It is so hard to save money when you have babies?
I love my baby, but it's so hard to save money when you have a child. Before i had my baby i was able to buy things but now its hard. I was aware of the expenses but i wanted a baby because i have been married for a while now. How can i save money since am not working, but only my husband does. I feel like we have to save every penny because am not working, i hate having to think about money all the time. Do you any idea, advices. Thanks
Public Comments
- Sit down and budget your money with your husband. Figure out how much each month needs to go towards bills, food, baby expenses, etc. Then try and find areas where you can cut costs. This is our first baby and we've found most of his clothing at second hand stores or they've been on sale. Also, with groceries, the "off brand" foods are just as good. You do need to treat yourself every once in awhile. Put 40$/month aside for dinner out, or a movie.
- I know what you mean. There never seems to be enough money for EVERY THING. I am a stay at home mother too. We really try to save money by shopping at places for certain thing that are on sale... when we shop... well i have a hard time buying anything at the mall that isn't a good deal... and paying bills on time helps alot... no late fee's.. those really add u p fast. Another thing you could do is babysit for ppl. If you baby sit one kid all week...well that's grocery $$. Be creative!
- I do not understand how babies can be so expensive? I have 2 children and they have very nice things and we spend more in bills than on the kids. I spend about $50 a month on my 3 month old and she has everything! EDIT: I got a thumbs down for being smart about our budgeting? Wow, that is a first! Most people I know come to US to ask how we are doing it and beg for my tips! lol
- I found it helpful to buy clothes from a local thrift store. Clothes are very expensive and they do not wear them for very long. You would be surprised at what you may find. I have found clothes from The Gap, Gymboree ect. with tags still one them!!
- I quit working to stay home too, I now have 3 small children and it is impossible to save money, however as long as they are fed and cared for, then saving money isn't the most important thing. Just enjoy them now, then when your baby is in school, go back to work, then start saving. My whole perspective about money has changes since having kids, things are tight now, try not to think so much about ways to save money,just enjoy your baby, time goes by so fast!
- I...I...I... you sound very selfish. If the two of you wanted to have a baby you should have sat down and planned your finances first. If you were not going to work you should have saved your money up before you got pregnant. There are many ways to strech your dollar, now you need to find what will work best for your family. My favorite is to buy an item on sale with a coupon. Good luck!
- if you make under 1500 a month you could try for food stamps or just cut coupons eat cheaper food only use one car(don't that unnecessary trips to save on gas) use cloth diapers while at home. We are in the same boat but I do work a day a week for that extra money and my husband goes to college full time I know how hard it is but you'll make it.
- That's just the way it is. Even if you had the same income you had before, it would be shared over 3 people instead of two. With a reduced income you're stretched even tighter. It's one of the sacrifices you've made to have a child and to be at home. It's not impossible to save money when you have children. People do it all the time... hello education funds... but it's not always easy. You will have to cut back on some luxuries, but it's best to get used to it now. Parenthood is all about putting your children first, and when it comes to finances, sometimes the extras for the parents just have to go. Now that you are at home, you can shop for sales at the grocery stores more and make more economical meals at home. You could try slow cooking. You can by cheaps cuts of meat and make large batches. For us, going out to eat a lot got cut out. Look for ways to make your house more energy efficient. You can save on your power or heating bill by doing some simple things around the house.
- Well, the first year we had a baby, I swear, we got more back in tax deductions for the child than we spent on the child. For Reducing baby expenses consider: Buying used clothing and you don't need a ton. Don't buy every toy or gadget. Breastfeed - brings the greatest savings Use modern reusable diapers. Convenience at a fraction of the cost. Check out diapers like bumGenius. Don't use disposable anything. It is just like throwing money away. Let Grandparents know if baby needs anything. They seem to want to buy for baby and don't exactly know what to get.
