Bringing children up the moneysaving way

flyingmamma

Great thread after spending a small fortune on baby things for my first born I hav now seen sense and try to watch wht I spend! I now hav 3 under 4 yr olds and I try to save money by asking grandparents for clothes for birthdays... Friends often ask wht to buy and I direct them away from toys towards clarks vouchers! I try to buy things like wellies and raincoats in unisex colours as these often dont get much wear. I always buy good quality clothes even if it means spending a little more every year I get coats from boden as they was v well... Ds needs his coat washed after nearly every wear as he chews the top! His current coat is like new! I often buy things on sale for next yr and hav a box full of bargains... Kids currently hav next winter wardrobes apart from shoes ready to go. I guess this might change as they get older and are more aware of fashion! At 3 my dd is happy with pink! I only buy toys at Xmas... The house is full and we go to pricey indoor playareas if weather really bad! So far only been once this year! I invested in a kids climbing frame swing combo and it is used daily... Great if we can't get to the park. When we just had 2 it was easier to get to park daily but a baby as well has hampered our outings.... Think this will get easier when weather improves and she is up a wee bit!

optimistic-mummy

Hi, since starting this thread i thought i had posted since but i hadn't so i wanted to add what things i have done thought of although many may seem obvious..

1. use free facilities as much as possible ... childrens centres & libraries do many free activities for young children and babies as well as mothers to be
2. use vouchers/codes for meals out
3. book online use vouchers for days out to reduce costs
4. local parks are great for children there fun free and children let off some energy
5. car boot sales and ebay are great for clothes, toys and baby equipment
6. get the children (when old enough) to help out around the house to 'earn' pocket money

i also only buy toys at christmas and birthdays and try and get relatives to buy clothes or give vouchers as much as possible or money which goes into his savings account

we have recently found out we are expecting our second child (it happened a lot quicker than we thought) i have promised myself i am only going to buy the essentials except hand-me-downs and buy second hand as much as possible ... i did have a lot more i thought of but my brain has gone to sleep so i will add more as i remember


ohh also for anyone with babies or expecting parents ... breastfeeding (if the mother is able to) and washable nappies and washable wipes will save a small fortune

red_devil

i have a referral for pinecone if anyone is interested please pm for more details.

uptomyeyes1984

Hello all, what a fantastic thread! I have 2 boys aged 4 and 5 (well nearly 6) and were expecting twin boy/girl in Aug so defiantly trying to pull back those purse strings.

I buy and sell ALOT on Ebay, not as much selling as I use to as were keeping alot of the toys clothes now for the new bubba's makes sense rather than buy again (my loft if bulging haha)

We had alot of new baby stuff in the loft from our boys and only really had to top up with girls stuff we pretty much managed to get everything for 0-3 months on ebay and with savvy watching we won 2 lots both lots inc p&p came to just over £10 job done. Tho p&p fees are getting ridiculous.

Other ways we save money now are our food shop I try to do an online shop once a week (only have to spend min of £25) and this is easily done now days and I only order things I need from the meal planner I previously plan.

look forward to reading more x

optimistic-mummy

i also do my food shop online using mysupermarket helps me to stick to my budget better x