It’s a simple fact: kids cost quite a bit of money. They obviously also bring countless moments of unparalleled joy and happiness! However, sometimes the cost of feeding, clothing, housing and schooling them – to name just a few things – can be overwhelming.
It doesn’t have to be this way, though. With a bit of research and savvy, there are several ways that you can reduce the stress levels and get back on track with your kid-related finances.
Look into what you could be entitled to
It is a good idea to get some legal advice on this point. You could be a veteran with dependents that needs to talk through the VA rating chart, or you might be one of the 40% that have their child’s birth covered by Medicaid or their healthcare costs.
A good starting point, however, is the USA Gov website that can point you in the direction of specific entitlements for certain areas you may be struggling with.
Often, just starting the conversation can open up the opportunity for you to find out about support that may be readily available to you, but you had no idea about it. Likely, friends could also be receiving it, but it is only through chatting openly or joining a local community group that you might find out about it.
Recycle items and buy second hand
With social media and celeb endorsements, there’s so much pressure these days to get the latest toys, gadgets, even maternity wear, etc… But the truth of the matter is you don’t need it and your child won’t care one way or the other!
From bassinets to baby monitors and toys, there are so many great second-hand shops, websites, Facebook sharing pages – and even swap parties! So, you don’t have to splash the cash all of the time.
However, even if you decide you want to get all of the best equipment and toys for your first, you can just reuse it with your consecutive kids. They will 100% not care in the slightest and it can even be a great way for your older kids to bond with them, as they can feel all proud as the bigger kid showing them how their old toys work!
Assess your options for childcare
Can your employer provide more flexible hours? Can you afford to reduce your number of working days? You are entitled to ask the question of your employer and they can only say ‘no’, but if that means your work situation can’t change to help you reduce the costs of childcare then there are many other ways that can also help.
First of all, consider your local church or community childcare options, or at least smaller offerings instead of the biggest and fanciest ones. They might not have the latest hi-tech kit or grandly designed fresh and new buildings, but as long as they have a good reputation, they will do the job and are likely to cost much less.
You could also look at after school clubs to fill the gaps to allow you to reduce the number of hours you’re paying for with daycare. Or, maybe try to share childcare duties with another parent friend so you work around each other’s schedules and take turns taking care of each others’ kids for a few hours each week.
Teach them about saving
Start ‘em young! The sooner you teach your kids the value of money and that they can feel accomplished by saving for their luxuries through doing chores, the better they will be at respecting the value of money.
Give them a few responsibilities around the house for minimum payment each week so that they can appreciate the work involved in earning money. Then, the more work it takes to achieve their goal of saving up enough for their desired item, the more they will understand how much mom and dad have to work hard to pay boring stuff like bills first and foremost before luxuries.
Make rewards experiences not things
Another good idea to use with kids is when you are treating them for good behavior or hard work at something, try to make the reward something free or low cost. For example, if they’ve done great on a paper at school, let them choose between something like a day at the beach or the museum.
Set the bar that creating memories and experiences can be just as fun as a constant stream of new toys – and the best thing? They are making them with you, rather than playing with a toy on their own.
It’s a simple fact: kids cost quite a bit of money. They obviously also bring countless moments of unparalleled joy and happiness! However, sometimes the cost of feeding, clothing, housing and schooling them – to name just a few things – can be overwhelming.
It doesn’t have to be this way, though. With a bit of research and savvy, there are several ways that you can reduce the stress levels and get back on track with your kid-related finances.
Look into what you could be entitled to
It is a good idea to get some legal advice on this point. You could be a veteran with dependents that needs to talk through the VA rating chart, or you might be one of the 40% that have their child’s birth covered by Medicaid or their healthcare costs.
A good starting point, however, is the USA Gov website that can point you in the direction of specific entitlements for certain areas you may be struggling with.
Often, just starting the conversation can open up the opportunity for you to find out about support that may be readily available to you, but you had no idea about it. Likely, friends could also be receiving it, but it is only through chatting openly or joining a local community group that you might find out about it.
Recycle items and buy second hand
With social media and celeb endorsements, there’s so much pressure these days to get the latest toys, gadgets, even maternity wear, etc… But the truth of the matter is you don’t need it and your child won’t care one way or the other!
From bassinets to baby monitors and toys, there are so many great second-hand shops, websites, Facebook sharing pages – and even swap parties! So, you don’t have to splash the cash all of the time.
However, even if you decide you want to get all of the best equipment and toys for your first, you can just reuse it with your consecutive kids. They will 100% not care in the slightest and it can even be a great way for your older kids to bond with them, as they can feel all proud as the bigger kid showing them how their old toys work!
Assess your options for childcare
Can your employer provide more flexible hours? Can you afford to reduce your number of working days? You are entitled to ask the question of your employer and they can only say ‘no’, but if that means your work situation can’t change to help you reduce the costs of childcare then there are many other ways that can also help.
First of all, consider your local church or community childcare options, or at least smaller offerings instead of the biggest and fanciest ones. They might not have the latest hi-tech kit or grandly designed fresh and new buildings, but as long as they have a good reputation, they will do the job and are likely to cost much less.
You could also look at after school clubs to fill the gaps to allow you to reduce the number of hours you’re paying for with daycare. Or, maybe try to share childcare duties with another parent friend so you work around each other’s schedules and take turns taking care of each others’ kids for a few hours each week.
Teach them about saving
Start ‘em young! The sooner you teach your kids the value of money and that they can feel accomplished by saving for their luxuries through doing chores, the better they will be at respecting the value of money.
Give them a few responsibilities around the house for a minimum payment each week so that they can appreciate the work involved in earning money. Then, the more work it takes to achieve their goal of saving up enough for their desired item, the more they will understand how much mom and dad have to work hard to pay boring stuff like bills first and foremost before luxuries.
Make rewards experiences not things
Another good idea to use with kids is when you are treating them for good behavior or hard work at something, try to make the reward something free or low cost. For example, if they’ve done great on a paper at school, let them choose between something like a day at the beach or the museum.
Set the bar that creating memories and experiences can be just as fun as a constant stream of new toys – and the best thing? They are making them with you, rather than playing with a toy on their own.
Photo by samer daboul from Pexels