| Adding a baby is expensive, and doing so while going | | | | the gift cards that stores count on people losing, |
| through emotional and physical change can be even | | | | credit card companies know that most consumers |
| harder. The stress that comes with managing your | | | | won't take advantage of the purchase protection on |
| family finances shouldn't take away from your | | | | that new TV or the double warranty on your |
| memories and bliss. We're not going to preach about | | | | precious espresso machine. |
| the percentage you should spend on housing or food, | | | | 6. Know your health benefits. If massage is covered, |
| just give you a few ideas on how to be fiscally | | | | maybe that is just as good as treating yourself to a |
| smart. | | | | pedicure. When traveling, many families will buy extra |
| 1. Take advantage of Canada's Benefits. The Canada | | | | insurance although the company already covers it. |
| Child Tax Benefit is based on your family income, and | | | | 7. Demand excellence. If your sippy cup's valve |
| all may apply. Whether you qualify for this or not, the | | | | doesn't work, or the zipper on your baby's jacket |
| Universal Child Care Benefit, which totals $100 per | | | | gets stuck, let the company responsible know. You |
| month, (per child under six) is available to everyone. | | | | are helping future consumers, and you may get a |
| It is a taxable benefit, but still more than worth the | | | | replacement. |
| quick application. If you are having a baby in BC, the | | | | 8. Reconsider your relationship to charity. Others |
| hospital will provide you with forms upon discharge. | | | | always need us. Instead of cutting your charities out |
| Canada Child Tax Benefit | | | | of your life as the budget shrinks, why not donate |
| Universal Child Care Benefit | | | | your time? You and your kids may just receive the |
| 2. Set up an RESP if you can. Even if you can afford | | | | reality check you've been waiting for. |
| to only deposit their cash birthday and Christmas | | | | 9. Shop smarter. We're not exactly coupon clippers - |
| presents, it will have 18 years to grow, and especially | | | | who can find them in a full diaper bag? - but shopping |
| in today's market climate, by then surely the stock | | | | at a well-priced store, and buying sales items while |
| market will be on the upswing... Go into your bank, | | | | there can save you a bundle, plus help to create |
| set up an appointment with a banker, and choose | | | | some variety in your diet. |
| the best options together. The RESP is much more | | | | 10. Pay your bills on time. OK. Another one we're not |
| flexible than it used to be, so even if little Aidan | | | | great on, but many companies offer debit directly |
| chooses a community college over Queen's | | | | out of your bank account or payment to your credit |
| University, your money isn't lost. | | | | card. Just make sure all of your payments come out |
| 3. List what is important to your lifestyle. Is missing | | | | or are due around the same day so you can stay |
| date night going to kill your spirit and make you a | | | | organized. |
| grumpy parent? Why not cut out the coffee shop | | | | 11. Think community. Finding a dentist, doctor and |
| and choose a more frugal date option to cover the | | | | hairdresser in your neighbourhood could not only save |
| cost of the sitter? | | | | time and stress, but also gas and greenhouse |
| 4. Figure out your unnecessary spending. Could you | | | | emissions. |
| take a lunch to work? Do your kids really need all of | | | | 12. Think big. Don't blow a gasket about the small |
| those paid activities? Could you replace one dinner a | | | | stuff. Paying too much for grapes or being a day late |
| week with a simple sandwich night? | | | | on the bills is nothing compared to not doing good |
| 5. Credit cards. Yikes. If you pay a fee, is it worth it? | | | | research on buying a car, a house, or a new |
| Do you know what benefits you get from your card | | | | computer. Investigate your options, and in today's |
| and actively use them (or are you one of the people | | | | economy, a little negotiation could go far. Getting a |
| at the car rental counter who still gets the optional | | | | slightly better mortgage rate can save you |
| insurance because you're just not sure...)? Just like | | | | thousands. |