Entry bubble Your Turn: Inexpensive Meals

By: Editor | June 15, 2009 | Category: Spanish

Our Monday blogger, Jake, has work duties that will take him away from Gov Gab until September. In his absence, we’re alternating between “Your Turn” weeks, where we’ll ask a question to spotlight your knowledge about government resources, and posts from guest bloggers across the government.

tofu and noodle dishToday’s question: Thrifty meal ideas, favorite recipes, sources for good quality and inexpensive ingredients—I’d love to hear all your suggestions!

| View Comments [6] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: budget   cooking   editor   meal_planning   recipes   your_turn  

 

Entry bubble Your Turn: What to Keep, Give Up on a Budget

By: Editor | June 08, 2009 | Category: Money

Our Monday blogger, Jake, has work duties that will take him away from Gov Gab until September. In his absence, we’re alternating between “Your Turn” weeks, where we’ll ask a question to spotlight your knowledge about government resources, and posts from guest bloggers across the government.

My husband and I are finally working on making a budget after being married a little over a year. So I’m curious . . .

Today’s question: If you had to stay within a budget you’d created, what would you give up? What couldn’t you live without?

| View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: budget   editor   money   save   spend  

 

Entry bubble Preparing for Baby on a Budget

By: Sommer | January 18, 2008 | Category: Home and Family

The two things people mention most when they notice I’m having a baby are 1) don’t expect to sleep much and 2) raising kids is expensive. The latest government data says that a family with an average annual income of $59,300 will spend $197,700 on that child between birth and age 17! Since we’re only in the preparation stage, I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Lately though, we’ve been saving every penny so I can take some time off work after the birth. But, since there’s now a never ending listMan and woman shopping for baby cradles in a mall. of things to shop for it’s hard to save! Baby prep checklists include the crib and nursery furniture, car seat, stroller, highchair, clothes, toys and more. A friend said baby gear could cost up to $5,000! I feel like the billion-dollar-baby-products industry lurks around every corner waiting to reel me in.

Here’s what we’ve done so far to cut costs:

Who knows, maybe by cutting these costs we’ll save enough money to start a 529 plan for our son. Since we’re on a budget I’d rather he get a college education than that $800 stroller I love but he’ll never remember.

I’d love to hear any tips you have on how you saved money when preparing for your newborn! Please leave your suggestions in the comments.

| View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: baby   budget   money   saving   shopping   sommer