Look into child subsidy in your area
One of the biggest costs for parents is childcare, but for most parents it’s unavoidable. If you’re returning to work soon and you’re looking for childcare, speak to your local subsidy office about childcare options.
Plan your meals in advance
After a long day, it can be tempting to pick up take-out food for the whole family, but this can add up and become a huge cost. Avoid the temptation by planning meals in advance; you’re less likely to buy take-out if you know exactly what you’re having for dinner, especially if it’s already in the fridge.
This can also help you to save money, because you’ll plan to use up all of the ingredients, and it can help your whole family to eat healthier. We recommend that you plan your meals one week in advance so that you don’t become overwhelmed and you can go based off of flyers as well!
Be thrifty
Children quickly grow out of their clothes, shoes, and toys, which means you are regularly spending money on new items. You can halve these costs by buying secondhand items instead. Check out thrift stores and ask friends with older children; they may have exactly what you’re looking for at a lower price that you can give to your child instead of something that’s new and expensive.
However, make sure you buy car seats and cribs new; the safety regulations often change for these items, and you want to make sure you have the safest option.
Create a stockpile- you don’t need to overdo it
You probably don’t need 50 bottles of laundry detergent, but always having a backup on hand will save you from dashing to the store for a full-price replacement when you run out. As you notice sales, replenish your stock.
You can do this for many things – Canned goods, shampoos, conditioners, body soaps, cleaners.
Use reward programs
These programs include’s; Pc optimum, Triangle rewards, Esso points, etc.
Go in on pc optimum days and plan your shopping around special points offers if possible.
Get crafty
If you have the time and patience, homemade anything will stretch your dollar. Why spend six dollars on a store-bought greeting card when your kids can make one (and it will be much more appreciated by the recipient). You might also be surprised at the array of crafting goodies at your local dollar store.
You can craft home decor,
IN THE IVY 