Do you want to stretch your families funds? Then, use what you have. For example, if you are cooking and the recipe calls for italian seasoning and you don't have any but you do have some oregano, don't go and buy italian seasoning, use the oregano.
Another example would be if your child needs a halloween costume, don't go out and buy one, make one together.
I need curtains, before I go out and buy some, I am looking through my old curtains, and all of my material in my craft room and seeing if I can spruce up the old ones, or use the material to make new ones. It may cost me some time, but it is FREE!