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SAHM of 5’s Spending Habits + 4 30-Minute Meals

For moms who manage money, meals, and the messy middle.

Author

Ann Woo
July 07, 2025

Happy Monday!
I’m so glad you’re here. 🥰 

This week’s newsletter is loaded with easy family meals, top product picks, and an anonymous money confessional you won’t want to miss. A stay-at-home mom of five opens up about managing a $160K household budget, spending $375 a week on groceries, and still sneaking in a little Botox splurge.

On the topic of spending, last week’s poll revealed that a whopping 70% of you said your biggest 4th of July expense was food and drinks. Same here! My kids were out of school all week, and honestly, I feel like I spent the whole time restocking the fridge. Definitely time for a summer pulse check—mamas, I want to hear from you at the end!

Huge thanks to the 672 moms (and dads!) joining me today.

Let’s get into it:

🍽️ What’s for Dinner

  • Creamy Chicken and Leek Risotto - This cozy, kid-approved meal is a weeknight lifesaver. It’s made in just one pan, ready in 30 minutes, and hits that perfect balance of hearty and easy. Comfort food doesn’t get more convenient than this.

  • Smash Burgers with House Sauce - One of my best late-night postpartum buys? A stovetop griddle. I’ve been loving making smash burgers at home, and honestly, they taste way better than takeout. Make a smaller patty for the kids!

  • Garlic Butter Steak Bites - This recipe takes no time and is seriously so good. Serve with roasted veggies and mashed potatoes or rice and you’ve got a perfect meal for the whole fam.

  • Pork Chop Brine - My husband makes the absolute best pork chops and he swears by this easy brine that never fails. These bone-in chops turn out insanely juicy, tender, and packed with flavor every single time. Pair with zucchini orzo for a meal that’ll wow the whole table.

This pork chop was bigger than my head and gave me two servings! Served here with sautéed pepper and leftover Mexican rice because I was feeling lazy.

  • Ginger + Peanut Butter Ground Turkey Stir Fry - This minimal-ingredient bowl is simple, delish, and totally customizable. It’s a hit with both my toddler and my baby, and I love how easy it is to swap in whatever toppings we have on hand. Great meal prep and kid-friendly - what’s not to love?

❤️ What I’m Recommending

This section contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you (thanks for supporting the newsletter!).

  • Mom Hack: A friend recently suggested I try doing one load of laundry every day instead of tackling one massive pile once a week—and honestly, I’m loving it so far. Breaking it up into smaller, manageable loads makes the whole chore feel way less overwhelming. Maybe it’s all in my head, but if you’re a laundry hater like me, definitely give this daily habit a shot!

  • Kid Product: For over a year, this was the most requested product link in my DMs with nearly 6K clicks. Two years later, my toddler still loves it, and I’m getting another one for my baby. Trust me, your kids will love it.

  • Kid Product: My 3.5-year-old is obsessed with this toy golf set my mother-in-law got for the grandkids. He spent 45 minutes straight playing on the front lawn and it was a total hit with his friends from ages 2 to 12! It comes with an adjustable club and both left- and right-handed club heads — perfect for little ones still figuring out their swing. Currently on sale and would make an amazing birthday gift or summer surprise! Grab it now before the deal ends! ⛳️

💸 In This Economy? (Mom’s Version)

NC SAHM of 5: $375 Weekly Grocery Spend, $160K Income, and Botox to Stay Sane

In This Economy? is a weekly series showcasing the costs of motherhood from real moms. Want to share your story anonymously? Submit here — no names, no judgment.

  • Age: Mid-30s

  • Kids: Yes, five - ages 13, 10, 6, 5, & 3

  • Job: SAHM

  • Side hustle: No

  • Household Income: $160K

  • Own or rent: Own- paid off home

  • Childcare or daycare expense: $1,300

  • Recent purchase you regret: A neck fan for game days - $20

  • Splurge and don’t regret: A family cruise - $6K

  • Best “mom sanity” splurge: Botox

  • Weekly “kid stuff” spend: $600

  • Weekly spend on groceries: $375

  • Most spent on a kid party: $200-300

  • Purchase that you don’t tell your partner about: I don’t keep secrets from my partner

  • Saving for your kids college tuitions: We have small 529s for a few of them

  • Something financial you wish your parents had taught you: Invest in a Roth 401k as a teenager

  • Managing family budget: The EveryDollar app plus an excel for investment tracking

  • Great ways to save money on kid-related expenses: Take advantage of free kids programs in your area (lunches, camps, etc)

  • Money advice for other moms: Live within your means

  • Finish the sentence: “In this economy, I still somehow ____.” Am able to stay home

Thanks again for being here. If you love it, forward this to a mom friend—more voices make this better. And if you ever want to share, vent, or suggest something, just hit reply. I’m reading every email!

Woo you next week,
Ann

✅ This Week’s Mom Poll

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