Karissa Collins, 42, a full-time mum from Fort Worth, Texas, has revealed how her family of 13 eats out for as little as £73 and saves hundreds on groceries, clothing and entertainment.
Karissa lives with her husband Mandrae Collins, also 42, and their 11 children, all of whose names begin with the letter A: Anissa, 16, Andrae, 15, Annnistan, 13, Anjalie, 12, Andersyn, 11, Aynjel, nine, Ansyr, eight, Anchor, six, Anthym, five, Armor, three, and Arrow, one.
Why the family grew to 11 children
Karissa explained that the size of her family was not originally planned. "After we got married, we were convicted to trust the Lord with how many children we have and that is how we ended with 11 and counting," she said.
She said people often assume she has an addiction to pregnancy, but the reality is different. "I get really sick every time and have had several complications in pregnancy and birth," she said. "I even gave birth at 29 weeks with my seventh baby. We do not have an addiction. We just value life and trust God to give children in His timing and will, not ours."
Karissa admitted she never desired children originally. "I actually never desired children or being a mum and was very career-driven. God changed my heart, and now I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want this," she said. "It is literally the best thing we have ever allowed God to do, and the greatest blessing we have and will ever have been given."
How the family saves money
Despite the size of the household, Karissa said big-family life isn't always more expensive than raising fewer children. "It can be a financial strain if you are not intentional about where you could save money," she said. "For example, when we go out to eat, we can be eating with a family of four and spend less than them on our family's meal."
She shared that their average fast food bill is $60 (around £44). At Chick-fil-A they order two 30-count meals, seven large fries and 11 waters, use rewards and end up with leftovers. Their average sit-down bill is around $100-$150 (around £73 to £110).
For groceries, the family uses a Sam's Club membership (a subsidiary of Walmart) and usually spends $650 (around £476) on a month's worth of groceries, plus $350 (around £256) a week on odds and ends, fruits, veggies and yoghurts.
"We save a lot of money by drinking only water – the kids get soft drinks as treats once a week, or a smoothie," she said. "In the long run, we spend not much more than a family of four because we know where to go to save money and are very intentional about where we eat and what we spend."
Entertainment and clothing costs
For entertainment, the family relies on free events and a yearly get-out pass. "We can go to all kinds of places all year long for one upfront cost," she said. The most expensive part is weekly basketball tournaments. "We average $300 (around £220) a weekend for basketball games in the spring and summer."
For clothing and big-ticket items, Karissa said they are "great at thrifting" and getting $5 (around £3.50) options at Walmart. "Facebook Marketplace is our best friend when looking for big-ticket items," she added.
Karissa said she welcomes questions about her family's lifestyle. "I do welcome all questions, because I didn't understand this life either, and so I know people are curious and I love to answer their concerns and questions and help women learn that they can do it too," she said. "I respond to judgment with grace because this is the life God has given us, and I will never regret the life of any of my children."
