According to money.cnn.com, it will cost about $240,000 to raise a child born in 2012. This doesn’t even include the cost of college! Here are a few tips for saving money if you have kids.
First, if you have more than one child, always ask for a sibling discount. Most camps, pre-schools, kids’ gyms, etc. will offer some sort of sibling discount, usually between 10%-25%.
Second, trade clothes with your friends and buy them from garage sales. Most kids under age 9 or 10 don’t care too much about what they wear or where their clothes came from. If you have a friend with a child older than yours, ask him/her for their hand-me-downs. Also, buy clothes from garage sales and second-hand stores.
Third, pick up childrens’ books at used book sales. Our local libraries in Los Angeles all have used book sales once a month where children’s books are sold for 50 cents.
Fourth, have your older children join Amazon.com as a student. They can get discounts on textbooks and shipping discounts.
Fifth, give your time instead of your money to your children’s schools. If your children’s schools are asking for donations, offer to volunteer to help file books in the library, run a bake sale, etc. instead of giving them your money.
Lastly, if you like to eat out, find out what children’s discounts are provided by your favorite restaurant. Many restaurants have “kids eat free” nights, and the Souplantation charges only $2.99 for a 3-4 year old’s meal.
-Allison G.
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