mustachiean with kids????

[abhe8]

so lets talk about kids! who has them? how does it affect your mustachieanism? can we share suggestions.

here is our lot:

dh and i married 8 years ago, have 4 kids (ages 6, 4, 3 and 5 months). we are trying to minimize our expenses as much as possible in order to first pay off my student loan debts and then build wealth. i'm loving all the MMM posts on ways to cut utilities and i'm working my way through many of them. previously i've worked on:

1. grocery budget (now buy dry goods in bulk, eat all meals at home, scratch cooking/baking, have a big garden. chickens are next)
2. transportation (we both ride bikes to work, although since we moved its further, about 4.5 miles each way); errands are just twice a week (or on the way to/from work)
3. kid stuff: buy almost exclusively used, cloth diapers, hang all laundry, homeschool with lots of free materials/library use
4. vacations: limited to local camping and visiting the family, but again now that we moved, we invite them to visit us

we moved to a slightly bigger house with a small acerage last fall, so we could garden and have animals. we went from a 2 mile comute to a 4.5 mile comute, which is still ok on bikes most days. but...now we live on a pretty busy but narrow countryish road so i don't let the kids bike from home like we could when we "lived in town."

things i want to work on:
- insulate house better to cut down on heating costs
- share internet with the neighbor (and maybe trash - we are in the county so have private providers)
- cheaper internet and cell phone providers
- insulate water heater
- use wood buring firepalce insert to save on propane (just started this)
- teach kids about energy waste and improve their skills (ie. turning off lights, keeping doors closed)
- our cars...a 4runner and suburban. 4runner is '98, paid off and solid as a tank. we use to drive to work when we don't bike. suburban is for anytime we have the whole family out. i fill the back with the bikes, stroller, recycling, groceries, etc. its 2005, paid for and no real problems yet. i want to find some other ways to minimize fuel costs.

so...how do you save (and/or spend wisely) with little ones, especially if there are lots of them?

[MilStachian]

Abehe8,
My wife and I have a 2 y/o and a 3 mn/o.  I can say you're already way ahead of the normal crowd by cutting back where you have already.  I think you'll find the biggest struggle is groceries.  My wife and I are constantly battling to find a good middle ground.  As for vacations, you're right on the money!  (pun intended).  Same with kid's toys.  I'm sure your kids are invited to a lot of birthday parties.  Don't be afraid to take an unconventional route with the toys you get them.  They don't all have to be brand-new from Toys R Them.

It's great that you already use the bicycle for most of your commuting.  That will save you an incredible amount over your lifetime.

My only concern would be your two gas guzzler cars.  I know they're paid off, but it may be worth looking into purchasing (for cash) an older car that gets better gas mileage.  HOWEVER, I wouldn't say that's a priority considering how infrequently you use your vehicles.

Sorry I couldn't be more help, but you're doing great!

[Thespoof]

I am divorced and have two boys (8 & 6). I pay $1000 a month for them...my biggest expense next to my rent.  I'll be paying that for the next 10+ years. I try not to think about it.

[ender]

What you are describing sounds like a lifestyle I would absolutely love to have.

Hopefully any future DW agrees :)

[TheDude]

No doubt kids are expensive. I think you are on the right track. I think you have good list of things to attack. I think you should start with low hanging fruit

- share internet with the neighbor (and maybe trash - we are in the county so have private providers)
- cheaper internet and cell phone providers
- insulate water heater

These are more ongoing but free so definitly work these
- use wood buring firepalce insert to save on propane (just started this)
- teach kids about energy waste and improve their skills (ie. turning off lights, keeping doors closed)

This is a little more involved but once you get the money its totally worthwhile. Start with sealing.
- insulate house better to cut down on heating costs

[AccidentalMiser]

You are on the right track.  We have 5 sons, aged 19 to 26.  They have been the biggest single impediment to early retirement.  Larger house, more cars, more travel, more food, etc. etc.

I love my kids, of course, and we have still managed to live a frugal and happy life.  It's just the way life is, you just have to accept the reality of parenthood.

The main thing with kids is to manage their expectations regarding their expenses, hobbies, education, jobs, chores, etc.  Kids don't know anything about anything until you teach them, you just have to decide what you will and won't buy/do for them and stick to it consistently.

Have fun, play board games and go on lots of walks.  Get a dog to grow up with them.  Go to the library (a lot!) 

Best of luck to you!