Love them or hate them, it’s clear that when it comes to money management, there’s a lot that can be learned from the Duggar family. Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar rose to fame with their brood of 19 children in the now-canceled “19 Kids and Counting,” which showcased their life as a big family. In their reality series, the Christian family also revealed how they are able to live debt-free while supporting all 19 kids.
Here are some financial lessons we can all learn from the Duggar family.
They buy in bulk
Feeding a big family takes a lot of planning and a big pantry. The family usually buys in bulk to avoid making multiple trips to the store. The Duggars save $3,000 a month by buying in bulk. For those with big families, buying in bulk would be more convenient and cost-effective in the long run, but make sure to plan menus before buying pantry essentials.
They buy second-hand furniture and clothes
In a TLC blog, Michelle Duggar said that they rarely buy anything new, save for socks and underwear, which they buy in a big family pack. The matriarch also revealed that they scour thrift stores, pawn shops, furniture auctions and yard sales to furnish their home, and that one can find good, practically brand new pieces, especially if a person is moving away or doesn’t need the item anymore. The family also has never had a new vehicle, as they always buy used vehicles at wholesale.
They’re willing to wait before making a purchase
Michelle said that one way to guard against impulse buying is to wait before making a purchase. She said that a person can wait for the item to go on sale if one does not absolutely need it right away.
They share their wardrobe
Older daughters Jana, Jill, Jessa and Jinger share a wardrobe. In an interview with People magazine, the girls revealed that they share clothes and that saves them a lot of money.
They DIY
Whether it’s fixing up their homes or reupholstering their dining room chairs, the Duggars prefer to do it themselves. They also previously revealed on their show that they have been making their own laundry soap to save money.
They don’t use credit cards
The Duggars always pay in cash. While they use debit cards, they never use credit cards.
The kids don’t feel like they have to keep up with their peers
According to Michelle, one of the benefits of homeschooling her kids is that they don’t feel like they have to keep up with their peers. This is why all 19 kids are not squeamish about wearing used clothing or shoes.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on unusual money-saving tips from millennials that really work.
