Money Savers For New Parents

Tips for Raising Baby Without Breaking the Bank!

Baby Sitting: If you’re not lucky enough to have family members who jump at the chance to watch your child, consider making friends with other parents who would like to swap sitting duties with you. Check out the book Smart Mom’s Baby-Sitting Co-Op Handbook : How We Solved the Baby-Sitter Puzzle by Gary Myers for details on how to start a babysitting cooperative.

Housing: Many couples think they need a bigger home when they have children, but trading up to a larger, more expensive home right away may be a mistake. A higher house payment may make it more difficult for one parent to stop working to stay home with the baby, as well as putting a lot of pressure on the budget. It’s better to wait for a year or two after your child is born before making that decision.

Freebies: Sign up for the “baby club” if your local grocery store or pharmacy offers one. Visit websites of manufacturers for baby items, fill out the registration cards that come with things you buy for your newborn, and pretty soon you’ll be inundated with free samples and coupons.

If your debts are increasingly becoming difficult to manage, Consolidated Credit Counselling Services of Canada, Inc. can help you with a free consultation, budgeting advice and a repayment plan. Call our counsellors for a free consultation at 1-800-656-3920.