Guest post by Tina Minchella
I was going to title this post “why it’s never a good time to have a kid.” Many friends and family members as well as the occasional professional acquaintance discuss family planning with me. With the economic situation the way that it is, I hear over and over, “It’s not a good time to start a family. If we could just save…” And this is when I stop listening.
The truth is, it’s never a good time to start a family. I know this sounds quite shocking. But here’s why: kids are always expensive. Yes. Kids cost money. A lot of money.
As I have learned to use public transportation, to clip coupons, and to make that dollar stretch, I have also realized that there are many ways to save money entertaining little ones.
• Trade skills. I play the piano. My friend plays the piano. It’s a bad idea to teach your own child how to play a musical instrument…BUT…you can trade your services with others. Teach your friends’ children and let your friends teach yours.
• Go to the library. This is not just about saving money on books. In the summertime, many local libraries also have story time, free movies with popcorn, and nature walks. The library has become a hub for more than just books. It is a community outreach system full of fun and FREE things to entertain the little ones. Some libraries also offer monthly passes to local museums. This allows you to visit a number of local cultural sites for free.
• Go to the park. I’m not sure when TV and videogames overtook our world, but there is nothing like fresh air and the sun to entertain a child. Pack a small picnic lunch and you’re suddenly on an exciting adventure.
• Movie theaters. In the summertime, large movie theater chains play early morning movies on weekdays for families only. The theaters play older movies that have been released during the previous year and charge about 75 cents per ticket. Although they are not the newest blockbusters, the excitement and amazement little children have when seeing movies on the big screen remains.
• Kids-eat-free. Recently, a number of chain restaurants have begun having a kids-eat-free night once a week (some even do this every weekday). With the purchase of an adult meal, a child’s meal is free. There are even restaurants that cater to large families and give 2 free meals for every adult meal purchased! This is a great way to have a night out and not break the bank.
Kids cost money, but they don’t have to bankrupt you. There are a number of ways to keep having fun with kids without increasing your debt or further aggravating your financial troubles. If you’re having fun with the kids, they’ll never know that it was at a discounted rate.