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Saving Money With Baby
by Gregory Thomas
Here are five money saving tactics that can really come in handy if
you have newborns or young children and would like to save money off a
few of the many expenses that you have.
1. Borrow items that your friends, neighbors, or family members are no
longer using anymore. Graciously accept all second hand gifts people no
longer need. Keep what you can use, get rid of, or sell what you can not.
Think of all the people you know who have a small two or three year old.
They are perfect candidates to ask for any unwanted baby equipment. Their
children are already past this stage.
Your friends really do not need the 'baby stuff' any more (at least for the
moment), and would probably be more than happy to either loan or give the
items to you.
2. Whenever possible, buy items and clothing used. At first this might seem
ridiculous or unimaginable to some, but really consider this money saving
opportunity. You will save up to 95% off what you would normally pay in
stores.
Kids grow quickly, too quickly it seems. Over four feet in less than ten
years! That means lots and lots of clothes.
Unbelievable bargains can be found at yard/garage sales, flea markets,
pennysaver/classified advertisements, online auction and swap sites provide
possible money saving opportunities for you and your family.
NOTE: You will not be buying dirty, worn out clothes with numerous holes all
over the place. Even the seller knows that NO ONE will buy that!
The clothes at these sales are usually in near mint condition and are only
being sold because their own children outgrew them. The sellers just want to
get rid of them and you'll usually get a fantastic bargain.
Aside from clothing, you can also find tons of baby related items up for
sale. Cribs, walkers, car seats, strollers, changing tables, play pens, baby
monitors, all for pennies on the dollar.
Remember, these people you're buying from all have children who have
outgrown these products, so it's all junk, in a matter of speaking. Score on
a deal when you can.
3. Put off unnecessary, expensive purchases until you can either find a lower
price, or can save up the money to buy. This is much better than opposed to
charging up the credit card and paying for it later.
You may find that after waiting a bit longer and letting the 'excitement'
wear off, that you can get by perfectly fine without it.
For example, instead of a:
Changing Table: use a towel on top of a bed to change
Diaper Bag: Any sturdy bag can do.
Formula: If possible, breast feed to save on the cost of formula
Clothes: Ask family and friends. Yard sales, swap meets, advertisements.
4. Hospitals, churches, charitable organizations and Salvation Army may
provide help to families needing financial assistance who have young
children
or newborns.
You can find more information at your city/community center, church or
local yellow pages for programs that are available to you and your family.
5. Last and certainly not least is TIME. The time spent with your
baby or child. Cherish these moments in your life as your baby grows
over the years.
Instead of buying all the latest toys and gadgets, spend time instead
of money playing and laughing with your child. Go to the park. Take nice
walks with your baby in a stroller or back-pack style holder. Play together
on the living room floor. Splash around in the bathtub. Crawl around
together
on the grass. This is more special than anything money can buy.
Related Articles:
Baby Products You Can Make at Home
Dress Your Child For Less
Organize a Clothing Swap
Is Warehouse Shopping Wearing Out Your Wallet?
Ages and Stages: Their First Year
About the Author:
Copyright 2004 -- SavingSecrets.com Get immediate access to effective money-saving articles and even a FREE
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