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didn’t add up to a significant expense.

DECIDE WHAT’S REALLY IMPORTANT

Cara Macksoud, chief executive officer of Money Habitudes, a money personality assessment company, says she, her husband and five children first decide what expenses are ``nonnegotiable’’ together. In addition to food, that might include costs related to sports or private lessons, for example.

From there, Macksoud suggests creatively meeting those needs by choosing less expensive options. If going on vacation is important to you, perhaps what’s most critical is being together somewhere away from everyday demands. Her family, who live in Venice, Florida, opted for a road trip together, planned partly by her children based on places they’d seen on Instagram.

``We did crazy, off-the-beaten path things,’’ she says, and had a memorable (and Instagramworthy) day.

LEVERAGE COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Erin Voisin, a certified financial planner and managing director at EP Wealth Advisors in Torrance, California, says she has saved hundreds of dollars on toys for her children by picking up items from local moms groups and

``buy nothing’’ groups.

``I don’t want to pay full price, so I join groups that post flash deals or giveaways,’’ she says. Voisin has found her children’s holiday and birthday gifts from giveaways shared on those community social media pages, including a large Hot Wheels garage set that retails for over $100. She has also found ideas for free activities from Facebook groups, such as taking your kids to a pet store to look at the animals. For families struggling to buy essentials, the website 211.org can help them find local food banks as well as bill-paying assistance.

``Prioritize the roof over your head, food, a way to get to work and utilities,’’ Bryan says.