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Having Your Baby and Eating Out, Too
Money-saving Ideas for New Families
By Jennifer Ray McCluskey
Everyone knows that babies are expensive and that starting a family requires certain sacrifices – both personal and financial. New parents eager to provide everything for their baby often either go into debt or completely give up their own interests and lifestyle in order to stay on a budget.
Parenting does not have to result in such difficult choices, however. As long as you remain flexible and creative, you do not have to deprive your baby or yourself in order to save money. The key lies in moderation: Not everything your baby touches has to be brand new and color coordinated. Not every romantic night out for you and your spouse has to be to the opera. In fact, limited time and resources can ultimately inspire you to reprioritize your wants and needs and more fully appreciate the simple joys of friends and family.
Here are some creative ways to save:
Other parents are often as eager to get rid of their children's outgrown "stuff" as you are to acquire it. Before making any major purchase, ask around or even advertise in your local neighborhood newsletter for the items you need. Large items such as cribs, Excersaucers and jogging strollers are happily given away by parents eager to make room for bikes, jungle gyms and Barbie dream houses.
Buy only a few treasured outfits for your pregnant figure and cherished newborn – the rest can be secondhand. The pregnant you and your young baby will fit into each size so briefly that it is foolish to splurge too much. Starting the lending cycle with your friends at the beginning can lead to years of free clothes, toys and storage space for all!
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