Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

[~MuNiYa~]

Salaam Everyone -

So I've just had kid #2 (a year ago) and I'm really feeling the expenses double up.

Would love other parents to share money saving tips - not only for kids stuff but generally all around the house.

Gracias...

[Muzna]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

what do you see the money being spent on?

[Afshi]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

hand me downs

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/813271/7-ways-to-save-money-on-groceries-kids-clothes-and-more

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/01/30-easy-ways-to-save-money-and-no-you.html

http://www.40somethingmommy.com/money/how-to-save-money-on-your-kids.html

[UZ]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

When there are two it gives barkat in the house


And now back to saving, just find deals online on "deals2buy.com" Have costco membership, yesterday was such a big sale on Macys Loved it even before thanksgiving. But anyway for clothes just go to macys on special deal days And if you want more cut coupons they usually come in local newspaper.

[Ramsha]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

figure out what the majority of your variable expense is going to. There are fixed expenses like house payments, that you don't really have control over and then there are variable expenses like groceries, gifts, clothes that you can control.

I found it helpful to take three months of expenses and figure out what the biggest variable expense was and the figure of changs I could make to impact it.

[Reha]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

Watch, compare and calculate.

Buying in bulk is a great way to save but not every single time. Many things shouldn't be bought in bulk...you can do a break down in per unit price, figure out how much you actually use and then see if you're really saving any money.

One of my closest friends has three kids with one on the way. Even though her husband makes a good living, drives a nice car, etc. she is discount queeeeeen! She shops a season or year ahead for the kids' clothing. All of their desi clothes come from India on their trips. She is one of the very few people I know who still cuts and saves coupons. I don't remember the last time I cut a coupon. Her belief is, if you're diligent...the savings will eventually show.

Oh and the household bills are monitored by her husband very carefully. The house is always at a constant temperature, unnecessary lights are always turned off. I can never tell when they're home if I stand outside, lol. She fills her car tank at Costco. She even buys her veggies on sale, cuts them and freezes them for future use. Actually her husband does that part.

I think its great.

[SaadiaB]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

Re-use the bigger kids cloths for the younger one.
By on sales, like you can even buy seasons cloths on sale, for that wait a month after the season has started and they start putting them on sale.
Cut down on luxuries, I know easy said as done but things that you don't really need, you don't have to have all the fashion 'ins' sometimes you can live without certain things that you normally buy. e.g. designer bags, shoes, cloths ....
Check your bills, do you have an insurances that is not really really necessary.


For kids, you can buy these bulk pampers from toy r us.
Buy lesser toys, like make an aim to buy one piece in a month or something.
Clothing, buy cheaper brands for home and good ones for outside.


Just some points that come into my mind.

[njgal]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

where are the bulk of your expenses.

childcare? formula/food?

Since you have 2 boys, you can re-use old clothes, shoes, toys.

Feed the boys what you eat. No special food and diets for them

Buy in bulk things like paper towels, TP, juice boxes, snacks

[jaan leva]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

You don't upload one if you can't afford it... ye tou pata hee hota hai ke new bachay ko kya kya chaheye ho ga.

2nd, its not the baby who is giving you financial trouble, its your spending habits. You need to cut your own expenses (salon visits, pedicures, manicures, eating out, buying junk, etc., etc., etc.,) and you won't feel it when spending it on the baby. You don't shape the baby around your money, you shape your money around your baby as that's the most important thing in your life, ab ho hee gya hai tou.

[Niksik]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

1. While I like my kids to wear nice clothes, I don't buy all brand name clothing...just a few special pieces. Rest of the stuff for school is the regular wash and wear stuff from target, old navy, etc.

2. My salon visits are every 3 months for a trim and color. I know the exact amount. Pedis and manicures only a couple times a year. I can do a great job at home.

3. I buy my fresh produce from a sabzi market so to speak. It's much cheaper than regular stores and fresher and more options.

4. I'm learning to write out a list and stick to it. Very hard to not get lured by sales. I mean, so what if something is 30% off...if I don't need it, I've still spent money eh on something I didn't need!

5. We don't eat out much. Kids and hubby aren't much into it.

6. Eliminate wastage by not buying everything in bulk. If it expires, it's money down the drain.

[jaan leva]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

Niksik,

WAH, kya baat hai.

Muniya, KUCH SEEKHO, seekh lo niksik ke experience se...chanda.

[Pink'd Out]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

I have always lived off using coupons ever since grade school, will never stop I believe, I have gotten more careful now after my kids, where my money is going.
Food wise you need to spend money no matter what, I check my pantry every week to see what needs to go on the 'grocery list', then I check my local grocery stores for those items on sale, and where ever I get the best deal, that's where we go.
Distinguish between needs vs want, that way you can get so much of a sense of what you actually dont need to buy and clutter your home at the same time.

[jaan leva]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/113770/financial-mistakes-ruin-marriage

[Ira]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

Great tips in here. I also look for stuff on sale and find coupons for everything. We rarely go out to eat or order something. Rarely go for movies, rent using red box. Buy my groceries at discount stores. Some things need to be bought in bulk like TP, juice, milk etc so Sam's club is good for that. We also fill our car there and its a bit cheaper than outside gas stations. I also dont worry about brand names, or try not to unless stuff is really on sale. I bought some things for my daughter from Kmart for 5 bucks and outfit not knowing waht to expect and surprisingly they are holding up extremely well. I am sooo surprised. I also always buy stuff on sale, never pay full retail price. Or check out TJMaxx, Marshalls etc for brand name stuff at lower price.

[chips6]

Re: Ek Sey Bhalai Doh

Nice...
I am myself not crazy about brands and all that.And try to buy whatever I actually need,and avoid impulsive shopping and get stuff on sales etc.I used to be coupon person,somehow that has ended.

Can I ask something relevant...??...How many of you are very particular about the groceries you buy,like milk,eggs,produce etc..??..I mean how many of you think it is essential that it be organic,or will you just go ahead and buy the regular stuff from the grocery store??