Browsing Tag

children

Household

9 Tips For Saving Money On Toys For Your Kids

Children’s toys can cost a fortune. This is something every parent knows. So how can you reduce the amount of money you spend on toys?

Here are 9 tips to save money on children’s toys:

1. Don’t buy as many toys

This might sound like an obvious suggestion. The truth is that kids will get over toys quicker if they have too much of a variety to choose from.

So look at limiting the toys you buy and focus on the ones you think your child is more likely to play with. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.

2. Quality over quantity

Cheap toys break quickly. They are made from inferior parts and need replacing more often. How many times are you willing to replace that favourite toy that suddenly broke because it wasn’t particularly well made? Why not invest in something that will last longer instead? Wooden blocks, Legos, fingerboard wheels, and other toys that require imagination may cost a little more at the outset, but will save you money in the long run.

October 13, 2016

Family

Do Not Bail Out Your Kids When They Overspend

There are times when it makes sense for parents (who can afford it) to lend money to their adult children to help with post secondary education, a down payment on a home, etc. However, this isn’t always the best idea and it’s important to really discuss things thoroughly before making a decision.

Every parent wants to be able to help their children, no matter what their age, however, at a certain point it is important for children to become financially independent. If parents continuously bail their kids out when they overspend, they are not helping their children at all. Why? Because their kids need to learn that there are consequences for being irresponsible with their money. Kids will never learn this if Mommy and Daddy always foot the bill when they make a mistake.

November 19, 2010

Family

Take The Plunge And Have Kids If You Want To

Right now my husband and I are what you would call DINKs (Double Income No Kids). So far we have been enjoying the freedom that comes from not having children. It is nice to just be able to spend time with my husband and to be able to sleep in when we want, and to take long road trips and sleep in a tent or in the car along the way. We know that our lifestyle will have to significantly change when we have kids.

Although the DINK lifestyle is fun for a while, I don’t think I would want this forever. There’s something about having kids that makes your life more whole, more meaningful, at least in my opinion.

I think the reason that so many married couples in North America don’t have kids right away is due to the hefty costs of raising a child. Most of us think we have to save money for a few years first. My friend who is expecting for the first time, told me that no one is ever ready to have kids, and that no one can ever afford to have kids, but that you just have to go for it. According to her, you will never feel adequately prepared emotionally or financially to have kids, but if you want them, you have to just take the plunge.

September 30, 2010