How To Reduce Costs When Raising Your Baby

Many parents find it hard to raise kids, especially financially. I know from experience that raising kids on a strict budget is tough, y’all. However, with the help of a trusty legal pad, you can set a monthly budget for groceries, entertainment, and stick to a rule of going out to dinner only on occasion. Here’s my method for how to reduce costs when raising your baby.

Don’t Buy More Than You Need

When estimating what you need in the home, you need to factor in bills, groceries, personal necessities, and furniture for your growing baby. When budgeting for the nursery, it’s important to stick to the essentials. For example, one thing to consider when buying a nursery room set is what comes with it. Does it have everything you need or too much?

Here are some ideas to help save you some money that I live by:

Only pay what you can afford for bills
If you plan on moving, factor in home upgrades and repairs

If you can’t afford extra furniture for different kids’ rooms, try placing them in the same bedrooms, or opt for second-hand furniture. I’d recommend giving them bunk beds to save a little more money, y’all.

Go Out Only on Special Occasions

I know it’s tempting to go out every night, but it’s not good if you don’t have enough saved up, especially if you just gave birth. I struggled with this from time to time with my kids, y’all. This is what I did, though. Instead of going out every night, dedicate one day every month to dining out, or do it only on special occasions, like birthdays and anniversaries.

I’d even recommend being a thrifty parent by following these tips:

Make packed lunches
Seek out restaurants with discounts or kids eat free
Cook your meals at home

Budget Your Day Care Costs

Raising a child isn’t the easiest thing in the world, especially when they cost a little more. The next step I want you to follow in learning how to reduce costs when raising your baby is to think about how much you want to spend on day care.

This isn’t something that we can calculate overnight, so think about it this way: the most you want to spend on childcare is 15 percent of your budget and no more. If you can’t do a traditional day care setting, consider hiring a babysitter or ask grandma and grandpa to watch your little one while you run errands or work.

I know firsthand that it’s hard to be a parent, especially when creating a budget that works for everyone. Now, when you sit down later today, I want you to make a budget and factor in each new cost you need to prepare for.