Budgeting for Twins: Tips to Save Money
Budgeting for Twins: Tips to Save Money
You have almost 10 months to prepare for your twins' arrival. Just think of all the fun things you need to buy: a stroller, cute little outfits, and toys of all shapes and sizes -- not to mention diapers and formula. In the excitement of their arrival, you may want to shower your twins with the newest and best of everything.
But before you spend a dime on baby expenses, stop and think about how you'll budget. All those purchases will start to add up -- fast. A little preparation now can help your budget grow to meet the needs of your growing family. Read on to find out how you can raise your little ones while keeping your wallet intact.
Do a little investigating -- how much will you be spending on your babies each month? While your costs may vary depending on where you live, you can use these numbers as a guide.
All told, baby expenses can run a family about $2,000 month. So spending wisely is the key to raising twins on a budget.
Now that you know what your budget will be, it's time to see where you can save. With a little thrift and ingenuity, you can cut your costs, stay in budget, and still provide everything your new little ones will need. Here are some ideas.
But before you spend a dime on baby expenses, stop and think about how you'll budget. All those purchases will start to add up -- fast. A little preparation now can help your budget grow to meet the needs of your growing family. Read on to find out how you can raise your little ones while keeping your wallet intact.
Making Sense of Your Baby Dollars
Do a little investigating -- how much will you be spending on your babies each month? While your costs may vary depending on where you live, you can use these numbers as a guide.
- Day care costs can run about $1,200 a month, depending on your location. When you compare the annual cost of day care vs. the after-tax salary of one parent, two kids in day care can equal about $30,000 in annual salary. Some couples decide that it's cheaper for one parent to work part time or stay at home full-time to care for the kids.
- Check with your doctor to see how many visits you can anticipate, being sure to include visits when your children are sick. Multiply that by your insurance co-pay to find out what you can expect in medical expenses.
- Consider how much you'll be spending on baby supplies each month. Diapers alone can cost you $1,500 to $2,000 in total by the time your twins are out of them.
- Add up additional food costs, including any formula and baby food.
All told, baby expenses can run a family about $2,000 month. So spending wisely is the key to raising twins on a budget.
Oh Baby, What Savings!
Now that you know what your budget will be, it's time to see where you can save. With a little thrift and ingenuity, you can cut your costs, stay in budget, and still provide everything your new little ones will need. Here are some ideas.
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