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Hey Pandas, What Are The Most Creative Ways You’ve Budgeted For Life’s Biggest Milestones, Like Parenthood, Moving, Or College?
We all know that major life milestones like having a baby, moving to a new home, or paying for college can bring financial challenges. But how do you manage your budget during these times? Whether it’s creative savings strategies, smart spending tips, or ways to cut unexpected costs, share your best budgeting hacks and advice. What worked for you? How did you make the most of your finances during these big moments? Let’s inspire each other with practical tips and clever ideas!
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#1
To pay for my kids college education, I worked at a College with a tuition benefit that provided 50% of their tuition fee to the university. In addition, the kids received scholarships covering close to 50%. We paid room and board. They came out without a lot of loans. Both paid them off within 2 yrs.
Final score:
4points
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#2
After I college at the beginning of my career even though I was making significantly more at my new job I decided to stay to the same budget I was living off of while in college with the addition of a small allowance. All of my extra money was split between my student loans and a savings account. When I got a raise half of the raise was added to my allowance and the other half to my savings. By doing this I was able to pay off my student loans buy a car and a house in about 7 years. I still put a significant amount of money in savings each month but I'm a bit looser with my spending habits.
Final score:
4points
#3
When my kids we're baby's/toddlers, i went to these organised second hand markets where other mothers would sell baby clothing. It's not that i didnt bought new clothing, but it's insanely expensive to buy all this new and they grow out so quickly .
Final score:
3points
#4
Does not getting my licence until I was 26 count? It meant I wasn't paying for a car, petrol, insurance, registration etc. I managed to save a lot of money in that time (between 18 and 26) because I was just getting around on public transport. It meant that when I did get my learner's permit I had enough to pay for a new car outright, which I learned in and then got my licence in.
Final score:
2points
deletemyaccount 3 weeks ago
That counts. Cars are a huge expense especially if you have an auto loan. They are one of the most expensive loans possible.
#5
To start college as a broke 18yo…..I worked for the d**g task force buying illicit substances. Say what you will, they paid cash and a lot more of it than I would have made in months at $4.25/hour minimum wage back then. Finished college and beyond, it changed my life.
Final score:
2points
#6
I had to save money to pay for my apartment's mortgage. I had a very demanding job, which includes long hours and a lot of travel. So going on vacation was really the break I needed to rest; but the costs were too high. And staying at home in the crowded, noisy city was not an option.
So I'd pick one or 2 travels abroad for work every year (say, to Lisbon, or Barcelona, or Rome) and connect them with 4-5 days of annual leave. Company would pay my 2 ways plane ticket and hotel for the workdays, while I'd only pay hotel for my days off. I'd usually find a nice affordable place to stay and wander outside the tourist area (where prices are lower). This is how I visited most European cities. I also managed to pay the mortgage in a few years, while still enjoying vacations :)
Final score:
1point
#7
Made sure I had a can of unopened coffee for when the apocalypse hits. First things first. But need to find nukeproof creamer.
Final score:
-1point
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