Raising a family is expensive. Between groceries, gas, school expenses, activities, birthday gifts, sports equipment, and weekend fun, it can feel like every family outing comes with a price tag.
But saving money as a family does not have to mean cutting out the fun.
Katy Mann, founder of Indy with Kids, stopped by FOX59’s Indy Now to share five smart ways families can save money on fun now and plan ahead for the future. As a weekly family fun expert on FOX59, Katy helps Central Indiana parents find realistic, creative, and budget-friendly ways to make memories with their kids.
During the segment, Katy shared practical ideas families can start using right away, from getting more out of their library card to building a free family fun calendar and teaching kids real-life money skills.
Start With Your Library Card
Katy’s first tip for families is one of the easiest: start with your library card.
Most parents know the library is a great place to check out books, but libraries are also packed with free family programming. Katy shared that her own kids have learned everything from animation to software skills through library programs.
Libraries often offer much more than story time. Families can find classes, activities, movie rentals, events, and social opportunities for kids of all ages. Some libraries even offer museum passes that families can check out for free or discounted admission to local attractions.
Katy also mentioned that some libraries now have a “Library of Things,” where families may be able to borrow items like camping gear, lawn chairs, tools, or other useful household items.
Her advice? Before spending money on a new experience, activity, or item, check with your local library first.
Turn Your Dreams Into a Savings Plan
Katy also talked about planning for the future with Indiana529, Indiana’s education savings plan.
Indiana529 is a tax-smart way for families to save for a child’s or grandchild’s future education expenses. Katy explained that families can choose between two options: Indiana Direct, which is self-managed, and Indiana Advisor, which is helpful for those who would rather have support managing the plan.
One of the features Katy highlighted is the ability for family and friends to gift money toward a child’s education savings. Instead of another toy or gift that may be quickly outgrown, grandparents and loved ones can contribute to a child’s future.
Katy also noted that Indiana529 funds are not just for traditional four-year colleges. They may also be used for two-year schools, trade schools, credentialing programs, and other qualifying education expenses.
Families can learn more about the plan and potential tax benefits at MyIndiana529.com. Terms and conditions apply. Go to MyIndiana529.com to learn more.
Give Kids Real-Life Money Practice
Another way families can save money and raise financially confident kids is by giving children real-life money practice.
Katy shared that her family uses Greenlight, a debit card and money app designed for kids and teens. Her children use it for chore allowances, spending money, and even direct deposit from a first job.
She joked that she had borrowed her daughter’s Greenlight card for the segment, and her daughter specifically reminded her not to leave it behind because she needed it for concessions at a ball game later.
With Greenlight, parents can help kids learn how to manage money in a hands-on way. Katy also shared that her 11-year-old son has even started investing in stocks through the app.
For families, tools like this can make money conversations more practical and less abstract. Kids get to see how earning, saving, spending, and investing work in real life.
Build a Free-Fun-First Family Calendar
Katy’s next tip was to build a “free fun first” calendar.
Instead of starting with paid activities, families can look for free things to do first and build their social calendar around those options. Katy recommended using Indy with Kids to find free and low-cost family events around Central Indiana.
The Indy with Kids calendar includes ideas such as free library events, kids-eat-free deals, free museum days, seasonal events, community festivals, and other budget-friendly family activities.
Katy’s approach is simple: fill your family calendar with free fun first, then decide which paid experiences are worth adding in.
This is a great way for families to still enjoy weekends, school breaks, and special outings without feeling like every memory requires a big budget.
Shop Consignment Before You Buy New
Finally, Katy encouraged families to shop consignment before buying new, especially for children’s clothing, sports gear, baby items, and hobby equipment.
Kids grow quickly, and their interests can change just as fast. Katy shared that her family has tried activities like ice skating, rugby, and baseball. When you’re not sure whether a child will stick with a sport or hobby, buying secondhand can save a lot of money.
She specifically mentioned Indy Kids Sale, which was hosting an online sale from April 30 through May 3. Consignment sales like this are a great place to find gently used clothing, toys, baby gear, books, and sports equipment.
Katy brought baseball equipment to the FOX59 studio as an example, joking that she wondered whether she would make it through security with it. Her point was one many parents understand: before you buy full-price gear for a new activity, see what you can find used first.
Saving Money Without Giving Up Family Fun
The overall message of Katy’s FOX59 appearance was encouraging for parents: saving money does not mean saying no to every fun thing.
Instead, families can be strategic. Use your library card. Look for free events first. Teach kids how money works. Save for the future. Buy used when it makes sense. Then use the money saved for the experiences that matter most to your family.
As Katy said during the segment, maybe all those savings can even help pay for a vacation. Or, as Ryan suggested, maybe your kid can use their Greenlight card to buy lunch.
About Katy Mann and Indy with Kids
Katy Mann is the founder of Indy with Kids and a trusted family fun expert in Central Indiana. She appears weekly on FOX59’s Indy Now, where she shares local events, family-friendly activities, seasonal ideas, budget-friendly outings, and practical resources for parents.
Through Indy with Kids, Katy helps families discover things to do in Indianapolis and the surrounding communities. IndywithKids.com is a go-to resource for local parents looking for weekend events, free activities, summer camps, birthday party ideas, family travel inspiration, playgrounds, museums, seasonal fun, and ways to create memorable days with kids.
Katy is also the author of two Indianapolis-focused books: Where to Take the Kids: Indianapolis and Indianapolis Scavenger. Both books help families explore the city, discover local landmarks, and turn ordinary outings into kid-friendly adventures.
For more family fun ideas, budget-friendly activities, and local events, visit IndywithKids.com.
