can be hard to commit to saving regularly. You can make it a little easier by setting your paycheck to automatically deposit a small portion of your earnings into savings. Automating the process helps ensure you won't forget or fritter away your investment.

Lifestyle

11. Commute with public transit

If you switch to public transportation for your daily commute, you can save a lot of money on gas and parking. When the weather warms up, biking is a great alternative to driving as well. This change will do a lot of environmental good, too. Plus it's more enjoyable to sit and read or listen to podcasts on a train than it is to languish in traffic.

12. Moderate your thermostat usage

Heating and air conditioning is one of those expenses we accidentally ignore when it gets too hot or cold, especially if you live in a more extreme climate. Setting your home's temperature a few degrees above where you'd normally put it in the summer or below where you'd put it in the winter won't drastically affect your comfort level, and you'll definitely notice the savings in your power bills.

13. Shop sales

Why would you pay full price for anything when sales are inevitable? You can stay money savvy while still staying stocked with everything you want and need. Most retailers offer major sales throughout the year, so plan your purchases accordingly.

Saving money doesn't have to be hard. These changes are small and can happen a little at a time. Remember - unconscious spending leads to overspending. So make a plan and stick to it, and you'll have less stress and more money in no time.

The post 13 easy ways to save money in 2016 appeared first on FamilyToday.