Expecting a new baby can be both exciting and scary at the same time. One thing that rings true for all moms to be and new moms is the expense that comes with this new addition to your family. With the overwhelming changes of your household, you can find yourself even more stressed out with the constant financial draining inclusive to the raising of your new human.
Here are 10 tips for saving money, spending less money and investing into your child’s future.
- Don’t be afraid to accept free items and second hand discounted furniture and clothes. It’s easy to think that brand new is better than taking used items or purchasing used items. You will drain your pockets and drive yourself crazy with that mentality. Used furniture likely survived and proved itself sturdy already so happily accept it!
- Facebook FREE & Craigslist FREE are your friend. Search daily for items being given away that simply need to be picked up. They will glad;y (in most cases) even help you put it in your car just to get rid of it. Kids quickly outgrow clothes and furniture which all take up space so giving it to you means it frees space for them.
- Learn to coupon IMMEDIATELY! There are always coupons for baby items and you can never have too many wipes. diapers, milk and other important items you will find yourself buying frequently. DON’T buy too many size 1/2 (you will usually get more than you can use before they outgrow them at your baby shower or at the hospital.) You will be surprised at how quickly they run through the sizes. 3/4 will be your high quantity stock sizes.
- Don’t get caught up buying a ton of newborn and 3/6 month clothes. For many new parents, the smaller the clothes the cuter they seem to be but the truth is they likely will outgrow it before they get to wear it. I would start expanding wardrobe choices with 6/9 months.. Also, at this stage they are more active and more inclined to go outside more.
- Sign up for WIC. If you qualify for WIC you should definitely apply while you are pregnant. They will provide many essential nutrition items such as milk, eggs, cereal, cheese. When your baby is born, they help supply milk for the baby and food items for you and baby.
- Have a baby shower! Even if you have given birth, have a baby shower and let your friends and family celebrate your new addition. Every gift will be useful and help you tremendously. Return any gifts you DON’T need or are duplicate items for either something you need or a gift card for a future purchase.
- Check with your insurance to see what type of classes, baby items and other things can be covered. Some insurance companies cover breast pumps, while others will cover nutrition training and exercise classes. Also inquire about flex spending benefits which may cover copays and prescriptions for you and baby.
- Use your network & other moms. Well don’t USE them per say but take advantage of your network of moms. Whether it be tips for organic home made baby food, or using cloth diapers vs store bought diapers or items you may need.. your network is your information mecca.
- Trade in items that you don’t use or your baby has outgrown into trade in consignment stores such as Once Upon a Child. You won’t get retial value for your gently used items but you can sell them to the store for cash or store credit. What is a better way than to spend less by trading in things you don’t need and take up space?
- Yard Sale. When all else fails,, liquidate your household items, baby furniture, clothing and other items through a yard sale. This will help eliminate clutter and bring in some extra cash for buying new things baby needs.
—– BONUS TIPS —– Couldn’t stop at 10 so here are some more tips! - Sign up for free items. Many companies target pregnant and new moms for trying out new items for free! Take advantage of free items by signing up online.
- Find out what items are TAX DEDUCTABLE such as paying for a breast pump out of pocket, donating items to goodwill or other donation services. and child care. Consult a tax accountant and have the proper documentation to supply for proof.
Congratulations on your baby either being born or coming soon! I hope these tips help you enjoy more time with your new little bundle of joy and less time stressing over the money that beautiful baby will cost!