Simple tips to save time and money

Easy ways for moms to save time and money

A mom is always walking a fine line between trying to provide her family with everything they need, while at the same time balancing a budget and saving money for the unexpected surprises life can throw at her.

Yes, life can get busy with running errands, shuttling children and taking care of the household chores. Here are some tips that you can use as a smart mom to save time and money.

1. Go on a treasure hunt at garage sales and estate auctions with your children. This is a great opportunity if you are redecorating a room, or looking to replace household items. Create a "scavenger hunt" list of what you wish for, and scour the sales, looking for the best deals. If you save money on curtains, home accessories, furniture or toys, everyone wins.



2. As a busy mom with three girls, Anna Teoli found shopping online was the easiest way for her to save time.



"I always looked for the best deals, and for some reason, I always felt that if I searched more, I would find an even better deal," Teoli says. "One day it just hit me, why not gather all that information myself and let everyone know - all the best bargains and deals, online coupon codes, in-store coupons and all the ways to save more money."



Teoli started the MommySavesBig blog in 2007 and now MommySavesBig.com has all the coupon codes, deals and in-store coupons for popular stores a mom needs to keep her budget and family happy at the same time.



3. Before shopping at a favorite store online, join the company's newsletter. Not only will the company give you the latest product and services information, but within 48 hours they usually will e-mail you a coupon.



4. Compare prices with a little research. This is very important when you are shopping for more expensive items. Use the Internet to research the products available, compare prices for the product you want at different stores, and also search for available discounts or coupons. Don't be in a hurry to buy, because you will always save more money by doing your homework.



5. Ask for discounts. Some stores accept printable coupons. Other stores accept expired coupons or competitor coupons. It doesn't hurt to ask if you can get a discount, and there is nothing wrong with trying to save money, especially in these hard times.



Moms work long hours and are always trying to make ends meet, says Teoli.



"In today's world, having everything is not enough, we always want more," she says. "Therefore, shopping and spending my money wisely simply makes me feel better and MommySavesBig helps me achieve that goal."



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Video reveals how to locate best coupon codes online

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Coupon codes are exploding with the help of the Internet. There's no need for you to pay full retail. Find the code. Enter at checkout. And save money!

Watch this video to learn more:





Also check out:



How To Save Money Online: Online Coupons, Promotions, and Discount Websites

NWA Restaurants That Offer 'Kids Eat Free' Specials

Where Kids Eat Free in Northwest Arkansas

Mondays: Where Kids Eat Free in NWA


• Flying Burrito in Fayetteville, Springdale, and Bentonville AR (dine in, all day)

• Grubs in Fayetteville, AR (all day)

• O’Charleys in Rogers, AR (all day)

• Golden Corral in Fayetteville and Rogers, AR (under 3 yrs, all day)

• Papa John’s in Springdale (free 10 inch 1 topping pizza with purchase of large pizza- CARRY OUT ONLY. Use coupon code “kids”)

• Western Sizzlin in Springdale, Ar (under 3 yrs, all day)

Tuesdays: Where Kids Eat Free in NWA

• Flying Burrito in Fayetteville, Springdale, and Bentonville, AR (dine in, all day)

• Firehouse Subs in Fayetteville (after 5pm)

• Lucky Luke’s in Fayetteville (Tues. nights, with purchase of adult meal)

• The Venesian Inn in Tontitown, AR

• Grubs in Fayetteville, AR (all day)

• Bizy’s in Fayetteville, AR (all day)

• Famous Dave’s in Rogers, AR (all day, 10 and under with adult meal)

• Denny’sin Fayetteville, Springdale and Bentonville, AR (4-10pm)

• O’Charley’s in Rogers, AR (all day)

• The Catfish Hole in Fayetteville, AR (all day, under 5 yrs)

• Pizza Huts all around Northwest Arkansas (evening buffet)

• Beef O’Brady’s in Bentonville, AR (11am-9pm)

• Golden Corral in Fayetteville and Rogers, AR (under 3 yrs, all day)

• Western Sizzlin in Springdale, AR (under 3 yrs, all day)

• Razor’s Edge in Farmington, AR (all day)

Wednesdays: Where Kids Eat Free in NWA

• Jose’s in Fayetteville, AR (4pm to close)

• Flying Burrito in Fayetteville, Springdale, and Bentonville, AR (dine in, all day)

• Firehouse Subs in Bentonville (after 4pm)

• Grubs in Fayetteville, AR (all day)

• Noodles in Fayetteville, AR (4pm to close)

• O’Charley’s in Rogers, AR (all day)

• The Catfish Hole in Fayetteville, AR (all day, under 5 yrs)

• Golden Corral in Fayetteville and Rogers, AR (all day, 3 yrs and under)

• Western Sizzlin in Springdale, AR (under 3 yrs, all day)

Thursdays: Where Kids Eat Free in NWA

• Jose’s in Springdale, AR (all day)

• Grubs in Fayetteville, AR (all day)

• O’Charley’s in Rogers, AR (all day)

• The Catfish Hole in Fayetteville, AR (all day, under 5 yrs)

• Golden Corral in Fayettevile and Rogers, AR (all day, 3 yrs and under)

• Western Sizzlin in Springdale, AR (under 3 yrs, all day)

Fridays: Where Kids Eat Free in NWA

• Grubs in Fayetteville, AR (all day)

• O’Charley’sin Rogers, AR (all day)

• The Catfish Hole in Fayetteville, AR (all day, under 5 yrs)

• Golden Corral in Fayetteville and Rogers, AR (all day, 3 yrs and under)

• Western Sizzlin in Springdale, AR (under 3 yrs, all day)

Saturdays: Where Kids Eat Free in NWA

• Grubs in Fayetteville, AR (all day)

• Denny’sin Fayetteville, Springdale, and Bentonville, AR (4-10pm)

• O’Charley’s in Rogers, AR (all day)

• Texas Land and Cattle Co. in Rogers, AR (11am-4pm)

• The Catfish Hole in Fayetteville, AR (all day, under 5 yrs)

• Golden Corral in Fayetteville and Rogers, AR (all day, 3 yrs and under)

• Steak and Shake in Fayetteville and Rogers, AR (all day, 12 and under with $8 purchase)

• Western Sizzlin in Springdale, AR (under 3 yrs, all day)

Sundays: Where Kids Eat Free in NWA

• Fast Lane Entertainment in Rogers (all day/free kids meal with purchase of adult entree)

• Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Fayetteville (all day)

• Jose’s in Fayetteville (11am-4pm) in Springdale , AR (all day)

• Mama Fu’s in Bentonville, AR (all day)

• O’Charley’s in Rogers, AR (all day)

• The Catfish Hole in Fayetteville, AR (all day, under 5 yrs)

• Golden Corral in Fayetteville and Rogers, AR (all day, 3 yrs and under)

• Steak and Shake in Fayetteville and Rogers, AR (all day, 12 and under with $8 purchase)

• Western Sizzlin in Springdale, AR (under 3 yrs, all day)

• Dickey’s BBQ in Lowell, AR (all day, 12 and under)

Also, restaurants like the Marketplace in Springdale, Fayetteville and Rogers, AR and AQ Chicken House in Fayetteville and Springdale, AR often offer kids eat free during certain months of the year, so keep an eye out for those as well.

Limitations may apply, such as free with the purchase of an adult meal, etc. Each restaurant was called so we feel confident these are accurate. If you hear of a change, let us know and we'll make the update.