Parent's guide to money

laloopi

Just wondering what you guys think of this? I received a copy form the children's centre (it's a free book for parents). It has 8 sections - countdown, budgeting, entitlements, work options, childcare, savings, borrowing money and money worries.

But there is only 4 short paragraphs on ways to cut down on spending! In the money worries section it suggests buying some baby things second hand, cutting your bills by switching supplier, and cutting back on non-essential spending e.g. by taking sandwiches. And that's it! And the budgeting section doesn't really describe how to set up a household budget or anything useful.

I think most parents would benefit from a lot more guidance on ways to cut back and spend less, rather than just the financial stuff. Without learning about being old style I could never have afforded to take a career break to raise my son. Or is it the government's job just to give the technical information about benefits etc. and leave the rest up to the parents so they're not accused of being too nannyish?

Pink.

Hi laloopi,

As this is more of a family topic than Old Style I've moved it over to the
MoneySaving in Marriages, Relationships & Families to see if you can get some replies.

Pink

laloopi

I'm not sure why this has been moved? I'm not promoting the guide, I was just asking the OS board's opinion on whether the book should be more about thrift! If you don't want it in OS then please delete it.

bigmomma051204

Hi - i work in a children's centre and give these out regularly. From my point of view, it is just a useful tool for new parents/parents to be which helps them to understand entitlements/benefits and has info on savings etc. It is very broad and obviously every familys situation is different. I suppose it could have a bigger section on moneysaving BUT it is really just there to point people in the right direction when they first have baby, in my opinion :cool: Lets face it, no publication can have every bit of info about everything to do with the subject can it. Alot of children's centres link in with Citizens Advice Bureau and do "money matters" courses which parents find useful. But alot of the time, money saving/being savvy is just common sense i find! Perhaps you should email the publishers and suggest a link for this site

fannyanna

I'm quite glad that it got moved as I would not have come across this thread otherwise and I think it's quite interesting

I think it would probably come in quite handy for a lot of people. I would imagine that for the people who regularly use this forum and are perhaps a bit more money savvy (or at least money aware) than most people it may be a bit basic.

OP - if you don't mind me asking you mentioned that you became a bit more old style financially to take a career break. What kind of things did you / currently do. I know I'm being lazy in asking and could venture over to the OS ssection but I must admit I get a bit confused when I venture over there :rotfl:

Tiggy223

Another great way of saving is by those freecycling websites! I have only had a look, never actually traded anything but there is sometimes some amazing stuff on there - especially new-born.

Julie xx

laloopi

fannyanna wrote: »

OP - if you don't mind me asking you mentioned that you became a bit more old style financially to take a career break. What kind of things did you / currently do. I know I'm being lazy in asking and could venture over to the OS ssection but I must admit I get a bit confused when I venture over there :rotfl:

Basically, I stopped buying new stuff and started looking at ways to make do with what we already have. I cook from scratch, try to mend or repair things whenever possible, make my own cleaning products, starting to grow vegetables this year. It's a new mindset away from thinking of buying things to solve the problem and figuring out other ways. I love it, and find it liberating, and think I'll always do things this way now. Do come over to OS and join us!!