It is often said that the first year for new parents is the hardest. With new baby comes immeasurable joy but also incredibly strained finances. It is estimated that the average family will spend between $9,000 and $11,000 during babys first year alone. Take heart, new parents. There are plenty of ways that you can cut many of your costs simply by being careful with your money and not indulging in every whim.
Make a deal with yourself to save money
If you are an expecting parent and you are concerned about the high costs of babys first year, make a deal with yourself to save money. One of the hardest things to do as an expectant parent is to resist buying everything in sight. Every parent wants the best for their child, but keep in mind that many of the things you buy during babys first year will be only used once. Buying name-brand diapers and an overpriced bassinet that you cant really afford is not going to do your baby any favors. Make a deal with yourself to save where you can, to keep from overspending on items that may be beautiful but not particularly necessary in the long run, and to be smart about your babys purchases. Here are some ways to save money without compromising your sanity or your babys health and happiness.
Breastfeed whenever possible
Breastfeeding has been proven as the healthiest option for feeding your baby during the first years. Not only is it healthier for your baby than bottle feeding, it is also more economical. Most doctors agree that breastfeeding exclusively during your babys first half year of life will help give his immune system a boost. Not only will your baby benefit from increased health, your wallet will benefit from increased savings. Some mothers are not able to breastfeed their children. If this is the case, you can save money by avoiding the brand name formula and buying the store brand or generic formula instead. Generic formula costs on average 30% less than name brand formula and, by law, must meet the same FDA standards as the brand name formulas. You can also save on formula by signing up for coupons from manufacturers mailing lists. Your pediatrician can also provide you with free samples. Always look past the attractive name brand packaging, because in most cases that is what you will be paying for.
Save money by switching to generic diapers
If you want to save money on disposable diapers, always opt for the generic brand. Many larger chain stores carry their own store brand of disposable diapers which are usually just as good as the brand name diapers. You can expect to save about 30% on disposable diapers simply by buying the generic store brand.
Shop at garage sales and second hand stores for used baby clothes
Most babies will quickly outgrow their expensive little outfits. You can often find nearly new or gently used baby clothes at garage sales and at used baby clothes. While it may be tempting to shop at chain baby emporiums, you will quickly save on baby essentials if you get into the habit of frequenting gently used baby stores.
Shop consignment stores for great deals on baby furniture
One of the biggest expenses you will have as a new parent is furnishing the baby nursery. You can save a lot by shopping for gently used baby furniture, including high chairs, bouncers and cribs. Shop consignment stores and gently used baby stores for great deals on used baby furniture. You can also find great baby gear such as bathtubs, strollers and monitors.
- Baby Bargains for the Budget Conscious
- Having a child is a wonderful experience; however people often become pinched for cash when spending money on different baby products. Baby products can be expensive and ad up over time, but luckily, there are ways to cut corners and save money on different items that you have to by for your child. Follow the
- Stay Financially Fit with these Grocery Shopping Tips
- If you are a food lover (and who isnt?) it can be tough not to buy every appetizing thing in sight at your local grocery store emporium. Even the most disciplined buyer can lose their financial cool at the grocery store. It can be very easy to surpass your weekly grocery budget with a single
- Seven Painless Pointers for Lowering Bills and Living Below your
- Seven Painless Pointers for Lowering Bills and Living Below your Means Living below your means and sticking to a budget does not have to be painful. Many reformed shopaholics and over spenders who adopt a more frugal lifestyle like to spread the gospel of living below your means. Why do so many people who adopt frugal
- Live within your Means and Still Get Good Furniture
- You probably hear it all the time. People spend thousands of dollars on a living room, dining room, bedroom, or kitchen set. When you hear how much people pay for their furniture, and still think they are getting a good deal you feel overwhelmed. If this sounds like you, no need to worry. In fact, the
- Six No-Nonsense Ways for Living Below your Means
- You may be a person or family who knows you need to get a handle on your finances. However, it is hard for you to get ahead. It seems no matter how hard you try you wind up in the same trap. Perhaps it is time to go back to when you first started working
