Ways to Save Money : Money Clicks

»  Automobiles & Transportation Tips

• Start your "child savings plan" when they are born, or at least by the time they are age five. Each month buy a $25 or $50 savings bond for them. Use for college or a major purchase once they have graduated high school. Don't ever let on to your child that you have this nestegg for them because they will constantly want to dip into it. The day will come when they will thank you for doing this.
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• Don't buy ice packs, make your own. Buy a bulk pack of inexpensive 3x5 inch sponges. Soak several in water and wring out slightly. Place individually into plastic sandwich ziplock bags. Place in freezer. They're ready to use for those unexpected boo-boo's and just the right size.
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• Instead of paying $20 for a bike helmet at a local retailer, watch your newspaper. Most communities have programs set up where you can take your child in for a helmet fitting (usually at the Fire Department) and they only cost $5.
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• Children out grow their clothes too fast and sometimes they have their favorites and don't want to part with them. Take off all the buttons (use those for other projects) and cut the clothes into 6x6 inch squares. Sew together, add batting and make your child a warm quilt for their bed.
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• Instill in your children the old saying 'a dollar saved is a dollar earned'. Buy them a piggy bank and let them see how fast their money accumulates when saved.
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• Help your children set goals. Say they want an $80 pair of shoes. Let them save $5 or $10 a week until they have the purchase price. Have them put a reminder of their goal in strategic places. They'll learn patience and persistence. And by the time they save the money, they might also learn that they really don't want the shoes any more.