Have you ever wondered how some parents can set goals to save money while you can't? Well, the following tips were inspired by those parents who successfully did it and are retired happily. Instead of putting children's wants above goals, like many financially challenged people do, successful parents examine what is best for family while encouraging an atmosphere that is self-less rather than selfish.
1. They don't take their children everywhere they go.
Most often when you go somewhere that caters to families, a little person in the group is going to want something. To avoid the headache of "I want," from a child, it is up to parents and grandparents with little money and even less patience, to leave children at home when shopping for essentials. Parents who are going through a financially difficult time, leave children's wants out of conversations, and focus on priorities like keeping utilities on and a roof over the family's heads. If a child should want something, the financially successful parents make the child earn what it is that they want by doing chores and once older seeking a job.
2. They turn down any invite that they consider an unnecessary expense or not worth their time.
An event that might churn up an offer to babysit for free is a good deal, but an event that costs more to plan to attend plus additional charges like tickets, hotel, gas, etc. might be a waste. People who believe in saving money don't bother to attend too many activities, especially kid-related, if it is going to cost much money and hassle to get there. Children can produce major headaches, why have another one over how much something costs?
3. They don't sign up their children for extracurricular activities "...just because."
Unless you can afford to sign up a child for a certain activity "...because she just wants to do it..." why spend the money? Parents who often complain about not having any money tend not to tell themselves or their children, "No." As a result, they suffer financially sooner or later. They fail to look beyond the registration cost, the equipment that needs to be bought, workdays missed, gas expenses to attend games, and more.
4. They don't buy brand names when they shop and choose to only focus on sale items.
Not all merchandise labeled is really "on sale." There are inflated manufacturer prices that are printed on labels and then a price markdown. Why not shop around for additional price mark downs or wait? Money conscious parents know how to shop for cheaper alternatives or wait until the price is right for their budget, but those who have spoiled children feel pressure to appease.
5. They don't make promises to children that involve spending money they don't have.
How many times have you heard a parent say, "Well, I am doing this because I promised..." Money doesn't grow on trees and just because a child says, "But Mommy you said..." doesn't mean that you are obligated to do everything that you say or else. A parent might want to check his or her bank account before saying anything to a child about buying something for him or her.
6. They look for freebies and discounts on things like health care, toys, places to visit, clothing and shoes.
Think of the money you can save if you just take the time to research (I personally use ebates, see link on top right corner of blog). Parents who have a tight budget can't afford to waste money. Some parents will spend much money walking across the street to buy certain items rather than driving a little further down the street to find the same goods on sale.
7. They buy goods that they need now and save for future wants.
Children can put pressure on you to buy now rather than later. Don't fall for the cries, exaggerations, lies, promises and everything else they come up with to force you or someone else in your family to do what they want. A stressed parent who is trying to pay bills, celebrate holidays, and plan family vacation may want to consider cutting some things out while remaining positive about saving money. The more negative the attitude is about putting money away for unexpected issues, the less likely one will do it, so stay positive and teach your children to do the same!
Nicholl McGuire
1. They don't take their children everywhere they go.
Most often when you go somewhere that caters to families, a little person in the group is going to want something. To avoid the headache of "I want," from a child, it is up to parents and grandparents with little money and even less patience, to leave children at home when shopping for essentials. Parents who are going through a financially difficult time, leave children's wants out of conversations, and focus on priorities like keeping utilities on and a roof over the family's heads. If a child should want something, the financially successful parents make the child earn what it is that they want by doing chores and once older seeking a job.
2. They turn down any invite that they consider an unnecessary expense or not worth their time.
An event that might churn up an offer to babysit for free is a good deal, but an event that costs more to plan to attend plus additional charges like tickets, hotel, gas, etc. might be a waste. People who believe in saving money don't bother to attend too many activities, especially kid-related, if it is going to cost much money and hassle to get there. Children can produce major headaches, why have another one over how much something costs?
3. They don't sign up their children for extracurricular activities "...just because."
Unless you can afford to sign up a child for a certain activity "...because she just wants to do it..." why spend the money? Parents who often complain about not having any money tend not to tell themselves or their children, "No." As a result, they suffer financially sooner or later. They fail to look beyond the registration cost, the equipment that needs to be bought, workdays missed, gas expenses to attend games, and more.
4. They don't buy brand names when they shop and choose to only focus on sale items.
Not all merchandise labeled is really "on sale." There are inflated manufacturer prices that are printed on labels and then a price markdown. Why not shop around for additional price mark downs or wait? Money conscious parents know how to shop for cheaper alternatives or wait until the price is right for their budget, but those who have spoiled children feel pressure to appease.
5. They don't make promises to children that involve spending money they don't have.
How many times have you heard a parent say, "Well, I am doing this because I promised..." Money doesn't grow on trees and just because a child says, "But Mommy you said..." doesn't mean that you are obligated to do everything that you say or else. A parent might want to check his or her bank account before saying anything to a child about buying something for him or her.
6. They look for freebies and discounts on things like health care, toys, places to visit, clothing and shoes.
Think of the money you can save if you just take the time to research (I personally use ebates, see link on top right corner of blog). Parents who have a tight budget can't afford to waste money. Some parents will spend much money walking across the street to buy certain items rather than driving a little further down the street to find the same goods on sale.
7. They buy goods that they need now and save for future wants.
Children can put pressure on you to buy now rather than later. Don't fall for the cries, exaggerations, lies, promises and everything else they come up with to force you or someone else in your family to do what they want. A stressed parent who is trying to pay bills, celebrate holidays, and plan family vacation may want to consider cutting some things out while remaining positive about saving money. The more negative the attitude is about putting money away for unexpected issues, the less likely one will do it, so stay positive and teach your children to do the same!
Nicholl McGuire
