If it's not a safety hazard to do so, you should buy things used as often as possible. One great example is children's clothes. You can save a lot of money if you buy your kids clothes used instead of new. They're going to outgrow the clothes in a few months anyway and since kids wear out their things so fast, it doesn't make much sense to buy new.
Cheap is good, free is better.
Sometimes people give perfectly good things away. Check Craigslist and Freecycle regularly to see what free things you can find. There's no better price than free! This is another way to keep good products out of the landfills.
Careful coupon use.
Coupons can be an effective way to save money if you're judicious. Always compare prices – sometimes a store special or generic is cheaper than using a coupon. You can also find printable coupons and coupon codes online. Search for coupons or discount codes on various products before buying. You would be amazed at the results search engines will show up.
Eat at home.
Eating out is expensive and typically less healthy than homecooked food. We're most tempted to eat out when we're tired or disorganized so be sure to plan ahead. Spend a little time each week meal planning so you always know “what's for dinner”. Cook double on some nights so you can reheat leftovers. Keep a repertoire of quick and easy meals that you can throw together in minutes.
Develop a hand me down system.
You probably have nieces and nephews that are older than your kids and friends with kids that are younger than yours. You could all form a coop whereby the oldest kids pass down their clothes to the younger ones. This way everyone saves money on kid's clothes. Try organizing a swap meet in your living room.
Buy out of season.
Most stores start running clearance sales when the seasons are changing. This is the best time to buy clothes. So buy your summer clothes in the winter and your winter clothes in the spring. If you're buying clothes for kids, buy them a few sizes too big so the clothes will fit your kids the next year.
Make it yourself.
Even if you don't know how to sew, you have another way to save money. There are thousands of recipes online for homemade beauty products, spice mixes, baking mixes, health remedies, even cleaning products. You can also check out fantastic books at the library with all kinds of do it yourself recipes.
Barter.
Search online for bartering opportunities at bartering sites and places like Craigslist. Instead of spending your cash, you can trade a service or something else of value.
Frequent yard sales.
Usually when people hold yard sales, they are trying to get rid of their stuff quick and get cash. This is a good opportunity to haggle and get good deals on the things that you need for your family for pennies on the dollar. The trick with yard sales is to be organized, since the availability of items is unpredictable. You might have to buy things ahead of time that you store for awhile. Try to anticipate what your family will need in the upcoming seasons and keep running lists in your purse so you can remind yourself quickly. You can even partner up with a yard sale buddy. If you need a bread machine and your friend needs a new printer, you can scout for each other.
Top Money Saving Tips
New parents are generally unaware of just how expensive a new baby can be. There are many basics needed from birth such as clothing, cots, prams, toys and other items that will be required as the baby grows. Having a baby is an exciting time for any new parent and it is often easy to get carried away purchasing new items for the baby.
However, there are ways that you can save and cut costs while still ensuring that your baby has everything he or she will need. The tips listed below can help new parents in achieving this.
Firstly, consider purchasing clothes from your local charity. Many good charity shops are inundated with donations and so they can be choosy with what they display in their shop, usually choosing to sell near new or sometimes even new items with tags still attached at bargain prices.
In terms of necessity items such as clothing and toys, another great option is to ask a friend who has had a baby if they have any unwanted items they no longer want. Not only does this benefit you but it may also help you friend to clear any unwanted items that they no longer need.
Avoid impulse purchases. Those outfits, toys and little footsie socks are endearing, but you don't need that many sets. Babies quickly grow out of their clothes and it's better to stick with a few select outfits during this early age as your little one is too young to even notice.
Breastfeed if you can. This is a very personal decision but if you're open to nursing, it has been well documented that breastfeeding is healthiest form of infant nutrition; it is just a bonus that it is free. There are no formula, bottle or nipples to buy either which can get costly.
Another great way of saving money is by using re-usable nappies instead of disposable ones. Not only is this more appealing to your wallet, it is also better for the environment. If you find the idea of washing soiled nappies unpleasant, be sure to purchase disposable nappies in bulk when they are on sale. Also note that many of the generic brands are just as good as the more well known brands but at a cheaper price. Shop around and try a few types until you find the one that best suits your baby and your budget.
Many women have baby showers. To ensure that you do not have too many of the same item, wait until you have had your baby shower before you start spending money on baby products and accessories.
In terms of child care, set up or join a babysitting circle with friends who also have young children. By trading babysitting duties with each other, you can save yourself the cost of a babysitter or child minding facilities every time you want a night out.
Finally, collect and take advantage of coupons for baby items in your local supermarket. Remember, every cent counts.
By implementing some or all of these tips, it can help any new parent reduce the costs of having their first baby.
Both Carrie Lauth & Teneille Clarke are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Carrie Lauth has sinced written about articles on various topics from Babies, Breastfeeding and Women. For more frugal tips and homemaking ideas for natural families, visit . Carrie Lauth's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
