Children are Expensive!

There are so many different new experiences and realities about parenthood that I don't know where to begin, so I'll start with one we can all relate to - Babies/children are expensive!

Before Faith had our first child, Isaiah, we both taught and had expendable income. Together we made a very comfortable living and were able to save. Then, Faith wanted to have a baby, and all that went away! Well, I didn't exactly do anything to prevent us from having the baby:) The months leading up to the birth were a gut check to say the least. We had to start buying baby things, toys, furniture, etc., but we also received many items, diapars, wipes, and toys as gifts or hand-me-downs from many people. Listen, put the pride aside and accept hand-me-downs. I'm not meaning to offend women here, but of everyone I know, women are much more likely to want the new things. Men, we must take a stand! Fortunatly, Faith was the one looking all over Craigslist and talking to her friends about how we could avoid buying all new things. Garage sales also quickly bacame an exciting time for Saturday mornings! Ultimately, you don't need new things! The media and society has sold us on this idea, and we've too often given in. Just remember to check for recalled items!

On the other hand, I never thought I'd be so excited by the proposition of someone throwing a diaper shower for Faith (remember, men don't get thrown parties). The greatest tangible gift parents can receive both during pregnancy and throughout the toddler years are wipes and diapers. Those things are so expensive! Here we are on our third child and we continue to be forced to buy those things. Ultimately, we could go with the new, improved cloth diapers, of which some of our friends have done, but that's just not happening! Plus, we'd still need wipes anyway. On that note, we've found it worth paying for an Amazon prime account because they have great deals on diapers and wipes, so you receive free shipping. Wow, I'm getting goose-bumps just thinking about wipes and diapers.

Now, as parents, we need to decide what we're going to cut out, or what new income is coming your way to help offset all the new expenses. And, those expenses don't go away. The kids get older, they eat more food, they start playing sports and instruments, and they they end up sucking you dry during their college years, so figure out how you're going to handle the new expenses. However, don't stress over it.

Many women continue to work, which is great if they truly enjoy it. Faith, wanted to stay home, so we not only lost an entire salary, but we lost her health insurance, so we've had to pay hundreds a month in family health insurance, along with living on my teaching job (remember, teachers teach for the love of students-not money!). You know what? We've made it, and if we've been able to do it, you can to. As I've said earlier, you need to learn to be content with what you have and you need to learn to prioritize. You don't have to give up all the golf outings, the boat, the cable, etc., but maybe you give up one of them or more and learn to be more creative with what you have. God got you to where you are, so put your faith in Him and watch as he carries you onward.

Financial Tip of the Day!

Go to garage sales, Craigslist, and children's used clothing/toys stores. Greed and envy often times lead us to live lives based on material possessions rather than on joy and contentment. New things can be great, and we have some, but financial freedom comes when we stop worrying about what we think we need and what we want people to think of us and start being content with where we are and with what we have.


            I'm pretty sure Audrey was excited about wearing second-hand clothes!

Questions:
I focused on only a couple of things, so what expenses have you dealt with in having children?