I don't need to waste anyone's time with statistics about the rising cost of living. I also don't need to bore anyone with facts about how hard it is for a family to dig their way out of debt.

I'm sure you all feel like the job market is as steady as the latest big Hollywood couple's relationship. And that rising gas prices continue to eat away at more than your savings.

Life isn't easy, that's for sure, but luckily there are easy ways for families to save money. Actually, there are countless ways, but in this article I'll focus on three areas: food, clothes and entertainment.

Food

When grocery shopping ask yourself: "Is it worth buying the name brand? Or, should I try the off-brand that costs less?"

For me, the answer is usually "Yes."

More often than not, off-brand foods are just as good as the well-known and better decorated packaged foods. In reality, that extra cost is just for the pretty box.

Next, ask yourself: "Can I make this just as easily?"

This question is one my husband and I ask when we're faced with foods like tortillas, marinara sauce and even buttermilk. You'd be surprised how easy these items are to make or to find a cheaper replacement.

Next question is: "Can I live with having mainly canned and frozen produce more than the fresh?"

Buying frozen or canned produce isn't as tasty as the fresh kind, but it certainly saves money and helps them last longer if you don't eat them fast.

However, if you insist on having plenty of fresh produce, keep in mind that fresh produce is much cheaper, and tastier, when you buy them in the season they are naturally picked.

For example, strawberries' season is early summer, and apples are ready at the end of summer through early autumn. You may have to go without some of your favorites for a while, but keep in mind what you save in the long run.

Clothes

As you look at your clothes, and even your kids' clothes, think about where you get them and ask yourself: "Am I willing to buy clothes from the clearance racks, second-hand stores, and yard sales? Am I willing to arrange a clothing swap?"

You won't always find the clothes that are of the hottest styles, but since when did the latest fashions look good on everyone?

I've been shopping like this for a long time, and I certainly don't have any complaints with what I've found.

It's definitely nice to go into a thrift store and find a cute dress for me, two pairs of jeans for my husband, and good shoes for my son, all while spending less than thirty dollars.

Entertainment

With the rising cost of movie tickets, and food at the concession stands, nights out to the movie theatre are probably becoming few and far between for many families.

You may have enough money to go out and see a new movie, but before you go, ask yourself, "Am I patient enough to wait until this movie is available at the library?"

Finding new movies to watch outside of the theater is rather simple:

Go to your local library and get a free library card. Then, place holds on the new movies you want to see, and then look on their shelves for movies you may never have heard of, or find some oldies you love.

While doing this you might even find your library has your favorite television shows on DVD too. I, for one, certainly don't miss the commercials!

Doing this may even help you cut out cable from your monthly bills altogether. What would you do with that extra $50 per month?

Now, again, what I've mentioned to you is just the tip of the iceberg in saving money in these areas. There are many more ways to save that can be discussed and discovered.

For example, what about your phone? What about cable and internet?

Remember, entertainment doesn't stop with movies and electronics. Look outside your home and see what your community offers; there are museums, festivals and so much more. Most of the time, these community activities won't dig into your pocket that deeply, or at all!

Reward

Keeping an eye on every penny that goes in and out of your pocket can be tiring. If you are always asking yourself, again and again: "Do I really NEED this?" and then saying "no," even though you have wanted it, is hard.

But, before you get to the end of this article, give yourself something to celebrate, like a simple date night with your sweetheart, and don't always deny yourself a treat now and then.

After all, life shouldn't be all about saving money for big things; don't forget about enjoying and creating smaller moments that bring laughter and enjoyment as well.

Now, go out and find what small things your family can enjoy to make this time when money is tight a little easier on all of you.

The post 3 easy ways to stretch your dollar appeared first on FamilyToday.

Having a set of twins caused me to belly flop right into parenting, needing to learn things at double speed. Now, after a year, when it feels like I've gotten my head above water, I constantly am diving back down to learn something new.

Here are a few things that I've picked up along the way so far:

1. They are not cookie-cutter people

Most of you will probably say "Duh" to this, but in the midst of the chaos of having twins, you forget that even though they come as a unit, it's not like buying the same shirt from Target twice. My little boy loves showing off for people, while my little girl is happy watching the hustle and bustle from the comfort of Daddy's arms.

2. It's a lot like tag team wrestling

I'm sure parenting a single child is the same way, but not yet having a child one at a time, I don't know. Usually, we divide and conquer, but there are moments when we can't. When they weren't sleeping through the night, my husband and I worked in shifts. Nowadays, when one is busy, the other will jump in for a time with both kids until the tasks are completed or one gets overwhelmed, and we say, "Tag, you're it."

3. They came together for a reason

For us, I think it's because my little boy needed extra support when he was first born. My twins came very early, and they had to spend time in the NICU. My little boy was born with a heart condition, so he had to stay in the hospital longer than his sister. It wasn't until my twins finally got to spend time together that my little boy's health improved. He hasn't had an issue since.

4. Laugh it off

Imagine while changing a poopy bottom of one child, the other comes up and pulls all of the wipes out of the container. That was a weekly experience in our home. Other such similar experiences happen, and I must laugh them off, or I would be bald by now, having pulled my hair out in frustration. Kids are curious, and I am trying to walk the fine line between letting them be curious, but having them understand safe boundaries.

5. Schedule matters

Like every first-time parent, we got plenty of advice, and one piece was, "Get them on the same schedule." Great, thanks "¦ how? We got that answer at the end of my pregnancy. "Feed them at the same time, even if the other one is sleeping." And from day one, feeding and sleeping schedules stayed the same if we followed these words. Having them on the same schedule brings some sanity back.

6. You will cheer when they have bed head

The development process varies just as much as personalities. I had bald babies who walked and talked later than some. And when they reached points like having enough hair to have bed head, or a new tooth came in, it was a day of celebration!

7. There is no such thing as a Super Mom

There is no perfect way to raise twins, or any child. You make things work with what you have. They say not to prop up the baby's bottle when feeding, but when the baby won't breastfeed or you can't produce enough milk for even one, and it's 4 a.m. and you are falling asleep, you make it work. In the end, you find that you and the babies get through it together.

8. Twins are the 8th wonder of the world

There is no blending in with twins. In every aisle of every store, people will exclaim over my twins as if they've never seen a set of twins before. It slows down shopping; and I feel all babies are wonders, but any more than one at a time blows people's minds.

9. You are never alone

Parents of older twins were everywhere we went when mine were newborn, and they said these very comforting words with honesty: "You will get through this," and "When they are four, it gets so much easier." I now love paying it forward to parents of new twins by giving them the peace of mind that it gets easier.

10. You get to hear what's on people's minds

"You must have your hands full!" is the most popular (As if a mother of one doesn't). The most memorable was when a lady very solemnly said, "My heart goes out to you." I have twins - not a fatal disease!

11. Miracles happen

You will get through the first year. They will sleep through the night. There will somehow be enough food and clothes when the budget is tighter than ever. Illnesses will end or be easier to bear. Support is around you or will come when your knees are about to buckle. People open doors when they see you coming with that double stroller. And your little ones will make you smile when you are close to tears. They do this just because they love you.

I don't mean to imply that my experiences and what I've learned are more valid than any other parent's. There are times when I don't know what to do and call up my list of friends who are parents of older kids and ask them for advice or help. I'm just hoping to help those still freaking out because they just discovered they are having twins. My husband and I are still recovering from that.

The post 11 things I’ve learned from having twins appeared first on FamilyToday.