As families grow, so do household costs. A new baby comes into the world with a major price tag attached to the little body especially if it is the first born. Parents feel the need to have this and that and budgets get blown apart. There is a lot of planning which must be done, but there are ways to save money during this exciting time. Give your budget time enough to adjust and recover during the first years of your baby’s life.
For those who live in a small home or apartment, upgrading their living space is a desired move. It’s exciting to plan and create a living space for the new family member. In reality, infants are tiny and don’t need their own living space. They definitely do not need at least one of the latest and greatest things for sale. Keep your money set aside for necessities.
– Don’t upgrade your home. Save the money to decorate the child’s room when the baby is old enough to understand. Instead of paying for a larger home or for all the decorations new parents will be able to use that money to fund current costs. Diapers and formula can make a budget stress all on their own.
-Don’t buy as much stuff. Before you make a purchase, talk to other parents and ask how useful the product was. There are so many available gadgets designed to make the first year easier it is hard to not get caught up in the hype. Shop for actual needs not what you think you might need.
-Shop items with dual purposes. Will your crib turn into a bed? Will your high chair become a booster seat? If you are going to spend the money on big ticket item, you will to use them for as long as possible to get your money out of them.
– Buy secondhand. As long as there are no potential safety issues, second hand stores make a great shopping place. Online second hand shopping is great too. Babies grow and change so fast that you can get new or close to new items for a steal of a price.
– Shop as needs come. Instead of stalking up or buying everything that you think you will need, spread the cost out and buy as the need comes. Not only will you keep from overspending on your credit cards, but you may often find that you spend less. Some items you think you might need will never get purchased.
– Use cloth diapers. It sounds unpleasant but it is a money saving plan. You will save hundreds of dollars a year just by adding a few extra loads of laundry to your weekly schedule.
-Skip baby food. You don’t have to buy the expensive jars of pre-made baby food. You can make your own that is healthier and a lot less money. The price of organic baby food does not have to break the bank. Cook, puree and freeze your own food. Go online for free recipes or ‘how-to’ tutorials. You won’t even need to buy expensive equipment to do it.
Your baby will not miss having the fancy swing with 10 speeds and dangling toys. It is easy to do more with less and your child will grow up just fine. Marketing strategies will try to pursued you to overspend. Make smart choices for your budget without leaving your child deprived.
It is going to be a long and expensive 18 plus years with a child. You might as well start off with a budget friendly lifestyle. Keep your credit in a healthy place so you aren’t seeking alternative money when real household needs occur.
