The one item that can cause tension and upheaval in a home is money and the worries that come with it. In order to survive in today’s slow moving economy is to either ignore the issue or hope against hope it will magically disappear or become the wizard of thriftiness.

When faced with those two choices it is plain to see that by simply ignoring the real world issue of a slowing economy, you will soon find your self on the credit card highway on a fast track to bankruptcy. On the other hand looking to adapt to a more frugal lifestyle can provide real opportunities to not only to save money but also to bond with your family.

As hard, as it may be to believe that being frugal can offer the chance to save money and bring your family a bit closer but with a good sense of humor and a touch of creativity this can most definitely be accomplished.

Making the decision to become a more thrift friendly family the entire needs to jump in and help. Parents remember it is never too early to begin teaching sound money managing techniques to your children.

Naturally, you do not have to make your children privy to all the intimate details of your financial outlook, but you can certainly sit and ask for their help.

The first place to begin is at the kitchen table. Ask every one to begin thinking of ways they think can save money. It is important to note that this stage is simply a brainstorming session and no answer or idea is too wild. Taking this approach allows even the youngest family members to feel more involved.

Once you have compiled the ideas from the brainstorming session, it is now time to examine each idea and find ways in which to implement them into the family’s new money management makeover.

The first thing that should be addressed is the use of credit. Enforce a CASH ONLY policy for the family. Try going an entire week without writing checks or using your credit cards.

Next, grab a Sunday paper and distribute scissors to all hands that are old enough to handle them and let the coupon-clipping bonanza begin. The challenge is not pay full price for any item purchased for one week. Employ the use of older children to be sale snoopers, and encourage them to keep a keen eye open for sales, and promotions offered so that the family can meet the goal discussed.

We have all at one time or another opened our pantries only to exclaim, there is nothing to eat. To the untrained eye that may be true, however, with the trained eye of the thrift minded chef you will be able to rummage thru the pantry and refrigerator to create a gourmet meal that will certainly rival the best chefs in France.

The great part about cooking is you are allowed to be creative, so do not be afraid to experiment. Who knows you just may create a new family favorite.

Begin scouring the internet, and your local library for ideas about saving money. There is a literally a wealth of information available free on the internet. You will be amazed at the wide array of tips you could pick up from other thrift-minded individuals.

Now comes a test for your money management makeover, how to have an enjoyable evening with the family and not spend one single cent. Again, this is a great way to get the family working together. There are certainly many ways a family can spend an evening together and actually have some fun. Begin by rummaging in the kids room, for games and puzzles. Decide on a family game night, each game night a new member of the family gets to decide what will be played. Also take a trip to your public library, many libraries also have a video section (again, free of charge). A great way to engage the entire family in reading is the use of a play. See if you can locate a play for the entire family to act out. Assign a part to everyone, turn the living room into your stage and let the fun begin.

Another way to keep on the frugal path is to commit to not using the family car one day a week. Instead walk, ride a bike, make use of a carpool. If you decide on a walk, bring along some company, the younger members of the family will enjoy the challenge of keeping an eye out for discarded cans that can be taken to the recycling center. Not only does this add a few nickels to the piggy bank but it also helps beautify the neighborhood. Even a good old fashion game of eye spy is a great way to engage all members of the family.

When all is said and done, you may find that becoming a more thrift minded family is a great way to instill a healthy attitude towards finances in your children. Besides, learning to become frugal as a family will certainly provide many opportunities to bring all of you closer together.