Budgeting

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It’s no secret that raising a baby isn’t cheap. Parents will usually spend a small fortune by the time their little ones have grown up, and this can be difficult to wrap your head around when you first welcome a little one into your home. Of course, though, over a couple of years that your child will still be a baby, there are loads of ways that you can cut the costs that come with them. To help you out with this, this post will be exploring some of the best ways to get good deals when you’re buying products for your baby.

Buy In Bulk

Bulk buying has always worked out cheaper in the long-term than buying items on their own. Businesses can afford to offer discounts when people make large purchases, driving down the price you have to pay. You will know how many nappies, wet wipes, and jars of baby food you’re likely to need going down the line, and this makes it easy to buy them in bulk for when your baby arrives. Of course, though, you need to make sure that you don’t go over the top with this. Online stores like Tastyganics make it easy to get your hands on bulk baby goods.

Subscribe & Save

Popularised by websites like Amazon, many stores now offer to subscribe and save systems that can reduce the cost of your purchases. Much like buying in bulk, companies can afford to charge less when they know that you’ll be spending money with them down the line, and this is something you should be taking advantage of. Anything that you need to buy each month can be handled like this, saving time, effort, and money in the process.

Look Secondhand

While things like blankets and soft toys should be new for your little one, there are a lot of items that they will need that can be bought secondhand to save money. This is one of the rare cases that it can actually work out cheaper to go to physical stores, with thrift stores often offering amazing deals on baby toys, furniture, and the other essentials you’ll need. Going to see the items in person will make it a lot easier to feel confident that they will be good for your child.

Shop Seasonally

It can be hard to plan ahead with your finances, with a lot of people buying items when they need them, rather than planning ahead. For items like clothing, though, thinking about the season can be an excellent way to save money. Winter coats, for example, will be cheapest at the start of spring, giving you the chance to get great deals that you can take advantage of when the next cold spell rolls around.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to take on the challenge of getting the best deals on the baby products you buy. A lot of people work very hard to save money on items like this, though it isn’t always easy when you’re not taking the right approach.

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We’re told from a young age that we should always save our money, to only buy what we need to and look for good deals on products. And you have to admit, it sounds like excellent advice. 

That’s often easier said than done in a society so fixed on consumerism and excesses. Sometimes, people who don’t want to spend money are mocked for being ‘cheap’. The fact is, not only is developing the savings habit good for your bank balance, it can actually have a positive effect on our health too. 

It teaches patience and self-discipline

Saving your money can be hard.  Even people with healthy incomes find it difficult to avoid spending.  So it’s not simply a question of having money to save, it’s about developing the mental discipline to do it. Even if it’s just a few spare dollars. 

If we do want to buy something, learning to save up for it or waiting for the Frontera coupons rather than just racking up credit, is a great habit to get into.  

Feeling like you have a safety net

A lot of people live paycheck to paycheck, which can be a nervewracking experience. Developing a savings safety net can bring your stress levels down. We’re not talking about lifechanging amounts of money here, but wouldn’t a few months salary saved up to make a huge difference if you were suddenly to become ill or have to find another job? 

Lowering your underlying stress levels will also bring many added physical health benefits to your life. Improved blood pressure and quality of sleep bring huge health benefits and reduce your risk for a lot of other health conditions.  

It promotes confidence and assertiveness

The continued self-discipline it takes to have a savings mindset leads to an associated uptick in confidence and assertiveness levels. You are more likely to believe in yourself and your skills. Being self-confident is an amazing asset that can really help you in all areas of your life. 

It gives you a sense of personal freedom

Being in debt can take a toll on your physical and mental health. The effects can be far-reaching and make you quite ill. Having the personal freedom to do things without being under a financial cloud can really open up your life and your mindset. 

Conclusion

Saving money, and spending less is not only good for our bank balances and the environment but our health too. Saving improves our wellbeing in many ways. It isn’t always that simple though. There are some people who have a saving mindset who, due to circumstances, just aren’t able to save any money. There are others who might have a really good income but just can’t get a grip on not spending it every month. 

It really is a skill that needs to be learned a nurtured as you get older so that you can reap the benefits in all areas of your life and pass them on to your children too.

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If you want to save money, turn your attention to your ongoing smartphone costs. For many of you, this will be one of the most expensive things in your life. Most people will spend hundreds of dollars per year on their smartphone bills!

With that in mind, how can you lower these costs and save money on your next smartphone? Some ideas spring to mind, all of which are very easy for you to implement. You might like one of the ideas more than the others, so feel free to choose whichever ones suit your needs!

Switch to a PAYG contract 

Instead of paying a monthly fee, switch to a pay-as-you-go contract. This gives you more control over how much you choose to spend every month. Let’s face it, how often do you use up all of your smartphone allowances every month? If you don’t use up every megabyte of data or second of call-time, you waste money.

As you can see here https://www.ding.com/countries/caribbean/jamaica/top-up-digicel, it’s easy to top up a phone with as much money as you want, regardless of where you live. Thus, you only spend money when you have to. It will amaze you how much money you can save by switching to PAYG and topping up when required.

Take advantage of WiFi

Secondly, take full advantage of free WiFi whenever you see it. This will slash your data usage, which is usually the biggest cost on phone contracts. In turn, you could spend far less every month, even on a monthly contract. The need for data is less, so you choose an option with the lowest data allowance. This can take you from a contract that pays $60.00 a month to one that’s as low as $25. 00.

Keep your old phone but switch contracts

Instead of upgrading to a newer device, consider if it’s worth keeping your old phone. Do you need a new one? If your current device does everything you require, there’s really no point. Instead, switch to a more affordable contract. This is crucial as your smartphone provider will keep you on the same contract that you were on before – if you don’t upgrade or switch. So, you’re still paying for the actual device, despite the fact that you’ve already paid for it. Make a switch to save almost half on your current contract! Also, you could switch to PAYG from here, saving even more money. 

Threaten to change network providers

Finally, if you threaten to change providers, it will spook your network provider. They will do everything to keep you on their network, which means offering unique deals. It will shock you how much money you can save by pulling this tactic. This is well worth trying as you can’t possibly lose. The worst-case scenario is that they don’t have a good deal, so you leave and find a cheaper one elsewhere. The best-case scenario is that you get an exclusive deal that can’t be found anywhere else. 

So, with these four tips, you can save money no your monthly smartphone bill. Choose whichever option you want, and sit back to watch the savings come through.

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Moving can get very expensive. It may not seem like it at first, but things add up. There are some expenses that are inevitable in the moving process, but there are also other areas you could save a buck or two. Before you go all in, make sure you do the proper research to accurately compare which moving option is right for your budget whether you are looking to hire a moving company, or you are going to rent a van and do the moving. Here are some tips on how to save money on your move.

Reduce Your Load

Make sure that you get rid of the things that you do not want anymore before you move. You do not want to move things that are broken, no longer useful, or simply unused. You want to bring things into your new place that you use on a regular basis or that you cannot live without. To help you get rid of some of the stuff you do not need, consider hosting a garage sale or donate your stuff. The less stuff you have, the fewer things need to be moved.

Move During The Off-Season

Most people move during June or July during either the first or the last of the month, so any time other than those two months can be considered the off-season. No matter if you move items abroad or across town, talk with your movers if that is the option you went with. Ask them if you get any discounts for moving during an off-season. You never know! They may offer you a limited-time-only promotion because of it.

Book Early

Moving is not something that is spontaneous. If you want to save the most money as possible, you have to plan. Planning means booking your mover sooner rather than later. When you wait until the last hour to book a moving company, you run the risk of being charged higher rates. As soon as you know it is time to move, book those movers. You do not want to see money going down the drain.

Be Flexible

More than likely, you have a window of time for your movers to come, gather your things, and deliver it to you. Keep in mind that you should maintain an attitude of flexibility. Things happen and plans change all the time. If you re willing to work within their timeframe, take that as an opportunity to negotiate a lower rate. Maybe you are the one working on a tight time constraint. If that is the case, you want to make sure that your moving in, and moving out date works for everyone’s schedule.

Know How Much Things Cost

Knowing how much things cost upfront will keep you from falling victim to the nickles and dimes some moving companies can charge. Before you book anything, get clarification on what exactly your charges are coming from, what are some potential charges you should look out for, and if there are any additional fees that are attached to whatever services you paid for. When you have all this information, planning for those costs becomes easy.

Being pregnant and raising a baby is an exciting time in life. Most people believe that they have to get every single one of the latest and greatest gadgets in babyhood, but it’s not the case. Babies need surprisingly little and you can easily raise one or two of them without as much as you think. Money shouldn’t be something that you panic about when it comes to raising children; and yet we all do it.

If you’re not used to living frugally, then raising a baby on a budget is a scary thing to consider. The thing is, we are all closer to bankruptcy than we are to being billionaires, and with the pandemic happening right now, people are losing their jobs left and right. You have to be able to adapt and while that is frightening when you’re a first-time parent, it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the world. Frugal living is just another adventure, and you’ll realize very quickly that your new baby doesn’t need too many things to make them comfortable. The things that they do need can be purchased cheaply, and there are plenty of ways you can manage on little to no budget at all. 

So, let’s take a closer look at 9 awesome tips that will get you going when it comes to raising a baby on a budget. The first piece of advice before we dive in, though, is not to panic. You have got this – no matter the circumstances.

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1. Don’t Buy Into The Hype

Swing seats and sterilizers, strollers that look like miniature tanks and expensive nursery furniture: you will face it all when you first realize you are pregnant. If you’re in a position where you have lost your job, then you’re going to notice ALL of the gadgets and gizmos geared towards parents more than anyone. Why? Well, we’re influenced by the creators – “buy this now, you need this for your child” at every single turn. You have to train your brain into not buying into the hype. You do not need a Rockit – a gadget that rocks the stroller for you – because you have a perfectly good set of hands. You do not need fifty bottles and a sterilizer because you have the ability to feed your child for free if you breastfeed. Diapers can be expensive, but if you invest in cloth diapers you can save a LOT of money. Being thrifty and living frugally is easy to do if you get past the advertising for all of the products that you don’t need.

2. Shop Smartly

For the things that you do need for a baby, it’s time to get onto Facebook Marketplace and eBay. Strollers are expensive when you buy them from the store, but you can get over 50% off when you buy them second hand. Strollers do not need to be bought new, not when you can wash the liners and the bedding. The same goes for baby clothes. While you may shop for a few outfits and buy them yourself, babies only really need sleepsuits and onesies to be comfortable and warm. Buying these second-hand and washing them all through before the baby arrives will be cheaper and easier than buying everything new. You can even buy preloved cloth diapers and just buy the liners new to save some cash. If you’re smart about where you shop, then frugal baby shopping can and will happen. Make a list of everything you absolutely need (leave off cot bumpers, you do not need a pretty cot, you need a safe one!).

3. Buy Chameleon Items

If you do have to invest some cash in certain items, then buy the items that will grow with your child. Strollers with a newborn carrycot often convert into pushchairs that face forward and last up to 18months and beyond. You can buy a cot bed instead of a cot and ensure that you have a toddler bed later on. You can even buy highchairs that will convert into booster seats for the dining table. These items are all often higher in cost than others, but that’s where you invest wisely. Ask friends and family to help you with these items – especially if they offer to buy a baby gift for you! All you have to ensure it’s that the items you buy fit health and safety regulations.

4. Coupon, Coupon!

Freebies are everything, and if you have the chance to get your hands on coupons for baby wipes and other hygiene products, linens and bulk-buying certain items, do it. There is nothing wrong with running as many coupons as possible. Ask everyone you know who doesn’t have kids to collect them for you, too. You can often buy the big-ticket items like cribs and strollers with coupons, and you can bring the retail price right down when you know where to shop. Don’t forget to bulk buy things like scented diaper sacks and washing powder, too, as babies are messy little things!

5. Breastfeeding

Okay, so this is a sensitive subject for a lot of women. The thing about breastfeeding is that the key is education. Many women give up feeding very early on, or they feel they have to supplement with formula so their baby gets enough food. With the right research, you will learn that milk comes in at day five and a newborn only needs colostrum (liquid gold) from you before that. Speak to your healthcare provider, but do as much research as possible about breastfeeding while you are pregnant. This way, you can be ready to pop the baby on the breast and save yourself a ton of cash in formula, bottles, and sterilizing kits.

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6. Start With What You NEED

There are very few things that a baby needs when they are born. They need something to wear, somewhere to sleep and a way to be transported. You can attend sling meets and get a cheap baby carrier, but be mindful of the type you buy. The Baby Bjorn carriers are not great for babies and their hips; you want one that will wrap the baby to you and put their legs in a frog position so that they’re not dangling with pressure on their pelvis. Buy what you need, and then when you can, buy what you want for them.

7. Look For Help

If you are blessed with a family of excited relatives who are itching to help, rope everyone in. Ask for meals to be made to store in the freezer and ask them to look into their churches and local charities for clothes, soft toys, and bedding. If you can get government help, then research that, too!

8. Be Humble, Accept The Freebies

Free samples are everywhere when you’re pregnant, and with them come some of the basics. You can even get free nasal aspirators and hats for your baby if you sign up with enough coupons and freebies. It’s okay to accept things for free – you’re not receiving charity.

9. Research Cheap Activities

A newborn baby does not need much in the way of activities and entertainment: you are a walking talking entertainment system for them. Playgrounds and most mother’s groups are free to attend, and reading programs are free at the library. You can meet up with friends for a picnic with your babies and you can even stroll around museums for free! Mostly, your baby just wants and needs you from the moment they’re born.

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Everyone knows that raising children is expensive, but it’s not often something that you think about too hard. You might consider whether you can afford to have children, but the total cost of raising a child might not matter to you that much. After all, you’re not going to pay for it all at once. However, it is worth considering the costs that are involved with growing your family, both when you first start and as your children get older. There are plenty of significant expenses to take into account when you’re planning a family and working out if you can afford it.

The Costs of Pregnancy and Childbirth

Before you are even officially a parent, there are certain costs to consider. In the US, the average cost of pregnancy and delivery was $4,500 in 2015 – and that’s for people who have insurance. If you don’t have health insurance or you don’t have very good insurance, the out-of-pocket cost could be a lot more. This is definitely something worth thinking about if you’re planning to expand your family. Pregnancy could be even more costly if you need help with conception. Attending a leading fertility clinic may be worth it to achieve your dream. But it’s essential to consider the cost and what you may be able to afford.

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Initial Baby Costs

Getting ready for the arrival of a baby can be a frantic time. While you only really need a few essentials, there are also plenty of other things that are nice to have. Beyond diapers and clothes, you’re probably looking at cribs, strollers, car seats, and other items to help you prepare for your new bundle of joy. Budgeting for these costs will mean that you don’t have to worry too much about the initial expense involved in having a baby. And once you’ve had the first child, many items can be reused if you want to continue expanding your family.

Growing Your Home

As your family gets bigger, one thing that you might want to consider is a larger home. Ideally, you already have a home suitable for the family that you want. However, it’s not unusual to need to find a larger home as your family grows. You might need extra bedrooms as your children get older and need their own space or more living space, so you don’t all trip over each other. Of course, a larger house is often more expensive, although it might not be if you take other factors into account.

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Ongoing Expenses of Raising Children

Of course, there are many other costs associated with raising children. There are everyday expenses such as food and clothing, plus plenty of things such as dental and medical costs, school expenses, hobbies, and more. You might also want to start thinking about your child’s future, saving money for college, or other costs that will help them to make the successful transition to adulthood.

Growing your family and raising children certainly makes the cost of living more expensive. However, being able to afford to grow your family will look different to everyone.