Are you looking for a good baby stroller for your family? There are so many models available on the market today, with prices and quality ranging from very low to very high. So how do you find a great stroller without breaking your budget? Here are 5 tips to help you save money on this very important purchase.
Purchase a universal car seat carrier (stroller frame) instead of a travel system. This is such a convenient and inexpensive device for transporting your baby during the first six months. You simply attach the infant car seat onto the frame, and away you go! Baby is undisturbed, and best of all, you have a few months to do some research and decide on what type of stroller you’d like to purchase when your child is older and you need more features. Do lots of research before buying a stroller. After the first 6 months, you will need a stroller that has, as a minimum, features such as a comfortable, adjustable reclining seat, a sun canopy, good-sized storage baskets and cup holders. Make a list of what features are most important to you, then do some research on the Internet to find out what is available. If you can, try out several models in stores. Keep in mind that you will need a reliable stroller for at least the next two or three years (more if you plan on having additional children), so don’t make a rushed decision. And don’t waste your money buying a stroller that has more features than you need. Buy a basic umbrella stroller for short trips to the mall. After the age of 6 months, your baby will be old enough to sit comfortably in an umbrella stroller. These strollers are light, fold up easily and compactly and are very inexpensive compared to full feature strollers. This is the perfect second stroller for running quick errands with your baby, although don’t plan on buying too much stuff during these outings, as the storage capacity of the basket underneath the seat is limited. Look for sales. There are always lots of great deals to be had when purchasing a stroller, especially on the Internet. Online baby gear retailers need to clear out overstock, so last year’s models – which usually aren’t very different than the current year’s newer models – can often be purchased for a lot less. You can also take a look at what’s for sale at warehouse clubs and on eBay and Craigslist. In addition, stroller manufacturers sometimes have good factory sales, so check out their websites on a regular basis. Always request the model year information on a stroller you’re interested in to make sure you’re not getting one that has been lying in a warehouse for the past 10 years! Sell your stroller when you’re done with it. If your stroller is still in good shape when your child has outgrown it, consider consigning it at a baby gear store or selling it on eBay or on Craigslist. Good quality brands of baby strollers have a higher resale value, so this is something to keep in mind when you make your initial purchase.
Buying a baby stroller that is right for your family’s lifestyle is a big decision, but by following these tips, you can save some money and have many enjoyable outings with your baby. Good strolling!
Do you need help creating a monthly budget that works? Just follow the seven tips below and you will be well on your way to creating a working monthly budget.
Tip #1 – Know Where You Are – It is important to know where you are financially before you create a month budget. This process includes documenting all your income sources, what you think you spend on expenses each month, and listing all your creditors and the debt that is owed to them. By doing these three things you will get a better understanding of where your finances stand.
Tip #2 – Track you spending – Tracking your spending for 30 days before creating a budget will give you the concrete numbers of how much you spend in each expense category every month. Many people are surprised to see how all the little purchases at up at the end of the month. By knowing how much you typically spend in each expense category you can now plan those expenses for the next month in your budget.
Tip #3 – Plan for periodic expenses – When creating a monthly budget that actually works you will need to plan ahead for periodic expenses such as car insurance (if not paid monthly), yearly car registration, gift giving, school shopping, and insurance deductibles just to name a few. If you estimate these expenses for the year and then divide by 12 you will get an amount that you can save each month for these expenses.
Tip #4 – Allow for Savings – It is always a great idea to plan to save a certain amount of money each month. This can be the beginning of an emergency fund so when unexpected expenses come your way you don’t have to reach for your credit card. This is an important step to getting and keeping yourself out of debt.
Tip #5 – Write Needs/Wants on a Special Worksheet – As members of your family express certain needs and wants, it is helpful to record them on a needs and wants worksheet. This will help to spend money wisely as it becomes available instead of make impulse buys and forgetting what you really wanted or needed.
Tip #6 – Use the Right Worksheets – When creating a budget it is helpful to use the worksheets that will have all the information you need to make a working budget. These worksheets should include a way to track spending, your repayment of debt, a monthly financial report and a monthly budget worksheet. These worksheets will make it easy for you to see all the information you need to create a working budget and show you expense categories you can adjust to make a balanced budget.
Tip #7 – Allow Yourself Some Mad Money – The best tip you can have when creating a monthly budget is to allow some mad money for yourself and spouse in the budget. This is the number one reason most budgets fail and people do not continue using a monthly budget. The resentment of not being able to spend any money makes people frustrated and then they stop tracking their spending all together. If you allow yourself and your spouse even a small amount of money to be spent on anything you wish without having to confer with the other person, your budget will have a much better chance of being successful. If money is tight just allowing a very small amount will help keep the resentment at bay.
Creating A Business Budget is very similar to creating a personal budget. However there are some differences. One of the most important aspects that you must understand when you own a business is that taxes are not directly taken out of your income, which makes your income and any quarterly tax payments extra important to track. Tracking and knowing your Income & Expenses timely will assist you in determining your estimated quarterly tax payments (if applicable) and in the development of your Business Budget (spending plan).
Developing and having an accurate and realistic budget will assist you in making accurate spending decisions and make it easier to predict profits. Which means the more frequently you track your costs, the better! Having a Business Budget will assist you in knowing and understanding where your business is going.
Here are 5 recommended steps for creating your Business Budget:
Step 1: Determine how frequently you want to track your costs and income. Generally, it is advisable to choose every week or every month. At first it may seem like a time-consuming task to track and enter your spending every week, but it will pay off in the long run and as you become accustomed to it, you’ll find that it really only takes you a few minutes every week. Establishing a simple systemusing spreadsheets to track your cost and income usually makes it easier to update daily or weekly. Step 2: Determine your expenses. This means your operating costs like your phone and web hosting fees, the costs of your taxes, the costs of outsourcing and the costs for marketing, publicity and so on. Best way is to make a list of all categories you anticipate having costs and all areas where you already know your expenses and include these in your budget. Step 3: Now the fun stuff! You get to predict your income. The best bet is to predict on the conservative side. That way if you have a bad month, your budget is not blown; however, when you have a good month, and you will have many good months, you will have extra money to work with. Step 4: Track your expenses and income and review your budget often. To get the most out of a budget plan, you will need to track all your business expenses and income. Remember, your budget is not set in stone. It is a living breathing thing that will change as your business changes. If you find you have spent more in one category, analyze and make adjustments in your budget (moving money from an expense that is at lot lower than you budgeted to the expense that is over budget). A business budget is not a strict regimen or diet, it is a spending plan. Step 5: Track the difference between what you do spend (actual) in each category and what you planned (budgeted) on spending. Realize that in the beginning, it is likely that you’ll have more expenses than income. This is normal for most start up businesses. This will help you predict the future and allow you to keep your budget realistic and accurate.
Having a Budget in your small business is good business. Without a budget you become unable to make the most accurate predictions, which could lead to keeping you from having your business profitable and going strong. If you’re serious about being a successful business owner, you can NOT do without a Business Budget. The good news is, it does not have to be difficult. A simple spreadsheet and a little time can make all the difference. Get Started Today and Improve Your chance of being successful in your business adventures.
To Your Success In All That You Do and Dream Of….