From Coupons to Cloth Diapers
Becoming a parent is a life changing event in your life. The average family will spend over $250,000 to raise a child to 18! Preparing for this life changing event is a process that takes careful planning and discipline over your impulses. Clothes are outgrown quickly, fads and new toys can get very expensive, and having the attitude that nothing is too good for my child is extremely dangerous. Following at least a couple of the tips below will help you raise a family without going bankrupt.
Using Coupons
Coupons can cut down monthly expenses greatly. Nowadays with the internet as big as it is, parents don’t have to spend hours a week finding, clipping and cutting coupons. Parents have more resources to help them save. The iphone has a great coupon app, and e-commerce coupon codes all cut down the headaches of couponing. Websites like the Baby and Kids section on FatWallet, and coupon code site Retail Me Not are both great websites that cut help cut down monthly expenses.
Kids Eat Free Nights
Going out on a family night is a great bonding experience, and down need to drive up debt if done correctly. Getting a good family meal is great, but if the little ones aren’t in the mood, it can get frustrating. Restaurants that offer a Kids Eat Free Program is a one way to lower monthly costs. Applebee’s offers a program like this, as does Lone Star Steakhouse.
Buying Used
Stores like the Salvation Army and Goodwill are good places for parents to pick up great deals on toys, clothes and other household needs. Prices are a ton cheaper than retail stores. Any money you spend at these stores are for a good cause, so everybody wins!
Save on Home Energy
Do a home inspection for any cracks around the walls or ceilings. Also be sure to check for cracks around electrical outlets, and even the windows and doors. If air is leaking out of your house, sealing them will cut down on your energy bills. Get them sealed by a handyman, or if you can do it yourself, you can save even more. Heating and cooling bills are expensive, so but sure to check your system to make sure that it is working properly.
Cloth Diaper
If you have a baby in diapers, consider switching to cloth diapers. Disposable diapers will cost over $2000 from the time your baby is a newborn until potty training. Switching also prevents tons of plastic and paper from going into landfills, so its great for the environment too!
Jennifer Mizuhara is a writer for Cloth Diapers. She is a mother of two and lives in California.
Related posts:
