Written By: SarahAnn Harvey
Budget? Who’s she? We don’t think we’ll like her very much.
We often feel the same way, but budgeting doesn’t have to be a “bad word” or mean you can’t have any fun as a family. It also doesn’t have to mean giving up your love for to-go coffees (a necessary component to keeping up with littles!). It means being intentional with your spending habits as an individual and family unit for the bigger picture.
Check out these Money-Saving Tips
Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle
Buying new things for yourself and your little ones can be tempting, following the latest trends, etc. But we challenge you to try to practice the beloved “reduce, re-use, recycle,” a phrase we all know by heart. No matter where you and your family are located, there is some thrift shop, consignment store, or charity shop nearby. Portland Metro Area locals can check out Beanstalk for in-store shopping. Those not nearby can always shop with us online as we ship anywhere within the U.S. These thrift, consignment, and charity storefronts, whether a local spot or a larger chain, are helping lead the force of problem-solving to save money and reduce the ever-growing waste culture we have all created for our planet.
Clothes and Shoes
Children are constantly outgrowing their clothes and shoes. Why not make it easier on you and your wallet and shop second-hand. Check out the selection of gently used clothes and shoes Beanstalk has to offer, carrying sizes from Preemie -16 Youth. Keep in mind that kids grow fast! Buying a size up is an excellent way to prevent unnecessary purchases that won’t fit long-term.
Hobbies and Sports
Hobbies and sports seem to come and go, so it’s a good idea to look for these items second-hand if you can also help. Some places offer leasing opportunities or layaway options for more oversized, pricey items like musical instruments.
Money-Saving Tip: When shopping with Beanstalk, consider consigning with us too!
Travel
Gas prices are at an all-time high right now; unfortunately, that is out of our control for the foreseeable future. But where you go and how you get there is entirely within your control. Take action, especially with Spring and Summer fast approaching, and walk/bike whenever possible. Your kiddos will love to stop and smell the roses, watch people, skip and hop, or pedal beside you. And most of all, you’ll enjoy the added health benefits you’ll get all gain with each step taken. Not to mention the bonus of being the most environmentally friendly option!
Make Memories, Save Money
Spending time as a family doesn’t have to break the bank with this money-saving tip. We often think of lavish vacations in distant lands and amusement parks as the only way to have fun, but those can be out of the question for many families trying to stick to a smaller budget. Try adding some little/no-cost activities into the mix!
- Go for a hike.
- Go camping.
- Go on a scavenger hunt.
- Take a day at the beach
- Do a puzzle.
- Make a fort and have a movie night in.
- Go to the local library for events.
- Read a book (board books, story books, chapter books).
- Go to the zoo or a local park.
More Money-Saving Tips
Tip: Start a penny jar. Once complete, take to a change machine and see how much you’ve all collected! Maybe use this spare change to save for something special for the family.
Tip: Give your children allowances for helping around the house to build a sense of responsibility and a good starting relationship with money.
Tip: Kids can be consignors too! We invite kids six and older to create their account at Beanstalk if their parent signs the agreement. It’s great for kids to turn their outgrown toys and books into credit or cash. It can be a great motivator to get kids to clean, bring in what they have outgrown, and earn credit towards items they would like or get cash for something that they have been saving for, like a toy, a camp, or a class for which they’ve been saving.
This can also help navigate the “I wants” that can happen when shopping with your kids. It can be a great experience in earning money and money management.
If you would like to consign with Beanstalk, please go to our “How it Works” page for more information. And don’t forget to stop by our stores or shop online!
Happy Saving!
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