More Family Friendly Ways To Save

Yesterday I shared a few ideas for saving money on things that the youngest members of your family need. Today, I have more suggestions for things that parents can do to help lower some of the costs associated with raising children. Since parenting styles vary so greatly, not all of these tips will appeal to all families. Hopefully within this collection of tips there is something for everyone. One of my favorite things to do is to look for things that I can do during the day with my son that do not cost anything. I am a stay at … Continue reading →

Saving Money On Stuff For The Kids

Having children costs quite a bit of money. However, many of the costs associated with raising children are things that we have at least some control over. From big things like whether and how often to place your child in child care to the little things (which can really add up) like where and how you purchase clothes, toys, and other things that your children need, it is definitely worth taking a little time to evaluate what you are currently doing and see whether there are some money saving changes that you could make to ease the strain on your … Continue reading →

Cheap Summer Movies

When we moved to Texas there was a movie theater we went to more than others. It had a mommy and me program that I couldn’t wait to take part in. The theater changed owners and the mommy and me program stopped before we got our first foster placement. I was disappointed. What better way to go to a movie with children than at a theater filled with other moms with their children. Every summer the area foster parents go see a sponsored movie. The first year we went we saw Ice Age 3: Attack of the Dinosaurs. The movie … Continue reading →

Should I Quit or Use Childcare?

The decision to quit a job or pay for childcare goes far beyond just finances. Deciding on the person who will care for your kids is an emotional one and whether a parent wants to work can go beyond just the need for money. Either way, it can be important to evaluate which would cost your family more – childcare or unemployment. Then, at least you can use that information as part of your decision making process. Typically childcare is more expensive for babies and toddlers. It begins to drop once children are preschool age and then even more when … Continue reading →

Want to Start a Family in 2008?

Many childless couples worry they can’t afford to have children. Looking at cost estimates in our current economy of $200,000 to $500,000 to raise one child for 17 years it is no surprise. Certainly having a child is a huge expense, but so is buying a home or saving for your retirement. If you sincerely want children, don’t let cost hold you back. Instead, use smart money management and good budgeting to allow you to invest in your bundle of joy. While most families don’t think ahead about money matters when they have kids, it is certainly beneficial to do … Continue reading →

Are You Working to Pay for Child Care?

Are you working primarily just to pay childcare? Would you better be able to help your family financially by staying home? These are important questions to ask yourself periodically. I understand that not everyone wants to be a stay-at-home parent. That decision often goes much deeper than your finances. However, it is important to realize that your job may be costing you more than you realize. If you do want to stay home, here are some things to consider. 1) Subtract the amount of your childcare costs from your take home pay, and ask yourself if that amount of money … Continue reading →

Do Your Finances Change Once You Have a Baby?

Once you have children your entire life changes drastically. The way you handle your finances is one way you will find yourself changing. When you are suddenly responsible for the welfare of a child, it becomes much more essential to manage your money responsibly so that you can provide for him. It becomes much more important to be able to provide the necessities of life and some of the luxuries. It is important that you set and maintain a list of priorities in your life financial. If you stick to this list, you will find that you will be able … Continue reading →

Spending Money on Your Kids

When it comes to children and saving money, what do you do? What sacrifices are you willing to make for you children? And does the amount you spend on your children affect them? This is really a tricky area and the answers will be different for everyone. Here are a few areas that you may consider. 1) Daycare costs can be quite expensive. If both you and your spouse work, or if you are a single parent then this is a very real part of your budget. Daycare can be very expensive, depending on where you live and the quality … Continue reading →

Can You Choose How Expensive It Will Be to Raise Your Child?

One ongoing discussion that my husband and I are having is about how expensive it is to raise children. I keep telling him that another child would not cost significantly more than what we are paying for right now. I think our major difference is looking at the different ends of the spectrum. I am mostly focusing on the present and he is focusing on the future. We also came from different backgrounds. He came from a smaller family. He was fortunate enough to have a car in high school. His parents helped to pay for his school. They weren’t … Continue reading →

Four ideas to save on the cost of child raising.

Raising our daughter K hasn’t been toooo expensive – yet. The diapers and pull ups have been the biggest financial commitment so far, and they are almost done. As she gets older though, I can already tell she’s going to be the kind of gal that wants ballet lessons, horseback riding lessons, after school activities, nice clothes. Since birth I’ve been shopping the thrift stores for the best in clothes, and for a young girl I’ve done pretty well. I found that the trick is to really take your time and not buy something just because it is cute – … Continue reading →