Tips for Juggling Unexpected Bills as a Parent

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You quickly learn that the concept of unexpected events is a cold, hard reality upon becoming a parent. I’ve had to deal with countless one-time and recurring costs, whether it’s in the form of entertainment, health or home. I learned that there are many unexpected bills that mums-to-be just don’t expect – even when we’re as thoughtful in our planning as we can be.

Everybody’s schedules, financial means and liabilities can be different, but there’s no doubt that you’ll find yourself juggling a seemingly never-ending number of responsibilities. Today, I want to talk about various ways you can make it through these challenges with dignity and sanity intact.

Short-term Loans

Nobody likes asking for help, but sometimes we need it. I’ve been in situations before where the only thing that saved me was a quick loan from a family member. Having somebody to turn to in times of unexpected bills – whether it be a family member or a friend – can make all the difference in navigating a short-term crisis.

Likewise, there are a number of payday loan lenders and brokers that can arrange short-term loans for reasonable rates. One example includes Cash Lady, which aggregates and pulls small loan offers in just a couple of minutes.

This can be an attractive method for dealing with unexpected bills when the amount needed is a few hundred pounds or less – and a perfectly responsible method when handled properly. Just make sure you read all the terms and conditions and only do this if you’re sure you can pay it back.

Coupons and Voucher Codes

One of the best things I ever did to help shield my family from the pain and stress of unexpected bills was to begin being proactive in between such events. By cutting corners wherever possible when money isn’t an issue, I was then able to completely cover any sudden bills or costs as they appeared.

The stereotypes of the coupon-cutting mum are real – but the savings are too good to ignore. These days, however, finding voucher codes, coupons and discounts is as easy as going online. Services such as extremecouponing.co.uk provide mums and dads with community networks and resources for finding the best deals and savings in their neighbourhoods.

Bulk and Wholesale Shopping

Another huge way to mitigate the effects that unexpected bills can have on your family is to plan for the necessities in advance. Increasingly, many mums have discovered that buying in bulk can make a huge difference on groceries and other essentials. Whether it be nappies for a new addition to the family or enough packaged meat to last a month, places such as Suma are becoming more common with each passing year – take advantage of them!

Simply Saying No

One of the most difficult periods of life for me socially was when I began my family, but other friends either remained childless or didn’t have the financial struggles. I still know some people who have put themselves into debt just by going to their friends’ weddings! Being a parent and having financial responsibilities sometimes means having to skip out on expensive social outings; even relatively cheap nights out still may require babysitting services, for instance.

It is perfectly fine to say no when you can’t afford it. Not only will you minimise any additional debt accrued (or potential savings spent), but you’ll slowly find out who your true friends are.

It’s impossible to predict when another big expense is going to appear out of nowhere, but you can reduce its impact and move forward from it quickly. Whether you’re using small loans to take care of emergencies or utilising better money habits to save in between expenses, these four tips can make a huge difference in your day-to-day financial solvency.