Times have been tough, and they continue to get tougher. Being frugal in today’s economic climate means more than just putting some money in the piggy bank every two weeks or making a budget on a spread sheet.

Being a frugal parent and family is an art that can get downright creative at times. The following are just a few ideas on how to be frugal, yet meet your family’s needs.

1. Eat at Home

This may seem like a no brainer, but with both parents working, sometimes more than one job, there is always the temptation to give in to convenience and drive on through the $.99 heart attack.

But stocking up on easy meals or recipes that feed your family, as well as cooking to their health, is a worthwhile challenge. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as items that stretch meals, like rice and beans, to feed your growing family.

2. Car Pool

Everyone has experienced the outrageous price of fuel today. However, there are a few things to do so that this constant need does not sting quite so intensely.

If you work in the same area of the office as most of your co-workers, see if some of them would want to car pool. Say, for instance, person A takes B and C to work for 2 weeks, then vice versa the next two weeks, and so on.  Sound like a transitive theory of statistical philosophy? No, it is not! It is common sense.

Additionally, investigate whether your buddies want to go to the gym in one vehicle. If you are all lifting weights or playing basketball at the same time, there is no reason for all of you to contribute to the gas crisis by driving 10 miles down the road separately. It is better to hang as a group, then to hang separately

3. Go Outside

Feel the air filling up your lungs. If you have one of those overpriced memberships to a gym, where all you can do is lift some dumbbells and bore yourself on a treadmill, cancel your membership and workout at home.

You do not have to buy gym equipment either. Use your body weight to start. Push-ups, Stomach Crunches and calf raises. Push ups and Pull ups are compounding exercises, meaning that they work many muscle groups.

Furthermore, core exercises are wondrous for many body systems. You can find great workout videos, yoga sessions & pilates techniques on the web (in print or video).

4. Entertainment is Relative

Sometimes, we think that it is the media’s jobs to not only entertain our kids, but us adults too.  Engage you children in activities that are free, and get them out of the house.

Reduce that luxury movie package and pull the kids outside for a game of basketball. They are getting a healthy workout, and you are saving money. No one can beat that. That, in and of itself, is family entertainment.

What are some ways you frugally fund your family?  Share in the comments!