Feeling worried and anxious about money all the time? Learn what to do for you and your family when you're stressed about money. Before I had kids, I was able to save half my income. I lived frugally and didn't need much to keep me happy. I even got a kick to see how much I could save every month. But with the arrival of three kids, money didn't always come so easily. Hearing that I was expecting twins heightened my financial anxiety, as I wondered how we'd ever cover two babies plus a preschooler all at once. At one point, our childcare costs—preschool and a nanny—were double the … [Read more...]
Surprising Costs of Raising Twins
How much do twins cost compared to singletons? Don't forget these overlooked and surprising costs of raising twins to better prepare. "So, this is what it's like to feed three growing boys!" I told my husband, shuffling through the fridge wondering what to feed the kids. I had always known that the costs of raising twins would be higher than one child. But it's easy to forget until you realize you're making huge batches of baby food that cover a mere two days and ordering boxes of diapers and wipes every month. I figured raising twins would include double of most standard purchases … [Read more...]
8 Ways to Save for Maternity Leave
Figuring out how to live on maternity pay can be a challenge. Discover 8 ways to save for maternity leave now while you're working to make the most of your time! I had what was a pretty typical maternity leave with my first pregnancy: half of it was fully paid while the other half was partially paid. Even with a reduced income in the second half, I'd be able to make the most of my maternity leave. But being pregnant with twins made maternity leave more complicated. I found myself on bed rest a month before the twins arrived. Further complications extended my maternity leave once they … [Read more...]
Raising Children on a Tight Budget
What do you do when money is tight and you have a family? Get tips about raising children on a tight budget while still enjoying life. At one point, my family and I hadn't eaten at a restaurant in five months. We also only attended free outings, relied on the kids' imagination to squash their boredom, and slashed our grocery budget. This was hardly a picture of living below the poverty level, either (or anywhere near it). My husband and I had jobs, all sorts of insurance coverage, and a spacious apartment. We were a typical middle-income family and had too many comforts that passed as … [Read more...]
12 Ways to Beat the High Cost of Twins
Worried about twin expenses? Learn how to beat the cost of twins — a must for the twin mom who wants to save money with two babies! I won't lie: Having twins can be financially challenging. The first time I heard I was expecting two, one of the first thoughts I had was: How in the world will I afford the expenses?! I've found myself feeling strapped, especially in a high cost-of-living city. Preschool tuition cost more than our rent, and buying essentials like two cribs, two car seats, and even a minivan took its toll. I worried about the impact that having twins would have on our … [Read more...]
12 Easy Ways to Teach Preschoolers About Money
It's not too early to start teaching preschoolers about money! Discover 12 ways to make learning about money fun, interesting, and impactful. It's the taboo topic, even among adults. We're not supposed to mention incomes, debts, or how much we spend on purchases. We size each other up based on our perceived worth. Yet so much about money pervades our lives, from the opportunities we have to the values we shape. It's what determines whether we save for college or stay home with the kids. Like many people, I didn't get a well-rounded education about money, certainly not from school. … [Read more...]
11 Frugal Tips for New Moms That Can Save You Money
Parenthood can wipe out your finances. Learn frugal tips for new moms to make sure that doesn't happen. Perfect for thrifty moms to save money! You've heard the horror stories. How raising a child from birth to 18 years of age will cost the average family $245,000. The expensive gear you "need" to keep your baby safe and comfortable. The childcare, the formula, and the zillions of diapers. Is there a way to avoid the financial trap of raising kids? Frugal tips for moms I had already been frugal even before my kids were born, and even I was frantic about all the expenses that were … [Read more...]
How Your Family Can Save Money on Dental and Vision Visits
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of SingleCare. All opinions are 100% mine. You may not know this, but the price you pay for dental and vision visits isn't always locked in. I sure thought it was. I figured that whatever the insurance wouldn't pay meant it isn't covered, or that the fee I was quoted had to be the lowest price. I've canceled procedures that my insurance wouldn't cover, thinking I had no other option. Turns out, it doesn't have to be this way. Save with SingleCare SingleCare can save your family money on prescriptions, dental, vision and virtual doctor … [Read more...]