HOW TO SAVE MONEY WHILE RAISING A FAMILY DURING INFLATION

There’s no question that having kids CAN cost a bundle – many estimates are coming in around $250,000 to raise a kid from birth to ages 18 (source).  But you’re wrong if you think that you need to go broke raising a family. In fact, with some tweaks to your budget and the way you spend on your children, you might even be able to take a family vacation each year!

I wrote about how to save money while preparing for a baby when I was expecting our first kiddo – and (not to toot my own horn or anything) I was totally right when I said that raising kids DOESN’T have to cost you nearly as much as you think it does – OR nearly as much as the “average” family spends.

BUY SECOND HAND CLOTHES OR GET HAND-ME DOWNS FROM FRIENDS

This first thing is something I am PASSIONATE about. My friend from Caroline (from carolinevencil.com) recently shared with me an experience she had at the doctors office where she was chatting with a woman, and mentioned that she bought second hand clothes for her kids… and this woman JUDGED her!

FIND A WAY TO SKIP (OR CUT DOWN ON) CHILDCARE COSTS

When we did the math, it was literally almost counter productive for me to go back to work and pay someone to watch my kids. (It’s estimated that in most states, childcare costs more than college tuition. Yep.)

GET SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR GROCERY BUDGET

Getting serious about what you spend on groceries can seriously reduce the cost of raising kids. Meal planning is one of the best ways to drastically cut down on your grocery bill. (Bonus – knowing that you have dinner ready to go in the crock post doesn’t only save money, but it saves so much time and stress as well. I suggest using a cheap meal planning program like Eat at Home Cooks!)

Allow each child a dedicated space for toys, and if the space becomes over full – it’s time for a garage sale! (Speaking of a garage sale, encourage a love of used toys – let them know that buying things used means they can have more.)

BE REALISTIC ABOUT HOW MANY TOYS ARE HEALTHY

You are not “depriving” your children if you don’t put them in every sport or every club. They will still learn to be social, to be good losers, to be active, even if they take part in fewer things. They will also learn to be intentional with their choices.

DRAW FIRM LINES ON EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

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