4 Financial Tips For Stay-At-Home Parents

Quitting your job to run the household is a significant decision that you and your spouse must mutually agree on. The two of you need to make considerable changes in your lifestyle. On the financial aspect, here are some things that you may dwell upon:

#1: SHY AWAY FROM THE TERM “ALLOWANCE”

Take a trip down memory lane to visualize your primary school years. Was it carefree or stressful? One thing is for sure! Most students depend on their parents to sustain their financial needs. An allowance is given to regularly meet a student’s daily expenses. Calling it allowance highlights that the parents are in control of the child’s financial situation. The mere definition of the word signifies an amount that is permitted for a specific purpose.

If a parent is working and the other is a homemaker then, try shying away from the term “allowance”. As I said, it exudes a sense of authority over the dependent party. You do not want that! As much as possible, you need to cultivate maturity and respect in your relationship. Opt for friendlier terms such as personal budget or entertainment fund.

#2: CREATE A COOPERATIVE BUDGET

It is unfair to strictly control the budget of your spouse and the entire family just because you are the breadwinner. It is important to recognize that running the household is as important as bearing the salary. Staying at home to take care of your children saves cash that might otherwise be spent on child care. This contribution is often overlooked by the society. Turn the tables around by allocating money for the you and your spouse’s personal needs.

Decide on an equal percentage of the breadwinner’s income. This equal percentage will go to the anticipated expenses such as clothes, grooming, and gifts.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As Manisha Thakor, the author of Get Financially Naked: How to Talk Money With Your Honey, once said: “When both feel they have the daily freedom to treat themselves…household well-being prospers.”

#3: CONSIDER DIVING INTO INVESTMENTS

You put your cubicle job aside to fully commit on raising your children. This comes with lots of changes including the division of your time. With your newfound hours to spare, educate yourself on efficient ways to grow your savings.

Consider diving into the world of passive income. Investing your money on passive income allows you to reap profit while you sleep. Passive income includes dividend stocks, bonds, and index funds. It is crucial to read about the different types of investments to suit your preferences. For instance, people who can only tolerate low risks may invest their Ang Bao money on the Singapore Government Securities (i.e.,local bonds).

Related Article: How To Start Investing In Singapore

#4: BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR

With our access to modern technology and other tools, you can accomplish the tasks of a stay-at-home parent and an entrepreneur. Earn extra money by creating an online business. You do not have to break the bank to set up your own online shop. Free websites such as Carousell and Tictail enables you to showcase your products. Furthermore, these platforms have a growing following of audience or customers already.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do you love to make cupcakes, jewelry, or essence oils? Turn your hobby into your own business. The possibilities are endless.

Sources: 1 & 2

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8 Inexpensive Home Decor Tips for Newlyweds

After the wedding, the next thing that newlyweds must invest on is the house. You may have to work harder to keep the interior look fresh. And, as you make significant changes in your house, it will have a tow on your paychecks.

But, that shall not always be the case. Here are 8 Cheap Home Decorating Ideas for you love birds…

1. FLARE WITH FRAMES

Add the “wow factor” to your side table by adding an attention-getting frame. Here are a mix of photo frames from Ebay.

Image Credits: DarrelBirkett via Flickr

Image Credits: DarrelBirkett via Flickr

2. POSH WITH PILLOWS

Whenever guests arrive, the first thing that they will see and stay longer on is the sofa.  Dress up your dull sofa by adding bold printed cushions such as animal, island-floral themed or a suede pillowcase. IKEA offers a wide range of pillow cushions designs that range from $1.90 to $19.90! It is not only elegant but it is also affordable!

Image Credits: Stacie via Flickr

Image Credits: Stacie via Flickr

3. LIGHTS ARE EVERYTHING

Purchase more in lower-wattage bulbs to change a room’s mood from restful to romantic. And, if you want to take the romantic a level up…use table lamps or floor lamps to put a lights wherever you want to cuddle.

4. PUT A PAINTING ON

You may buy pop-art (Product name: KNISTA) , minimalist, and vintage looking (Product name: OLUNDA) illustrations for only $19.90 at IKEA. This will add beauty to your simple rooms.

5. REVAMP THE WALLS

One of the fastest ways to make your house extra expensive is by giving the walls a new look. Paint the walls of your living room with a higher contrast color to make it pop. Paint your kitchen orange to make the food inducing and the bedrooms purple to make it  more relaxing.

Image Credits: Maegan Tintari via Flickr

Image Credits: Maegan Tintari via Flickr

6. GO GAGA FOR COLOFUL-POTTED GREENS

Having a few small plants in the kitchen will make it feel livelier. Adding a pop of color to its pots or vase will surely make your guests green with envy.

7. RUG IT UP

To quickly fix a room’s problem area, you may throw a rug on the floor. Rugs add an interest and an interesting focal point to the room. Shop around for bargain rug that fits your room.

8. WORK WITH WHAT IS AVAILABLE

One of the most efficient yet no-cost ways to redecorate is to rearrange and repurpose the things you already have. Search your house and think of the items you can change the setting in another room.

Make your kitchen chairs look new again with a little splash of spray paint and new fabric covers.

Image Credits: mattwalker69 via Flickr

Image Credits: mattwalker69 via Flickr

These simple decor ways will not only change your house but also your lives as Husband and Wife!

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