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Raising a child is a full-time job that many take on while maintaining their career. What many don’t often think about, however, is that parenting is a full-time job and a costly endeavor. You have higher food and utilities bills, childcare bills, clothing costs, and more. Raising a child well is a huge financial commitment, and knowing how to financially support a child can make a massive difference for your wellbeing and their future.
1. Don’t Be Afraid of Second-Hand
The second-hand market is booming. People are shopping second-hand today as a first-choice, not as a last resort. This means that there are a lot of items out there for sale and a lot of different places to shop and buy. You can get clothes, toys, electronics, furniture, and more for so much less just by looking at second-hand items.
The catch is that there is typically only one. This means that you need to be patient, and you need to look often to get everything that you need, for less.
2. Save Smart
Saving is essential, especially when you have a child or children to financially support. Go to a financial advisor or your bank to get started with a savings account for your child. The idea behind these accounts is that they will accrue interest and grow beyond what you put into them. Starting from the moment they are born can give them a sizable sum to use towards their education or even a down payment on a house.
3. Government Support
There are many different bursaries, grants, financial aid, and programs out there designed to help you support your child or any child you are fostering. The options will be different, of course, based on your situation. If you are the biological parent or adoptive parent of a child your options are going to be different than if you are interested in fostering and need foster care pay to support the kids you are caring for.
4. Community and Free Activities
You can raise children who never feel poor even on a strict budget. First and foremost, know that it isn’t just okay for your child to be bored sometimes, but it can actually help them feel comfortable on their own and can help engage their creativity and imagination more.
Secondly, creativity will always beat out items. Get your kids involved in your next home-improvement DIY. Go on a hike together. Sign up for the latest community and free activities and events in your area.
There are free things to do where you live, there are free or low-cost programs and activities, and of course, kids can always entertain themselves. So long as you find ways to bond and spend time with your kids, they will be okay and you will have raised them well. It doesn’t matter if the time you spend together is making the family meal or doing chores. You can always have fun, and you can always integrate your kids into your life so that you are all the better for it.
Also Read: How to Let Your Kids Watch YouTube with a Supervised Google Account
