theSun, Tues 9 Sept 2008
Being the family finance manager is part and parcel of good parenting.
How do we watch our pockets without compromising our family and childrens’ happiness and wellbeing?
This is nothing new as most families are already aware of or practicing, some form of budget. However, it helps to refresh the memory leave no stone unturned in our efforts not to overspend.
For the babies, instead of using disposable diapers, use cloth nappies. Babies, especially, go through a pack of diapers very quickly and these are not cheap.
While there is the hassle of washing, drying and folding them, cloth nappies are cheaper in the long run and they keep your baby’s bottom rash free. It is also more environmentally friendly.
If you are an expectant mother, plan to breastfeed. Not only will your baby get all the important and required nutrition from breast milk, you save a hefty sum on formula milk powder. All you need to do is to ensure you have a healthy diet and take care of your own health.
Eat out and takeaway less. It's cheaper and healthier to cook your own meals, plus you save on fuel, parking, tips and service taxes that come with the bill, not to mention the hidden cost for the ambience and the pretty swirls of gravy on your plate or slice of lemon wedged on your glass.
When it’s time for your children to eat solid food, cook for them instead of buying pre-packed, processed rice porridge, cereals or bottled purees. That way, you can ensure your children are getting all the right nutrients from the fresh and antural ingredients you are using.
And since you will be shopping for groceries for the whole family anyway, how much more inconvenient is it to get an extra carrot, potato or fish fillet for your tiny tots?
Moreover, you can cook tasty meals that cater to both adults and children. Simply remove a portion for the children before you add seasonings like salt or pepper, and chop or puree them into smaller bits or softer versions for them.
Plan your travel routes carefully to avoid burning extra fuel. If you need to get groceries, do it at a shop nearby your child’s tuition centre while waiting to pick him up.
Make a complete list of things you need to get. This saves you from making multiple trips to the shops just to pick up one or two items.
Buy only what you need and stick to the list. I used to be greedy and buy food that I plan to cook 'some day' and end up throwing them away.
Do your banking and pay your bills online to save fuel, parking cost, time and the hassle of queuing up.
Instead of going to the mall for entertainment, pack a picnic basket and visit a park or playground. The children get to exercise, bond with nature and play creatively. At the mall, you would have to pay to enter a children’s activity centre, eat at a restaurant, or buy tickets, sugar-filled popcorn and soda for a movie.
At home, keep your children occupied with books from the library, free online audio storybooks, and printable online games and activities.
Engage them in craft activities using recycled material or pretend play using costumes from unwanted clothes and fake jewellery.
Dust off the old board games and have a fun, educational time together.
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