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Only one parent working

Robin - posted on 09/25/2009 ( 4 moms have responded )

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I need to know how I can save more money when I am the only one working. My husband lost his job back in August and I have been doing whatever I can to make ends meet but it's hard when my 7 and 4 yr olds want to go do things all the time. I live in Florida so we do the beach thing and swimming pretty darn often! I just need to know of things I can do with them that don't require me to spend the money I have already saved or that I can't spend because it may make a bill late. There is only so much I can tolerate right now and I don't want our kids to think we am not into doing things with them because we have no money. Someone please give me some sort of advice!!

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Katie - posted on 09/26/2009

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I'm sorry to hear your husband lost his job. Mine did too about the same time, so I completely understand. We spend a lot of time at the park and outside. I have also learned to take advantage of coupons that offer buy one get one deals for different places we can go around town. And we limit our outings that cost money to one every 2 weeks or so.

Kylie - posted on 09/26/2009

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When I was going up a similar thing happened to my family. I didn't know about this until resently (my Dad was talking to me about cost saving outings!). We used to have so much fun going to parks, or the bike track. Mum would wait until a discount day and rent us movies. Some Library's have a Toy Library for borrowing, they may also have DVD's. Also, this was one of our favorite things to do (but I don't know how much it would cost these days), we would ride the train from one end of the track to the other, out of the peak time, but is was a great day. Also when we went out like this we always took lunch with us rather then bought it. Also, my parents only let us do one out of school activity a term (so that would save on those costs too). Also local events like fesivals, and fetes, fairs things like that where is costs nothing to attend, and they may have music or things like that.

Tomekia Joy - posted on 09/25/2009

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Jennifer has some great points you can also go to your local library check out DVD's and have movie night at home, you local muesuems are often free with the holidays coming soon a lot of churches have festivals are plays for the season for free check online to see what your great city has to offer.

Jennifer - posted on 09/25/2009

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I too live in florida and while my daughter is a lot younger we are having tought times as well. I would think at 7 years old you can start to be just a little honest about what is going on (like saying Honey this weekend we are going to have a picnic at home instead of going to McDonalds so we can save money). So your not coming out and saying We're Broke but you are starting to instill the value of a dollar in you child. And the 4 year old will follow along. Just an idea....but back to your main question. Parks are a good idea, chick-fil-a has a day that they have the cow and face painting and stuff (and free food sometimes) like once a month, borders and the library have reading days where they do crafts and read stories. Hope that helps.

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