Blowing The Family Budget

Photo credit: Jerry Wang

The new year is finally here, and people everywhere are excited to start a new chapter in life. The past year was quite a challenge, and we are anxious to see what we can do better this time around. Of course, many of us will be starting with a little less. Our bank accounts may be a bit more lean than usual, and our options, while plentiful, are a bit less certain than we are accustomed to. So we are starting out intending to keep a close watch on our budgets. An article published on Lottoland gives some great tips on how to save money that will benefit everyone.

As the year moves on and you feel the need to venture out with your family, how can you enjoy your time together without spending too much and blowing your fragile budget? We will give you some tips that we believe will help you do just that. 

What’s happening in the area?

Ask around and find out what events are going on in the area. Check with the library for special speakers and shows. Look for music productions, plays, free classes, and children’s films being shown. If you are in Dorset, go to www.visit-dorset.com for tons of ideas that are free and inexpensive. They also have a list of things to do with your kids when it is raining (or sunny), so you are never stuck inside. There is always something going on, and with just a little effort, you will be able to entertain your group with fun and educational activities that won’t cost you anything.

Eating

Food is expensive and it is always a challenge. Sometimes the challenge is finding something your kids will eat while you are on the go. Then there is the expense. In 2022, a lot of parents are buying in bulk and prepackaging their kid’s food in advance. Inexpensive, reusable containers make this the responsible way to handle the issue. Letting the children help teaches them to be mindful of waste and keep the planet healthy. But, for those times when you are going to be out for the entire day or longer, you may not want to carry lunch and dinner with you. In that case, plan your itinerary. Decide ahead of time where you will be for lunch and dinner. Check the restaurants in that area for “kids eat free” times. Take advantage of the schedules. Check the menus online. If they do not have anything, your child will eat, speak to the manager and ask if they will prepare a meal and get a price. Many times they will put together a toddler plate of finger foods for free with your purchase or in the place of your salad or side. 

Let Them Do – Not Watch!

One mistake parents make is taking kids places where they watch others have fun. No kid wants to go to a fair or a carnival and watch other kids ride the rides or play the games. This makes them feel left out. No kid wants to watch other kids jump in a trampoline park, skate in a skate park, or climb on a rock climb knowing they cannot give it a go. So, don’t take them there if you do not want to spend the money to let them participate. Instead, make a trip to your discount or thrift store. Pick up some cheap painting supplies. Then take them to a nice park or beach and surprise them with a painting contest. Make a scavenger hunt listing common things found in a forest and take them to a trail for a family scavenger hunt. Have a photo-taking contest with cell phones. Even if your kids do not have their own phones, you probably have enough old phones around to use, and even 4-year-olds can work a cell camera. You will be amazed at some of the photographs you will see, and it is loads of fun and laughs. The point is, get creative. Try to think like a kid again. Kids do not think about money. They think about having fun. The spare change to buy a soda or a candy is a treat. It is the adults in the group that load everything down with money. 

We are blessed with a brand new year. We are given the opportunity to embrace those we love and to show them what they mean to us. We are given another chance to prioritize our lives. Money is important, but it is not the most important thing in our world. The most important thing is loving and being loved. This is what we need to remember in the coming year. Everything else will fall into place where it will. 

Collaborative post with our partner.