“5 Tips to Save on Baby Clothes” plus 1 more

Posted: 01 Dec 2011 04:00 AM PST

Research shows that it takes around $200,000 to bring up an 18 year old from birth. When resources are limited and the necessities such as education, health, etc, cost a lot, you have to cut down on avoidable expenses. Smartly clothing your baby can help you cut costs significantly. Try following some of the tips below. [Also See: What It Really Costs to Raise a Child]

Size Smartly

Shorter clothes might look cute and even chic on little toddlers but they don't last long. Try buying sizes that you think will last longer. Also prefer clothes with elastics at the waist instead of belts. Add buttons or hooks in a horizontal row to belts if possible. As your baby puts on weight, the consecutive buttons or hooks can be hooked.

Color with Care

Needless to mention, select colors for tops and bottoms in a way that maximizes the number of combinations you could create. This is especially relevant for those who go frequently for outings with friends and family. Go for basic colors such as red, blue, yellow and green more often than other uncommon colors which might not fare well with other uncommon colors.

Be Cautious about Quality

There are times when you forget all the lessons learned from purchasing cheap clothing earlier. And then you re-learn those lessons when a disaster happens after you put those cheap clothes in the washing machine. Also, always look carefully for instructions at the back that explain how that clothing may be washed and ironed.

Material Matters

Choose materials that are more stretchable. They would be able to take care of your baby's growth spurts. Also, choose materials that can be worn more even when seasons change. For example, instead of buying very warm sleeping suits buy a relatively less warm collection of suits. As the coldest of days approach, slip in warmer vests. This way the suits will be able to be in use for a longer while.

Style Slyly

Certain styles such as frocks, dresses and skirts for girls and overalls for boys last longer. Prefer such smart styles that your baby can wear for a longer period. Buy socks without heels so that they can be used for a longer time. And remember you can alter clothes creatively too. When sleeping suits start becoming a bit tight, cut off the portion covering the feet. That should make it last a couple of months more because your baby grows more vertically than horizontally.

Mike has had 2 kids and had to deal with buying new clothes every two months. When he is not taking care of his kids, Mike sells online toys with a speciality for action figures

Dollar Matters: Holiday Shopping!

Posted: 30 Nov 2011 09:47 AM PST

Do you have your list made? Are you checking it twice? Last Friday was the “official” kick-off to the holiday shopping season, and Cyber Monday added to the frenzy. As you get ready to give holiday gifts, here are some posts to help you on the subject of holiday shopping, including tips on avoiding debt:

Christmas Money Tip: Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards

It’s possible to maximize your rewards during the holiday season. Credit, Eh takes a look at how you can use your credit card to your advantage this time of year.

In Defense of Christmas Shopping

Is it really so bad to spend some money during the Christmas season? The Quizzle blog defends Christmas shopping.

Cyber Monday? Better Watch Out, Better Not Cry…

Are you trying to get your Christmas gifts ordered early enough that they will make it on time for Christmas? THE Canadian Personal Finance Blog takes a look at ordering online and shipping Christmas gifts.

Don’t Be Duped By the Latest Holiday Sales Data

Does it look like American consumers are rousing themselves to save the economy? Wall St. Daily takes a look at holiday sales data, and what it really means.

What Is Layaway — Pros & Cons and Stores That Offer Layaway Plans

Don’t want to use your credit card? You can still get that expensive item now, and pay for it over time. Money Crashers takes a look at layaway.

Have a (Mostly) Free Christmas

You don’t have to spend, spend, spend. You can reduce your Christmas spending with a few tips from Cash Money Life.

5 WaysTo Celebrate The birth of Jesus

Forget about shopping for a little bit. Bible Money Matters encourages you to take some time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, focusing on something other materialism this season.

Life Insurance Blog