Tips on raising kids on budget 💰
Visit free outdoor hdb playgrounds/mall playgrounds/water playgrounds/swimming pools/museums
- letzgoplay app for discovering hdb playgrounds
- follow family centric blogs like littledayout, bringyourkidout, sassymamasg etc to be updated on the various kids friendly play areas/events!
- follow the ig accts of community clubs near your neighbourhood for lots of free/affordable events for children, i.e discounted + transport incl trips to various attractions, mother's day event, hol carnivals etc
- i love the water playgrounds at punggol waterway point, compass one, nex, jacob bellas, just to name a few but some can be quite hot as its not sheltered. So, dont forgot your kids waterproof hats and sunblock (yours too!) or try to go late afternoon after 6pm
- your children are given free $100 activesg credits too, which can be used on public pools (many comes with kids playground too!) or classes
- children's museum is free, the children's biennale too, the artground is free for orange/blue chas card holders too, ... and many more!
Borrow books from the library
- i will do a wipe down of the books using alcohol wipes!
- look for new titles (usually displayed at the front)!
Look for toys/children items from carousell
- this is really heng/suay haha but what i can say is, better check the items properly once you receive it (if its not via meet up) and if you are unhappy, reach out to carousell support for help if the seller is unresponsive after you provide feedback!
You dont have to visit a PD every single time your child falls sick!
- our strategy for common illness is - visit a GP/polyclinic (you can book an appt on the healthbuddy app 10pm the day before for most polyclinics if im not wrong) first, if it resolves, great! Else, visit a PD. Of course this means more time wasted but so far (thankfully) they always get better after a GP/polyclinic visit
- subsequently, you can load up on OTC meds for them too once they are older
- bring them to the polyclinic dental for their routine check/cleaning polishing! So much more affordable and so far we've gotten appts quite easily (unlike the national dental center which requires a loong wait based on my experience)
Cut their hair yourself!
- esp if you have boys hahaha can really save alot since they require a haircut every 1-2months
- invest in a baby shaver and learn from watching some videos!
Raising children doesnt necessarily have to be very costly. We believe in play based learning and so much learning can take place via these free channels which i've shared :) anyone else with other tips pls share with me too! Hehe
And, not forgetting taobao where i get most of the kids toys/activities from (if i have to) else having hand me downs from family/friends is most ideal!
In addition to visiting free outdoor playgrounds and museums, another great way to prepare for unforeseen events is to build an emergency fund dedicated to your children’s needs. Life can throw unexpected challenges, and having savings set aside for medical emergencies, last-minute childcare, or extra school supplies can greatly reduce stress. Also, involving your children in simple household chores or budgeting activities can teach them valuable financial skills early. For example, encourage them to help plan grocery shopping or choose affordable entertainment options, making it both educational and practical. When it comes to organizing birthday parties or celebrations, consider community centers or parks that offer free or low-cost event hosting. Inviting a few friends over and organizing simple DIY games can make memorable experiences without big expenses. Finally, always keep an eye on local community Facebook groups or apps like LetzGoPlay for updated information on discounts, giveaways, and free classes. These can often be lifesavers when balancing fun with a tight budget.
True!!