5 Ways To Save Money With Young Kids
When we were a two income family, nothing really phased us when it came to money. We always knew we would have enough and in fact we were quite wasteful with the money we did have at times. When I found out I was pregnant I went through what a lot of first time moms go through, that struggle between choosing to stay at home full time with our little one or go back to work. It was when we finally made the decision that I would stay at home full time to raise our babies that we seriously became frugal.
We all want our kids to have everything, never to be without. But that doesn’t mean it needs to cost an arm and a leg. If you can get past the thought of your 6 month old needing brand new designer clothes, that he will outgrow in about 3 weeks, then there is room for frugality when it comes to young kids. Here are some ways we have become quite frugal with our kids.
1. Clothing. There are numerous consignment shops and thrift shops where we live and for the most part the clothes in them are usually in tip top shape. Babies don’t really do much (activity wise) so there is minimal wear and tear on their clothing. Take some time to sift through and find the gems, quite often there are designer clothes for a fraction of what you would pay new. Garage sales are another great place to purchase gently used clothing for your little ones. We’ve bought quite a lot of clothing second hand for our boys. We avoid items with rips, tears, stains or those that are really faded. But overall we have saved a ton of money, and we know that they won’t always be so content to wear second hand clothes so we’re taking advantage of it now.
2. Toys. Yup, back to the thrift shop. Our eldest son is an extremely inquisitive little man and tends to bore quickly if the toys aren’t new or interesting. We tend to keep a few toys tucked away in a closet and rotate them out every month or so. We have found a fair number of toys and books at our local thrift store that are as good as new. Some of the books look as though they’ve never been opened! Variety is the spice of life for our little one and by purchasing toys and books second hand we can afford to offer new things to him without breaking the bank.
3. Food. When we go out for the day either shopping or to the park, we always take our own food and snacks with us. It’s a lot less expensive than buying a meal for your child and usually it’s a lot better for them as well. Having snacks all ready to go in re-sealable bags helps make this a bit more convenient. Before we head out the door I usually pack a peanut butter sandwich, a yogurt, some crackers, arrowroot cookies and a piece of fruit. These are all things that aren’t too messy, can be eaten on the go and are good for your kids.
4. Playtime. Before we had kids I was completely unaware of the organized activities available for them. I’m sure they have their benefits, but how did we make friends and get exercise when we were little? Social interaction for our kids is very important but there are alternatives that don’t cost a lot of money. Check out your local library, ours has story and craft time three days a week. Set your kid free in a park (supervised of course) and he will likely have a new friend within about 30 seconds. Arrange a play date at your house with a few of the neighborhood kids. There are a lot of ways to let your kids have fun and interact with other kids without it costing a lot.
5. Free trade. My sister and I both have young boys and it has saved us both a lot of money by trading clothes back and forth. We also trade toys so the kids get fresh, new, exciting things to play with every once and a while. It’s also saved us a lot on babysitting fees as we mind each others kids. If you have a friend or relative that you trust and if they are constantly asking you to leave your kids with them…do it! It’s a great break for you, a different experience for the kids and it’s free!
Having kids is pricey – period. But with the above tips it can help ease the financial squeeze so-to-speak. I’m always looking for new/different ways to be frugal with our young boys. How have you introduced frugality into your life with kids? Please share your tips in the comments below.
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It’s Frugal Fridays here at Serene Journey! Every Friday we will address the topic of frugality and offer tips, suggestions and resources to help you become a bit more frugal in every aspect of your life. If you have any suggestions or particular things you would like discussed on this subject please drop us an email or leave them in the comments.
Picture courtesy of: mikebaird
See also:
50 Things To Do With Your Kids When It’s -50C
6 Responses to “5 Ways To Save Money With Young Kids”
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Hey Sherri –
Great information!
Thrift stores and consignment sales are where we get a lot of clothes. We also get a bunch from friends and family who have had children and have clothes to pass on. I am always amazed to see clothes at the thrift store that are from high-end stores with the original price tag still attached!
My wife also decided to stay home and raise our son. It definitely has made changes in our spending habits and has forced us to become more conscious of what we buy. However, being able to have that time with our little boy in those critical first years is worth the sacrifices that we have made.
Hi Sherri,
This is the first time I read your blog on a Friday and I love the idea of Frugal Fridays!
We don’t have children but I can imagine the challenges that come with having kids and trying to be frugal. You give some great suggestions which I will be sure to share with my friends who have kids.
I have to share with you something that I find funny. When I was a kid (which was not that long ago), my mom used to drag me to the library and I went through a time in my life when I swore I would always buy books because I was fed up with the library as a kid. Sure enough when I became an adult and on my own, I came to love the library as much as my mom did. So not only are you being frugal but you are teaching your kids too.
Nadia-Happy Lotus’s last blog post..The End of An Era?
@ Steve B – I know what you mean about new designer clothes with the original price tag still attached! If you’re patient enough you can find some really great deals. I love that you and your wife made sacrifices to enable her to stay home with your son. Deciding to stay at home was tough, but you’re right I also feel those first few years are critical. I’m very grateful that we were fortunate enough to be able to do it.
@ Nadia – I’m glad you like the idea of Frugal Fridays! Frugality is coming back with a vengeance so we want to help equip everyone
I was the same way with the library issue. My mom LOVES to read books and would often drag us (begrudgingly) to the library as well. Now, as adults, the library is where we routinely get our books from. I’ve even started taking our sons to the library for story and craft time (today was the first time…my sons loved it!). I think it’s important to encourage reading at a young age and so far so good with our little ones. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Sherri,
Great advice for any parent. Saving money when raising children takes only a little thought and imagination. We have become a society that wants things too easy and some have lost the ability to think creatively.
I am passing your advice on to my son and daughter in law. With one girl and one more on the way, they are learning the harsh reality of what it means to be frugal. In these economic times, everything helps.
Namaste
Roger’s last blog post..Most of the Worst Things That Ever Happened to Me, Never Happened
@ Roger – That’s great I’m glad you’re passing this on and you’re right every little bit helps. Being frugal is certainly a mindset and becomes easier the longer you do it. We see it as almost a game now and find that helps too. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!