Cutting Costs, Not Care

Lately, it's tough to turn on the TV or pick up a newspaper and not be faced with our nation's current financial woes. Many of us know families struggling to make ends meet, and caring for our children during these times can be an even greater challenge. We have heard from many of our members asking for advice about ways to save on child care and more.   

In the first of a two-post series on the blog, I've pulled together some cost-saving tips to address the current crisis without compromising on the quality of care for your loved ones.

Sharing Caregivers
Many of us are going through difficulties right now. You may want to approach another family about sharing caregivers—a great way to help each other out. Perhaps you need a sitter during the mornings but a neighbor needs afternoons? Splitting the price of a full day of care really brings down that hourly rate.

Start a Co-op
If you have kids or pets, many parents need help looking out for the little ones, so why not pool resources? Take turns watching each others' kids (whether they have two legs or four legs)! Set up a system where one day's worth of kid-watching for friends earns you the right to drop off your children at their house when needed. Rotate days, share the load, save dollars. And the kids benefit by having more regular play dates.

Post a Care Gig
If you are looking for ways to make extra cash and flexibility, post a job you're willing to do on Care.com. It can even be something you're already doing! Say you watch your kids on weekday afternoons…maybe others will pay for you to watch theirs, too? Or if you're around town running errands or doing holiday prep work, offer your services as a personal shopper. There are plenty of people willing to pay you to save the headache of doing it themselves.

Have fun, make money
Despite the crisis we are going through, try to find ways to teach your kids a lesson and have fun doing it. For example, take advantage of the few warm weekends left and organize a yard-sale to clean up your clutter. The kids will love getting organized for the sale and being in charge of the cash register.

Are you finding creative ways of dealing with the budget squeeze when it comes to child care? Please add a comment below to give others advice through these difficult times.

Please click here for Part 2 of the cost-saving series.