Save on Child Care

Try to stay with the same insurer. If you've kept your coverage with a company for several years, you may receive a special discount for being a long-term policyholder. To be certain you're getting the best rates, periodically compare what you're paying to the price of other policies. If you're paying more, ask your insurer to consider matching the rate you've found.

When it comes to kids' bumps, scrapes and cuts, you don't need high-priced children's ointments, band-aids and other first-aid items to get your child on the mend. A generic tube of anti-bacterial ointment and band-aids in bulk work just as well as the expensive, 'made just for kids' brands.

Save on daycare expenses by organizing a group of friends, relatives, and neighbors into a freedom network. This a list of instant babysitters you can trust and rely on in short notice. When one member of the group isn't available to watch your child or children, another member will most likely be there to help.

Purchase a good electric trimmer, a set of stainless steel barber sheers and save yourself $15 + tip every month or so for your child's haircut. This may also help provide freedom from fuss and tears at the barber or salon!

When traveling with children, pack your own snacks. Pack items like juice, nuts, dried fruits, pretzels, even sandwiches for longer trips. This will keep your kids away from unhealthy fast food restaurants and help keep you on a budget - a win-win situation.

Daycare centers are always looking for good help. Call around to see if there's a center willing to swap some bookkeeping or administrative help in exchange for lowered childcare costs during the week.

Add up a months' worth of disposable diaper receipts to see how much money you're spending. If you're looking for an escape from this expense, consider a diaper cleaning service (cheaper than disposables but more work) or, better still - use cloth diapers and wash them yourself.

Find a way to always take your child to the dentist. If you feel your child's baby teeth aren't very important or you simply can't afford it, think again. Preventative maintenance is the least expensive course for taking care of your child's teeth.

If you've earned vacation time off from work, consider saving a bundle on summer camp fees by using that money to turn your home into a summer camp. Buy craft kits, a croquet set, a small inflatable pool, rent DVDs, take day trips, hike in the woods.