Keeping up with the cost of living today is no small feat. Groceries, gas, school supplies, and surprise expenses all add up fast. That’s why more and more families are asking the same question: how to budget better and stretch every dollar.
For many households, learning how to budget is a must for financial peace of mind. If you're saving for a rainy day, cutting back on everyday costs, or simply trying to avoid the monthly “where did all our money go?” moment, budgeting puts you back in control.
To get a clearer picture of how families approach this challenge, we asked the Ipsos iSay community* to weigh in.
We have a snapshot of smart money habits, real-world struggles, and creative ways to stay financially grounded.
We asked the US Ipsos iSay members these questions:
- Do you regularly use a budget to manage your family's finances?
What helps you manage your household budget?
Why is it important for you to manage your family budget?
What is your favorite budget-friendly family activity?
Their answers reveal how families plan ahead. Let’s dive into the insights.
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How to Budget Smartly - What Families Say Works Best
Families across the Ipsos iSay community shared what really helps them stay financially grounded. Here’s how they make a budget work in real life and how you can too.
Monthly Budgeting & Planning
Creating a monthly budget is a key move for many households. In fact, 47% of respondents said it’s the most effective way to manage their spending. Laying out all your fixed expenses, like rent or mortgage, utilities, and monthly bills, gives you a clear view of how much money you have coming in versus going out.
To stay ahead of impulse spending, 65% of families said they make a list before heading to the store. It’s a simple budgeting tactic that keeps your focus on the essentials and helps you avoid overspending.
Meal planning is another standout strategy. Half of all respondents said that planning meals helps stretch their monthly income while reducing last-minute takeout runs, which puts more money toward savings or debt repayment goals.
For families navigating fluctuating financial conditions, understanding broader money habits in today's economy provides useful context. These insights highlight how common financial decisions are evolving and how small changes can lead to more sustainable household budgeting.
Cooking at Home & Bulk Buying
One of the best ways to budget, especially with a family, is sticking to home-cooked meals. A whopping 74% say cooking at home is their go-to method for saving money and keeping monthly expenses in check. Beyond the financial perks, it’s also a great way to build family bonds and make healthier choices.
Additionally, 39% of respondents said buying in bulk helps them make the most of their paycheck. This method works well if you have space to store large quantities and a plan to use what you buy, especially for pantry staples, household goods, and freezer-friendly meals.
Smart Shopping Habits
Smart shopping isn’t about spending less on everything. It’s more about spending wisely. Two-thirds of respondents (66%) say they compare prices to get the best value. Regardless of whether it’s groceries or kids’ clothes, taking a few extra minutes to look at options can pay off in real savings.
Another 61% make it a priority to cut unnecessary costs. That could mean pausing unused subscriptions, downgrading services, or skipping non-essentials for a few months to refocus on financial goals like paying down debt or saving for retirement.
Consumer behavior trends, like American views on discounts and payment options, reveal how budget-conscious choices are being embraced nationwide. These findings support the idea that smart spending is also mainstream.
One in third (33%) said they look for ways to save on utilities, something as simple as adjusting the thermostat or switching to energy-efficient bulbs can reduce monthly bills over time.
Tools & Tech
While pen and paper still work, many families are turning to technology to keep tabs on their money. About 12% use expense tracking apps.
Popular options like Mint, YNAB (You Need A Budget), or mobile banking tools offered by your personal checking or online banking provider make it easier than ever to track your spending and stay accountable to your budget plan.
Using these tools helps families see exactly where their money is going and spot opportunities to spend less or adjust their budget in real time.
With Ipsos iSay, you can contribute to impactful research like this and shape future trends with your insights and opinions. Plus, enjoy earning rewards as you make your voice heard. Haven't joined yet? Sign up today and be part of the conversation!
Why Budgeting Is a Priority for Families
For many families, creating a budget is all about creating a peace of mind, managing everyday challenges, and planning for the road ahead. The Ipsos iSay poll reveals what motivates families to stick to their financial goals and why that matters.
Financial Security
Nearly half of all respondents (49%) said their main reason for budgeting is to increase their family’s overall financial security. The right budgeting method can make day-to-day life more predictable and less stressful regardless of whether it’s knowing your after-tax income is being used wisely or simply feeling in control of your money.
Create your budget around essential needs to ensure that money is available for month-to-month priorities without feeling like every purchase is a gamble. It can also lay the groundwork for longer-term financial priorities.
Debt & Emergency Planning
Debt reduction is another key motivator. For 16% of families, the goal is to reduce what they owe, especially credit card debt. Creating a personal budget helps identify spending leaks and redirect funds toward debt repayment. Even making payments that go beyond the minimum can make a difference over time.
Meanwhile, 12% said building an emergency fund is their main reason for budgeting. Experts recommend saving enough to cover three to six months of variable expenses, which can help when income is irregular or unexpected costs arise.
This kind of financial cushion ensures you're not forced to dip into your checking account or rack up charges on a credit card when life throws a curveball.
Looking Ahead
Budgeting also helps families reach their future goals.
Twenty percent of respondents are focused on saving for large, long-term needs like college tuition or retirement savings. These goals require consistent effort and often, regular contributions into a savings or investment account.
Many of these longer-term plans are affected by seasonal spending habits. That’s why examining holiday spending trends can help families prepare for big shopping periods without derailing their financial progress. With better planning, festive seasons can align with savings strategies rather than strain them.
Fun on a Budget - Family Activities That Don’t Break the Bank
Enjoying quality time together doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Families across the Ipsos iSay community shared their favorite ways to have fun while sticking to their financial goals. If you're looking to adjust your budget or just find more discretionary spending options, these activities show how easy it is to stick to your budget while still making great memories.
At-Home Favorites
Topping the list are family movie nights (52%) and baking or cooking together (51%). These activities are not only fun but also cost-effective alternatives to nights out.
Plus, they’re easy to plan around your take-home pay and help families spend money on what truly matters, which is the time you spend together.
When you subtract dining out or entertainment costs, even small changes like these can create money left over for other priorities, such as savings goals or saving for a vacation.
Classic Pastimes
Board games and card games came in strong at 39%, followed by DIY arts and crafts at 25%. These timeless, low-cost options help families spend less without sacrificing fun. You don’t need a huge budget to create lasting memories, just some imagination and a willingness to play.
Activities like these can fit seamlessly into a month-to-month budget plan and are ideal when managing short-term goals or when money available is limited.
Local Adventures
Half of families (50%) said going to the park is one of their favorite ways to unwind on a budget. Meanwhile, 27% enjoy visiting the library, a great way to entertain and educate without spending a dime.
Zoos and museums on free admission days (24%) are another popular pick, which gives families a chance to explore and learn without disrupting their spending and saving balance.
Neighborhood bike rides were mentioned by 20%, and they offer both fun and fitness. These outings also align with long-term goals like spending more quality time together, without tapping into funds meant for bills or child support.
Building a Budget That Works for You
Budgeting isn’t about saying “no” to everything. Sometimes, it’s about saying “yes” to what matters most. If you're focused on reducing debt, saving for future goals, or simply getting a better handle on your monthly expenses, creating a budget is a powerful tool for feeling more in control of your finances.
Start small. Make a list of your monthly income, review your pay stubs, and look at your bank statements to understand where your money is going. Even little adjustments, like cooking at home more or choosing budget-friendly activities, can lead to big wins over time.
The path to financial priorities and long-term goals doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It just has to be yours.
Want to share your own insights on family budgeting and more?
Head over to your Ipsos iSay dashboard and take part in our latest surveys. Your voice shapes the conversation and earns you rewards along the way!
*Source: Ipsos study conducted May 27 - 31, 2025, on 1,000 US Ipsos iSay members
