r/workingmoms • u/daughterofabiscuit • Apr 20 '26

Working Mom Success Spending to make life better

What do you guys spend money on to make your life easier/better? Working is part of my identity and I love my job. My husband and I are also in the very fortunate position to be saving a ton already for retirement and 529 accounts for our 2 kids (3.5F and 2 months M). What are some ways to spend extra cash to make life easier/more enjoyable?

Things we already do:

Cleaner every other week

Paid someone to do mulch delivery/spreading

Paid for our pool opening/closing

Planning to take 2 nice vacations this year

I don't really have a set budget but maybe something in the range of $500-$1000/month? Or once time purchases ~$5000?

What can we afford to let our lifestyle inflate that has been "worth it" for you?

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57

u/thosearentpancakes Apr 20 '26

Same tax bracket -

I love grocery shopping, so I don’t do delivery. I do shop at my favorite store and I don’t bargain hunt

Babysitter - I will schedule someone to watch my daughter, any time she’s got a half day or school closed. I know a lot of parents have to white knuckle that due to finances.

Date night - upped the frequency, nicer resultants, getting a new cute outfit or makeup

Better camps - my daughter goes to a full day, full summer program. One camp. It’s a mint (650/week) but so much less hassle.

29

u/childish_cat_lady Apr 20 '26

I will never be convinced to turn grocery shopping over to someone that's not me or my husband lol. I value the ability to choose our own produce too much and hate plastic grocery bags.

10

u/runsfortacos Apr 20 '26

Same. Well I’ve leaned into recently due to time constraints but I don’t really like it

5

u/Ker0zelvin Apr 20 '26

For me, grocery shopping is enjoyable depending on the time and day that you go. Most evenings between 5-7? Terrible. Crowded. So many people rushing to get stuff for dinner/lunch the next day. Including yourself. You feel the countdown. Weekends? A gamble. On a random Wednesday mid morning? Perfect. I can take my time. Really stop and make sure im getting everything on my list. Maybe consider stocking up on some sale items, but due to a 9-5 schedule I have to take a day off for that.

2

u/maudieatkinson Apr 21 '26

I used to think that about the mid mornings but now I’m squaring off with the paid shoppers who are getting groceries for other people!

2

u/User_name_5ever Apr 20 '26

Same. I do pickup when I don't have time, but I do actually enjoy it. 

2

u/wvmountainlady Apr 20 '26

I did grocery delivery when I first had my baby and found someone amazing who always picks pretty good produce. I was able to set them up as preferred and now they're pretty much the only one who shops for me. If it weren't for her though I'd totally not want to chance getting red potatoes instead of a red onion (yes, it's happened with another shopper).

1

u/Tacoislife2 Apr 22 '26

Same . I don’t love it when my husband chooses produce even.