Tips for Paying for Kids

A U.S. Department of Agriculture survey found that typical child-rearing costs can be broken down into the following categories:

• housing
• food
• transportation
• clothing
• child care and education
• health care
• miscellaneous (personal care, entertainment, etc.)

These findings probably aren't surprising to you. While the costs certainly add up, by making different choices you can save money on clothing and food. In addition, be sure you get the child support you're entitled to. Both of these steps can really make a difference in your day-to-day finances.

Keeping health-care costs in line also can be difficult for many families. There are several options to help you get the health insurance you need.

Just how much can it cost to raise a child? What It Costs to Raise a Child takes a look at typical expenses from birth to high school graduation.

Save Money on Clothing and Food
Here are some ways to save money on two big expenses with children: clothing and food. Keep in mind, too, that the best "thing" you can give your children is your time and attention. They'll remember that long after they've tired of the latest video game.

Clothing

• Save big by buying children's clothing and furniture at garage sales and flea markets.
• Visit local clothing banks and thrift stores on a regular basis.
• Watch for bazaars and clothing sales sponsored by local churches and other charitable groups.
• If you have relatives or close friends with young children, keep an eye out for hand-me-downs for your child.
• Check your local telephone directory for nearby children's consignment stores.
• It may be difficult to find good used shoes for children, so look for shoe sales. But don't let a sale price convince your child that he or she needs $80 running shoes. Help them distinguish between wants and needs.

Food

• If you're eligible, visit food banks.
• Find out if you qualify for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) assistance program or the Food Stamp program. WIC provides food, nutrition counseling, and access to health services for low-income women and their children. Food stamps help low-income households buy healthy foods.
• The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program also provides funding for eligible families.
• Local religious and fraternal groups sometimes sponsor food programs and frequently have contact with other local organizations that might offer different types of help.
• Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally sponsored child development program that provides health and nutrition services to eligible families.
• When buying groceries, plan menus around weekly sale items. Make a list and buy only what you need. Compare prices and remember that the store brand frequently costs less than the name brand.
• Don't just look at the price per package. Look for the lowest price per ounce, pint, quart, etc.
• Take advantage of buy-one-get-one-free sales, but only if you actually use the item.

Also, call your state’s or county’s Department of Education, Department of Health/Human Services, or the Division of Family and Children to ask about child nutrition programs in your area.

Get the Child Support You're Entitled To
If you have been awarded child support, you need that money to help raise your child. Unfortunately, there are many "deadbeat" parents who simply walk away from their responsibilities, ignoring the legal and moral obligations to support their children.

If this happens to you, contact your local district attorney (DA). In many cases, DA’s offices have a child support enforcement program that will go after the deadbeat parent by garnishing wages or suspending driving privileges.

Private firms will also go after deadbeat parents, but they’ll usually charge a fee or claim a portion of the child support collected. Before taking this step, try working with your DA's office.

Keeping Health-Care Costs in Line
Kids sometimes seem to be magnets for the latest virus or infection going around. There may be times when it seems you spend more time in the doctor’s office than at work or at home.

Children also need immunizations and checkups at regular intervals. For all these reasons, health insurance is important to have.

While the best—and least expensive—option is to have health insurance through an employer, there are other ways to provide health-care coverage. Here are a few:

State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Known as Insure Kids Now and administered by your state, this program provides low-cost or free health insurance for children up to age 18.

Medicaid. This government-funded program provides a variety of health-related services to low-income families. Check the blue pages of your local phone book for the office in your area, or go to the Web site.

Immunization clinics or well-baby programs. Nursing associations often sponsor these free or low-cost programs. They are often held in schools or businesses, so keep an eye out for flyers with information.

Back to Top