how to save money with 2 kids and 1 on the way?

Question

i have a 2 yr old girl and a 10 month old boy. im due to have my other boy next week. how do i save money so all 3 have what they need. what r some programs that could help me? i live in kansas. thanks for the help.

Answer 1

What does daddy do? If you need money he needs to quit his job FAST and start making money! Don't sit back and let all the immigrants live the American dream, you live it too!
Also you could read the "Tightwad Gazette" a great book about how to be a cheapskate! If you can't find it maybe we still have a copy around here somewhere. Let me tell you NOBODY had less than us when we started out- and we've got 7 kids.

Answer 2

If you're serious, there's a lot you can do. No brand name clothes for anyone, time for department stores and thrift shops - with effort, you can find nice things. No fancy toys, gadgets and whatevers - for your husband, you and kids. Toys, yes - newest and flashiest, no.
In your home, no eating out - no lunches out if you're working, no dinners out or take out, if you have no time. That wastes way too much money. No coffee out - make a pot at home, carry a thermos. Cut out the pop - too expensive. For grocery, use coupons and only buy what's on sale. When we were at our poorest, a big expense was a freezer at a garage sale for $50, but it was worth it - to freeze cheap chicken, weiners, etc. Cheap foods to make are casseroles - get a good casserole cookbook from the library or somewhere and try a variety. Easy to hide veggies in there if your kids don't like them. My skinny husband eats like a horse, so even if I made a full meal, I also made something on the side - an extra, extra - like other kinds of noodles, mashed potatoes, etc. to help fill him up. Make homemade soups, and serve with easy homemade biscuits.
There is just so much you can do - and we have had to do. No cable tv, no internet until they are older and need it for school. No movies out, rent or borrow instead. Play board games with your husband. Take your kids to art galleries, festivals, church activities, free stuff. Use your library for books, movies and programs like story time.
Hope these help somewhat....

Answer 3

I would have to say birth control would be my number one answer. Not to be mean. I am serious, children are very expensive. I know I have 2 and decided we could not afford to have another one.Other than that you could stop paying for the internet, cable, cell phones, eat out less, don't drive so much, grocery shop every other week, start saving for Christmas it's right around the corner.

Answer 4

We have a UPromise account. It helps save money for college and it doesn't cost a thing. Stores (grocery and others), restaurants and manufacturers that participate actually contribute to your child's college fund based on what you purchase (I'll leave the link down below).

For most of our groceries we shop at Aldi's (link below). It's a discount grocery store with high quality products. If there are things that you have to buy in regular retail stores, always watch for sales. There are some things that we always need (diapers, wipes). We watch for when these things go on sale, then buy in bulk at stores such as BJ's or Sam's Club.

If your babies take formula, check to see if the company that makes it has a discount club (we use Similac, signed up for their club and regularly get $5 off coupons). Do a search for the company that makes your formula and see if they offer soemthing similar.

We love to hunt thrift stores, flea markets and yard sales for clothes, gently used toys and other baby gear. Part of what I love about hunting for bargains is the challenge of finding something that we might need or want, that is in fairly good condition and finding it at a price that saves us money. (I found a Floppy seat, a cart covering, which retails for $39.95 in my favorite thrift store for $4.95! A huge savings for something that we use all the time.)

Try getting in touch with WIC to see if you qualify. All of you would benefit from the program, including the baby when he gets here. Get in touch with your utility companies and see if they have budget programs or low-income help programs that you may qualify for. Call around to your local churches... if you need help with food, there may be food cupboards that you can visit with dignity. The churches might also be able to help with clothing.

Keep in mind that the Salvation Army offers alot of programs that could help with a multitude of things... utilities, clothing, food, even Christmas presents! Consider contacting them if you feel the need.

I was alone with three kids for a long time. I felt no shame in asking for a little help when it was needed (thrift stores, food cupboards, etc.) to keep a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs and food in their bellies. It is a mother's job to tend to her children. If that means asking for a little help now and then, there is absolutely no shame in that.

Good luck, sweetie, and feel free to contact me if you need someone to talk to.

joanna

Answer 5

Go to this web site and follow their guide lines. Look at the "money map". I have followed their budgeting plan and in 5 years I have become debt free! I have 3 kids and my wife has stopped working. God is good and He has given us a plan in His word.

http://crown.org/

Answer 6

Get on birth control and if you dont have fathers for those kids get child support. Also if you dont have a job get one..

For now try WIC, food stamps and section 8. Also shop at discount stores, go to catholic charities, goodwill, salvation army and soup kitchens (for food).. You can get some clothes there also and baby stuff..

Answer 7

Apply to Social Services in your county. WIC (Women, Infant and Children), TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) will help you with food and money

Shop wisely, and thirftly....do a lot of bartering. If you have a skill you are good at, barter it for things you need.

Answer 8

Pay yourself first. Even if it is only $5 a week. Get the habit started.

Answer 9

girl i have 2 small kids and another in the way and is very difilcult but tell your husband to not waste money and start putting it in the piggy bank.......

Answer 10

Go to Costco. You can get loads of diapers, formula, all the essentials for cheap.