Is parenting getting more expensive—or is it just us? (Spoiler: it’s not just us.) In this episode, the moms get candid about the rising costs of groceries, childcare, and kids’ activities, and the creative (sometimes desperate!) ways we’re staying afloat.

We talk about meal planning, buying generic butter, saying no to date nights, and why thrifting, budgeting, and second-hand steals are our love language. Plus, we’re joined by budgeting expert and founder of Debt Free Millennials, Justine Nelson, who shares how she paid off $35K in student loans on a $37K salary—and how parents today can take control of their finances, even in this economy.

And of course, don’t miss our Mom Fails (including a tutu disaster and missed recorder concert) and Pits & Peaks of the Week.