Babies and Budgets…They Can Coexist!
New Baby!
Nothing brings more happiness to a family than a brand new baby. It can also bring a lot of expenses. Here are some ways to be prepared so you can concentrate on your new bundle of joy..not a bundle of bills!
First, be grateful for family and friends who give you second hand baby clothing. Trust me…the baby does not care that they are wearing last year’s sleeper! If the clothes you are given are too big…save them for next year.
Rather than spend unnecessary dollars on ready to serve jars of baby food..why not make your own? Simply use vegetables and fruits from your garden or refrigerator and put them in a blender or a food processor. They can be made ahead and stored in plastic containers. Not only will you save money…you will know exactly what your baby is getting because you made it!
Make a budget
Comparison shop for the necessities, such as carseats, cribs, and diapers. Buying diapers in bulk (especially with newborns) saves money at the cash register and the gas tank…much less extra trips to the store. If you are lucky enough to have someone loan or give you a carseat or crib, make sure it is up to the latest standards for safety.
Keep track of what you are spending…sometimes when we see it in writing, we can see where costs can be trimmed. Making a budget and sticking to it is not always easy..but in the long run, you will save money toward that other expense children incur…the college fund!
By Angela Sangster, Copyright SaveMoneySpot.com 2010.
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Cutting Costs in Clothing
Budgets are tight these days, however some expenses are necessary for living. One thing everyone needs… clothing. Even with many discount stores and thrift shops to choose from, it is still an expense that can add up if not managed properly.
Buying items when they are “out of season”, such as winter coats in the spring, can save a lot of money… looking for styles that are timeless will keep unnecessary spending to a minimum.
It is tempting to use shopping as a form of therapy…but in the long run it can cost you more money than you need to spend. Going clothes shopping only when it’s needed will avoid a lot of “impulse” spending. Buy mix and match outfits where (for example) a pair of pants can match with five or six different shirts.
Save on Laundry
Taking good care of the clothes you have will make them last longer and go a long way in saving money. Back in older times, clothing was mended rather than thrown away…and it’s a practice we all could use today.
Washing clothes too often can cause more wear on them than necessary. Put clothing away (unless it is actually dirty) rather than tossing it in the hamper. Treat any stains right away rather than letting them set.
Don’t forget to check resale shops and thrift stores for great bargains. Outlet stores will often have name brand clothing at greatly reduced prices. Also have your own garage sale for clothes you no longer wear rather than just throwing them out.
You have to wear clothes…but you don’t have to spend a small fortune to do so.
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