Once you do stay home, how do you manage that smaller budget? (Check out these tips for starting and sticking to a budget.) When I decided to stay at home, these are some ways my husband and I cut back: Restaurants: My husband and I try to have a "date night" once a week, thanks to some very generous grandparents who live close by. Before Isaac, date night meant going to a nice restaurant where the bill would be close to $100 or more. Now we still have date nights but either stay home and cook or go out to much cheaper options like the local deli or Chinese takeout. Entertainment: Entertaining a child can get expensive. To find cost effective play options nearby, I joined a local website for moms and learned to never underestimate the power of a playgroup. I found a weekly playgroup in my neighborhood, and some moms from my church have also started a playgroup. I also found free entertainment in some unusual places: My son loves to go to Home Depot and sort through all the nuts and bolts bins. Baby and toddler supplies: So many people are willing to donate (or sell for cheap!) gently used children's clothing, toys and various other items. Check on Craigslist.org, freecycle.org or a local parenting website. Once families decide they are done having kids, they often want to get rid of all baby gear--and quickly--so try to be on the receiving end! Bartering: Now that you are essentially a full-time childcare provider, you can offer your services to your friends. I have traded childcare for sewing services and a free dinner, and the options are really endless. You and your other stay-at-home-parent friends have plenty of skills from your former careers, so start using them. Accountants, interior decorators, editors--you can all trade services in exchange for child care, kids clothes and equipment, or whatever else you can work out. Vacation: My husband and I decided to put any large-scale vacations on hold for a few years. That doesn't mean we plan to do away with summertime fun altogether. Instead, we plan to take some day trips to nearby state parks and visit the free museums in Washington, D.C. Whenever my husband and I do find time for a weekend alone, we plan to use our credit card points to pay for a hotel. Continued › |
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