When people discover that I have four children, I often receive one of three responses:
- “Wow! You must be really busy.”
Absolutely, but it’s a rewarding kind of busy. Most days. And when it feels overwhelming, there’s always a bit of relaxation through meditation or a nice glass of wine. - “Aren’t you aware of what causes that?”
Indeed, I am fully aware, and it appears we’re quite skilled at it. Need any advice? - “That must be really costly! How do you manage?”
At one time, I would respond with sarcastic quips like, “We play rock, paper, scissors each night to decide who gets to eat,” or that we don’t invest in essentials like socks and toothpaste. However, I stopped using humor in these situations because not everyone picks up on sarcasm, and I don’t want to attract unwanted attention. It became clear to me that having multiple kids has led to genuine ways to save on parenting expenses.
Here are a few strategies that come to mind immediately:
The Value of Hand-Me-Downs
Having several children means they routinely wear hand-me-down clothing, including pajamas and team shirts from sports they never participated in. Surprisingly, they embrace it because they lack any point of reference. My younger children eagerly anticipate their older siblings outgrowing clothes so they can inherit them. Attending consignment sales has also been a great way to find adorable outfits that I wouldn’t typically splurge on. The better-quality items I buy tend to last longer, making them perfect for future wearers. I had no idea that girls could be as tough on clothes as boys, but my budget-friendly purchases from stores like Target and Walmart tell a different story.
Setting Boundaries at Big-Box Stores
It’s all too easy to spend $100 on unnecessary items while browsing stores like Target, which can feel akin to a trip to Las Vegas. I can imagine that with only a couple of kids, it might be tempting to say, “Sure! You can have that LEGO set, but keep it a secret from Dad.” With four kids, I simply can’t entertain such luxuries. Therefore, I have a strict rule: I only buy what we initially set out to purchase. If one child receives a treat, the others will relentlessly demand equal treatment. Not only is this financially impractical, but it also prevents cluttering our home with more toys that will quickly be forgotten. This practice also helps maintain my sanity, as the kids learn that they likely won’t be getting any extras. This experience serves as a lesson in delayed gratification for them and myself.
Buying in Bulk
Warehouse and discount stores have become my allies. I’m practically a VIP at Costco. The staff no longer requests to see my membership card and even greet me by name! When you have children who eat like they’re training for a marathon, purchasing in bulk becomes a savvy choice. Although one trip may seem costly upfront, the cost per item is lower, and it reduces the temptation to buy impulsively at checkout, saving me from unnecessary purchases like snacks or gossip magazines. Bulk buying also compels me to plan our meals more effectively.
Traveling, or the Lack Thereof
Taking lavish vacations is generally unfeasible with a larger family and living primarily on a single income. My spouse and I have pondered a trip to Disney World (yes, our kids are yet to experience it), but it’s hard to justify the $5,000 expense for a memorable journey. Instead, I’ve started exploring nearby destinations that are more budget-friendly. This scarcity has made our family trips more cherished.
Rest assured, my children are well cared for and have their needs met, along with some fun experiences. Having a larger family has encouraged me to be more inventive with my resources, allowing me to appreciate what I have rather than fixating on what we lack. Surprisingly, I’ve found that having more children has led to a greater appreciation for the simple things in life. I hope my children will look back and recognize that having siblings is a blessing that enriches their lives rather than feeling deprived of material possessions.
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In summary, having more children can surprisingly lead to various financial savings through hand-me-downs, setting boundaries on purchases, bulk buying, and more intentional travel choices. Embracing these realities fosters gratitude and creativity in managing resources.