Whenever people discover that I’m the proud parent of four children, their reactions typically fall into one of three categories:
- “Wow! You must have your hands full.”
Absolutely! But it’s the kind of full that I genuinely enjoy. Most days. And when it gets a bit overwhelming, there’s always a glass of wine and a bit of yoga to help me unwind. - “Don’t you know what causes that?”
Oh, I’m well aware! Clearly, we have a talent for it. Need some pointers? - “Holy moly, that must be expensive! How do you manage it?!”
At one point, I used to joke that we play rock-paper-scissors every night to determine which kids get to eat or that we just skip essentials like underwear and toothbrushes. I stopped saying that since some folks missed the sarcasm and might report me to the authorities (rest assured, my kids are well-fed and have plenty of clothes). I’ve come to realize that having a bunch of kids has actually led me to save money on raising them. Here are some of my favorite money-saving strategies:
The Hand-Me-Down Advantage
With multiple kids, hand-me-downs become a way of life. My younger ones eagerly await their turn to wear the clothes their older siblings have outgrown, and they don’t know any different! I also love shopping at consignment sales where I can find stylish outfits I wouldn’t usually splurge on. The quality pieces last longer and can be passed down, which is a must since I’ve learned that little girls can be just as tough on clothes as little boys.
The “No” Game at Target, aka the Mecca of Big-Box Stores
It’s so easy to spend a fortune on things we don’t actually need. I can imagine that if I had only one or two kids, I might be tempted to say, “Sure! You can have that new LEGO set, but don’t tell Dad.” With four kids, that’s not an option. I’ve learned to stick to my list and avoid impulse purchases. If I buy a treat for one child, the others will relentlessly demand the same. This approach not only saves me money but also keeps my sanity intact as they understand that shopping doesn’t mean getting new goodies every time. Plus, it teaches them the value of patience, which is something I’ve had to learn too.
Bulk Buying is My Secret Weapon
Warehouse stores are my best friends. I’m practically a VIP at Costco—employees know me by name and don’t even ask for my membership card anymore! When you have kids who eat like they’re training for a marathon, buying in bulk is a lifesaver. While the upfront cost may seem higher, the price per item is lower, and I’m less likely to fall for impulse buys at the checkout. Bulk shopping forces me to plan our meals, which keeps our grocery budget in check.
Traveling on a Budget
Taking extravagant vacations isn’t feasible with a larger family and living mostly on a single income. My partner and I have discussed taking the kids to places like Disney World (yes, we’ve deprived them of that experience), but it’s hard to justify spending thousands for a trip. Instead, we focus on finding local and affordable destinations. This has made our family outings more cherished, and the kids appreciate the adventures we do have.
Despite the occasional chaos, I’ve learned to be resourceful and creative with what we have. My focus on gratitude has deepened my appreciation for my children. Who knew that having more kids would lead to a greater appreciation for the little things in life? I hope they’ll look back and realize that having siblings is a blessing and that they’ve gained so much more than just material things.
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Summary
Having a larger family has surprisingly taught me how to save money on child-rearing. From embracing hand-me-downs to sticking to a shopping list, and from buying in bulk to finding budget-friendly travel options, I’ve learned to appreciate what we have. This journey has brought me closer to my children, making me realize that the true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the love and memories we create together.