2 Boys + 1 Girl = One Crazy Mom

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Tips on how you can raise happy and healthy little ones and not break your budget #BMOScavengerHunt

February 19, 2014 By Melanie Roberts 28 Comments

This is a Sponsored post written by me and brought to you by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC". All opinions are 100% mine.

Tips on how you can raise happy and healthy little ones and not break your budget #BMOScavengerHunt

My baby just turned 6 this week and looking back at when she was born it sure was a challenge and a change for the entire family. I already had two boys that were ready to head to middle school, so a little girl that would scream and cry all day wasn’t something any of us were used to. Of course feeding a family of 4 to feeding a family of 5 with an infant was a big change as well. I decided to put together a few of my favorite tips to share on how we prepare for the future and how we managed living with a red-head that had everyone wrapped around their finger the moment she opened her eyes.

What actually made me think about creating this post was an article that I read online somewhere the other day and it mentioned how much it will cost to raise a child and BOY, the number had shocked me. Of course it all depends on your City/State, but in general most of us will end up spending close to that amount; are you ready to hear it?

I based the calculation on a baby born in 2012, all over the US and with a middle class income… You will have to spend $240,000 to raise this child till he/she turns 18. BOY, that is a number, of course we all know it will not stop the minute they turn 18. Now add a second, a third or maybe a fourth child, the cost is WOW! So check out some tips that helped me keep the kids happy, healthy but that hasn’t broke our bank and I doubt we made it anywhere close to the $240K; BUT I’m not really counting either…LOL.

Tips on how you can raise happy and healthy little ones and not break your budget #BMOScavengerHunt

5 Tips to raise healthy, happy little ones that helped us NOT break the bank

1. As soon as your bundle of joy is born, start a savings account or a College fund of some sort. I know 18 years seems so far out; TRUST me… Do it!! My oldest just turned 18 and I have no idea how that happened, but I’m not ready to send him off to college just yet; with the little one I planed the minute she was born and a little at a time helps me save over a long time instead of coming up with a big junk down the road. Of course it is NEVER too late to start saving, so make that your number one goal to set aside a little at a time.

2. Use coupons! A lot of people shy away from coupons, but they will cut your cost of having to feed, clothes and anything else the kids may need drastically, even as much as 75% in some cases. I started using coupons when my baby girl was born and in general saved a lot of money on food, personal hygiene items and even diapers. Even if you don’t like the food that has coupons offered, the savings on other everyday items like diapers, formula, soap, shampoo will be big enough to let you buy your healthy veggies and groceries without breaking the bank. I don’t buy processed food a lot, so my savings there aren’t the biggest, but I maximize my savings in the other areas and it does it!! Check it out the next time you go to the store.

3. Say No! Don’t be afraid to say no to the kids. Do they really need to have that 20th Barbie? The 6th backpack? It really doesn’t hurt to say not sometimes and that money can be used for other things that are needed or even tucked away into that savings account. They will be mad for a day and then don’t even remember. Stick to it and say NO!

4. Prepare home cooked meals ahead of time. That is a big money saver in our home, we prepare homemade dinners and freeze them; when we get home late no fast food run, we just grab a frozen meal, heat it and sit down on the dinner table. Making me feel good both that I was able to save money (trust me a McD’s run for my family of 5 isn’t cheap!!) and dish up a healthy home cooked dinner that my family can enjoy.

5.  Hand me downs aren’t all that bad! I’m not talking about all the outfits the Walton’s wore and handed down to each sibling, but let’s face it, Jeans never go out of style. Buy them used or hold the ones from older siblings for little ones, they will come in handy and you don’t have to spend lots of money on Jeans to dress the kids. Play shirts will get dirty anyways, so grab a few hand me downs and let the kids have fun in the dirt. This will save you a bundle by not buying brand name every time they grow out of a size, trust me, they will grow fast!

There you have it, 5 tips on how to raise happy little ones from baby to Teenagers that will keep you sane and your wallet happy; the best thing. The kids have no clue you are skimping on them. I’m sure I will not spend $240K on each child if I can help it, how about you?

Tips on how you can raise happy and healthy little ones and not break your budget #BMOScavengerHunt

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Each week opens a new environment that focuses on a life stage moment, where you can discover relevant financial information and collect tokens for a chance to win anywhere from $500-$2,000. Be sure to enter for your chance to win the BMO Harris Bank Scavenger Hunt Sweepstakes!! Don’t forget to follow BMO Harris on Facebook to keep up with all the savings tips and ideas they share.

Tips on how you can raise happy and healthy little ones and not break your budget #BMOScavengerHunt

Are you currently preparing for a new baby? What tips do you have for new Mom’s that are just starting out thinking everything is needed for that precious bundle of joy to grow up? Would love to hear your tips and ideas. Will you spend $240K on your kids through they graduate college…?? Let’s chat

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Filed Under: family Fun, Savings Tips, sponsored Tagged With: family, New baby, Savings Tips, Sweepstakes

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About Melanie Roberts

Florida Blogger, German Descendant, Travel Addicted, Recipe Developer, Pet Enthusiast, Mom of Three.

Comments

  1. Barb W. says

    February 19, 2014 at 8:48 am

    Awesome tips! Your little girl certainly is an charmer!
    Barb W. recently posted..Whip Up a Star-Studded Red Carpet Snack Table in Under 30 Minutes #MovieLoversSweepsMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Sofia says

    February 19, 2014 at 10:04 am

    Great tips!! I would also add to only buy what you REALLY need for your little one. If you will only use the item a few times, take for instance a changing table, then you really can do with out it.
    Sofia recently posted..WW: Take my picture!My Profile

    Reply
  3. Jennifer says

    February 19, 2014 at 10:07 am

    These are all awesome tips, thank you so much for sharing! We only have one child and she costs us a small fortune. I need all of the money saving tips I can get!
    Jennifer recently posted..Yes, You Do Have Time for Soft Skin!My Profile

    Reply
  4. Kelsey Apley says

    February 19, 2014 at 10:25 am

    Great tips for sure. We don’t have any kids yet, but maybe one day! I will keep these tips in mind!
    Kelsey Apley recently posted..Princess Themed Cupcake Toppers with Silhouette CameoMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Candace says

    February 19, 2014 at 10:30 am

    These are great tips. As a parent it’s so easy to want to just give them the world, but it’s important to remember you give them more if you teach them how to spend wisely.
    Candace recently posted..Bacon Cheddar Apple SconesMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Scott says

    February 19, 2014 at 11:36 am

    Don’t forget Goodwill/Thrift stores. They have tons of baby stuff that the kids outgrow well before they’re worn out.
    Scott recently posted..Drawing on the FundamentalsMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Chrishelle says

    February 19, 2014 at 11:44 am

    Mine are just in their teens and I think I am way over $240,000. Those are great tips. I use everyone of them. My first just entered his first year of college last year. It is crazy what it cost to educate your child, and that is with grants and scholarships.
    Chrishelle recently posted..CHEER UP GOES ON THE ROAD: MONEY SAVING TIPSMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Clair Boone says

    February 19, 2014 at 1:07 pm

    Thanks for all the tips, especially the college plan. I NEED to get on top of that asap and keep putting it off!
    Clair Boone recently posted..5 Oral Health Tips For Kids + Trident Gum GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
  9. brett says

    February 19, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    I like sweepstakes- maybe i’ll win?!?! i’d love to!! super ideas- esp saying NO to kids
    brett recently posted..Buffalo Chicken Bites RecipeMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Ellen Christian says

    February 19, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    Starting a savings account is so important. They grow up too quickly!
    Ellen Christian recently posted..Why Digital Lenses Help You See Life More ClearlyMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Erika says

    February 19, 2014 at 3:19 pm

    Great tips! With four kids, I’m a big fan of coupons, hand-me-down’s, and saying no. 🙂
    Erika recently posted..Strawberry Banana SmoothieMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Brittany C. says

    February 19, 2014 at 3:41 pm

    Huge fan of hand me downs and coupons!!!! Great tips on ways to prepare for baby without going over budget!
    Brittany C. recently posted..FREE Download of Disney’s Frozen Read-Along Storybook! (iTunes)My Profile

    Reply
  13. Mama to 5 BLessings says

    February 19, 2014 at 3:43 pm

    great tips, we have 5 children ages 8 and under, believe me every little bit helps!
    Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted..Spruce Up Any Room With Armstrong Residential Ceilings – WIN a $2500 Room Makeover #MCMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Ashley Sears says

    February 19, 2014 at 5:58 pm

    Those are some really great tips. With two daughters, hand me downs have been a LIFE saver! We just pack away when the oldest daughter would out grow them and save them for the youngest.
    Ashley Sears recently posted..Comment on My Humans Finally Realize This Dog Needs Food Options by Tammi @ My Organized ChaosMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Pam says

    February 19, 2014 at 6:42 pm

    Awesome tips! Both of my kids are sick a lot, so I have spent more than I would like to recall on prescriptions and doctors visits…so I try to save any other way I can! Homemade meals and couponing have helped us out so much.

    Reply
  16. Tammilee says

    February 19, 2014 at 6:54 pm

    great tips! Coupons have saved us so much money
    Tammilee recently posted..10 things they don’t tell you when you start bloggingMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Jennifer Soltys says

    February 19, 2014 at 7:48 pm

    I don’t have kids, but think your tips are great!!! Definitely use coupons and save regardless!

    Reply
  18. Tess says

    February 19, 2014 at 8:58 pm

    I would like to of done things a bit different with not buying as much as I did. great tips.
    Tess recently posted..Wednesday Whaaat?My Profile

    Reply
  19. Ashley - Embracing Grace says

    February 19, 2014 at 10:04 pm

    Great tips! Quick question, is a back bag like a backpack?
    Ashley – Embracing Grace recently posted..How to Give Yourself GraceMy Profile

    Reply
    • Melanie Roberts says

      February 20, 2014 at 6:32 pm

      lol.. yeah darn Spell check …backpack…lol..just blame it on me being German…hahah

      Reply
      • Ashley - Embracing Grace says

        February 20, 2014 at 8:56 pm

        Oh okay! 🙂 I wasn’t meaning to correct you, I was just curious if that was a different way of saying it.
        Ashley – Embracing Grace recently posted..How to Give Yourself GraceMy Profile

        Reply
  20. Wendy | Around My Family Table says

    February 19, 2014 at 10:47 pm

    Hahaha..I swore I’d never take hand me downs. Now I’m sad we don’t get anymore cuz they are too big and all their friends wear out their clothes. 🙂 Great tips!
    Wendy recently posted..Lemonade Rice Krispies TreatsMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Elena says

    February 19, 2014 at 10:48 pm

    Those are some great tips. I especially like the ones about clipping coupons and opening a savings account.
    Elena recently posted..The Skier And The BillionaireMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Debi says

    February 19, 2014 at 11:11 pm

    One good thing I am good at is no. Except at Christmas and then I lose my mind.
    Debi recently posted..Mount Airy Casino Resort for a Great Weekend AwayMy Profile

    Reply
  23. Melissa says

    February 19, 2014 at 11:37 pm

    These are such great tips!
    Melissa recently posted..Del Monte® Fruit Burst Squeezers and Fruit Cup® Snacks make the perfect on-the-go snack!My Profile

    Reply
  24. Greta says

    February 20, 2014 at 12:23 am

    These are fabulous tips – even for people with no kids
    Greta recently posted..How to Choose Natural Beauty ProductsMy Profile

    Reply
  25. Liza says

    February 20, 2014 at 9:51 am

    Kids are definitely not an inexpensive addition to the family 🙂 Your tips are great, though, for keeping costs down. Saying “no” is sometimes hard for me, because I love to treat our family; I am trying to do more of it this year, though. And with as fast as young kids go through clothing hand-me-downs make sense if you have an older sibling or cousin to share from!
    Liza recently posted..Celebrating Our Littlest Athletes with Pampers (+ $100 Giveaway)My Profile

    Reply
  26. Marielle Altenor says

    February 25, 2014 at 11:45 pm

    Love these tips! With our son we open a saving account for college he moment we got home from the hospital. Both his father and I did get the chance to have college tuition money saved up by our parents and we thought it would be best to plan ahead for our child. If he chooses not to go to college he will have the funds available to start up his own business if he wants to. We got lucky with clothes and received quite a bit from family. Noting wrong with hand me down for sure.
    Marielle Altenor recently posted..Majestical Jewelry Review, My Honest Opinion!My Profile

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Hi! I’m Melanie a mom of 2 Teen Boys & 1 Girl. I’m your everyday average working mom, wife and friend that likes to share recipes, DIY tips, techy things and anything from crafts to home remodel. I’m a Brand Ambassador, recipe creator and love to share things both from the US and my home Country Germany. So stick around and see what fun things we come up with.

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