What screams “family finances” more than a dad plopped on the living room floor, frantically scribbling numbers while chaos erupts around him? The kids are zooming in circles, toys are everywhere, and a 3-year-old is demanding a snack at full volume—because, of course, they are.
Yep, that’s me, deep in the trenches of family budgeting. With five kids, keeping track of our money sometimes feels like trying to catch a waterfall in a spaghetti strainer. But over time, I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks to make it all work—without drowning in receipts or losing my sanity. So, if you’re managing a big family on a budget, here’s what actually works (chaos included!).
A few years ago, my partner and I decided it was time to take a more organized approach to our finances. We needed to get a handle on the growing number of grocery bills, birthday parties, and school fees. So, we sat down one Saturday night after the kids were in bed (which, by the way, never happens on time) and started talking. The first thing we realized? We had no idea how much we were spending on the day-to-day.
So, what did we do? We decided to track every single purchase. Yes, every one. It was both eye-opening and slightly horrifying to see where our money was going, especially on things like snacks, toys, and other random “oh, I’ll just grab this” purchases.
1. Track Every Single Expense (No, Seriously)

I won’t lie to you, this wasn’t fun at first. But, once I started tracking, I was amazed at how many tiny expenses were adding up. From little treats at the grocery store to those impulse buys on Amazon, it all adds up. We use a family budget app now that tracks everything, and it’s like having a personal accountant in my pocket. The goal isn’t to be restrictive but to get a clear picture of where the money’s going. This has helped us cut back on those small, often unnoticed expenses.
2. Meal Planning is a Lifesaver
With five kids, meal planning isn’t just about making sure we have food in the house—it’s about saving time, money, and sanity. I’ve learned that planning our meals for the week and sticking to a grocery list cuts down on those impulse buys. Plus, making larger batches of family-friendly meals, like casseroles or chili, means we can eat well without the constant worry of what’s for dinner. The savings from buying in bulk and avoiding takeout can be a game-changer.
3. Don’t Forget About Coupons (They Actually Work)
I used to scoff at couponing, thinking it was a waste of time. But with five kids, every penny counts. Now, we’re all in on couponing—my partner scours local flyers, and I make sure to download digital coupons for stores we frequent. Whether it’s a discount on diapers, snacks, or kids’ clothes, those little savings add up fast. I’ve even started using cashback apps, which gives us money back for purchases we’d be making anyway. It’s like free money.
4. Use Cash (Seriously, It Works)

Here’s a fun fact: we’ve ditched credit cards for certain purchases. For things like entertainment, dining out, or shopping for clothes, we use cash. Why? Because it’s easier to see when you’re running low on funds. With five kids, it’s easy to get carried away on a fun family outing and rack up a big bill. Using cash keeps us on track. Once the cash is gone, we know we’ve hit our limit for the month, and that’s a huge motivator to stay within budget.
5. Find Free or Low-Cost Entertainment
With so many mouths to feed and bills to pay, entertainment is one area where I’ve learned to get creative. Instead of expensive theme parks or pricey outings, we’ve embraced free activities in our community—parks, hiking trails, local festivals, or even just playing board games at home. The kids love it, and we don’t break the bank. It’s become a fun tradition, and a great way to spend quality time without spending a fortune.
6. Shop Secondhand (And Don’t Be Ashamed)
When you have five kids, clothes and shoes can become a huge expense. But I’ve discovered that shopping secondhand is a total game-changer. Whether it’s at thrift stores or online marketplaces, I’ve found gently used clothes and gear for a fraction of the cost. Sure, it may take a little extra time to hunt down the perfect items, but the savings are worth it—and the kids don’t mind wearing hand-me-downs as long as they’re still stylish and comfortable.
7. Use a Family Calendar for Big Events and Expenses

With five kids and multiple schedules to manage, a family calendar is a must. We mark all birthdays, holidays, doctor’s appointments, and family events well in advance. This helps us plan for big-ticket expenses like party supplies or trips. When we know these costs are coming up, we can budget accordingly and save in other areas to offset the expense. It also helps us avoid the last-minute panic when a big expense is just around the corner.
8. Set Up Automatic Savings
I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to spend whatever’s left in the account at the end of the month. To avoid this, we’ve set up an automatic transfer to a savings account every payday. It’s not a huge amount, but it adds up over time. Even if it’s just $50 or $100 a month, that money builds up and provides peace of mind when unexpected expenses pop up.
9. Teach Kids About Money (And Let Them Help)

One of the best things we’ve done is involve the kids in our budgeting process. We talk about money, saving, and spending as a family. The older ones help with meal planning and budgeting for things they want, like new toys or activities. They’ve even started using their own allowances to buy things for themselves, which teaches them the value of money and how to manage it responsibly.
10. Plan for the Long-Term (Don’t Forget the Future)
Budgeting isn’t just about getting through the month—it’s about securing the future. We’ve set up college savings accounts for the kids, and while we’re not putting in huge amounts, every little bit helps. It’s a long-term goal, but having that money set aside means we’re prepared for their future without scrambling at the last minute.
Budgeting for a large family doesn’t have to feel like a burden. It’s about being strategic with your money and making small, intentional changes that add up over time. By meal planning, using coupons, and embracing secondhand shopping, we’ve found ways to save without sacrificing the things that matter most. Sure, it takes effort, but with five kids to care for, it’s more than worth it. So, the next time you’re sitting at the kitchen table, trying to figure out where the money went, take a deep breath—and remember, you’ve got this.
Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.