I spend $200 a week on groceries for my family of 5. Staying on budget is difficult, so I swear by these cost-saving strategies.

Tech Insider : Business
a woman on her phone while grocery shopping
The author (not pictured) uses coupons to save money on grocery shopping.

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My identical twins are very competitive. Their relationship got complicated when one started outperforming the other.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Style
Dad with twins
The author's twins have always been very competitive.

Courtesy of the author

We sold everything to start a new life with our 2 kids in Argentina. I don't know how long we'll stay, but so far it's worth it.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Macarena Alvarez with her husband and two kids
Macarena Alvarez with her family in the snow.

Courtesy of Macarena Alvarez

We're empty nesters now, but we're not downsizing. There are too many memories in this house.

Tech Insider : Business, Style, Travel
senior couple hugging and looking out window of house

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We didn't invite any kids to our 5-year-old's birthday. It was the best decision we ever made.

Tech Insider : Business
A shadow in the sand depicts two adults and a child holding hands along the shoreline.
The author's family (not pictured) decided to spend a day at the beach instead of throwing a big birthday party for their 5-year-old.

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My husband and I took our kids and parents on a bucket list trip. It was so worth it.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Two kids look out the window on an airport.

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As my 4 children graduate from high school and college, I'm hit with a mix of emotions — both joy and grief

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
a mother hugging her daughter dressing in graduation gown
The author (not pictured) is both joyful and sad to watch her kids graduate.

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Getting sober while my kids are teenagers is the best parenting decision I've made. I get to be fully present for them.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
The author with her two kids and husband while on vacation, they are smiling and standing outside in an arched doorway.
 

Courtesy of Terri Peters

My family was spending $2,500 on food delivery a month — that's $1,000 more than our mortgage. Something had to change.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business
a food delivery driver placing a bag in a thermal cooler
The author's family was overspending on food delivery.

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My grandmother's house burned down, and she moved in with us. At 23, I had to share a bed with my mom.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
Women posing for a photo
The author is now sharing a bed with her mom while they help her grandmother out.

Courtesy of the author

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