Oklahomans finding ways to meet finances
Oklahomans finding ways to meet finances

By Diana Baldwin Comments 0
Published: September 27, 2008

Word this week from President Bush that the country could slip into full-blown economic panic without help from a rescue package adds to the challenges facing parents trying to raise one, two, three or more children.

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Financial downshifting tips

•Make mindful purchases. Ask yourself: Do I really need this item? If not, why am I buying it? Is this purchase in sync with my values?

•Adopt the Depression-era motto, "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”

•Buy used whenever possible.

•Do it yourself – this includes everything from homemade meals to housing repairs.

•Comparison shop and get several quotes on large purchases.

•Develop low-cost interests like bird-watching and volunteering.

•Borrow and share – rarely used items like specialized tools, crowd-sized punch bowls, and trucks for moving days.

•Quit trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Source: Parenthood.com

On the Web

See parents talking about today's economic hardships at NewsOK.tv.

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Oklahomans already are coming up with ways to answer the demands on families' pocketbooks.

"It seems like we just get less and less,” said Jessica Tarver of Oklahoma City as she rummaged through a plastic container of second-hand shoes for her 10-month-old son, Miles, at a recent consignment sale in Edmond. "There are babysitter costs and food is going up.”

Paycheck slashed

Her husband, Richard Tarver, said economic hardships hit his family at home and at work where his heating and air conditioning bosses cut out all overtime work, reducing his paycheck.

Julie Larman of Orlando drove to Edmond recently to the Mother's of Multiples consignment sale, looking for bargains for her children, Ashlyn, 5, and Casyn, 2.

"The clothes are in great condition and they are set for the whole winter,” Larman said, holding an armful of clothes.

Some of the children's clothing still had tags attached — a $26 sweater was on sale for $4.

Still, smart shopping for cheaper children's clothing isn't enough for the Larman family. Julie Larman said she took a second job.

"We just don't get out and do as much as we used to do,” Larman said. "We limit our trips and only go when we have to go.”

Juggling skills

Juggling children and everything that goes with them isn't new for Jill Raines, of Edmond. She is the mother of 7-year-old Jessie and 10-year-old triplets, Carter, Sara and Zane.

Tight financial times caused Raines and her husband to seek the advice of a financial counselor to make sure they are on the right track as their children's needs increase in price.

"We're looking at three more cars, insurance, computers and college,” Raines said. "My children have always shared nicely. I hope in the future they are still sharing.”

Jessica Tarver stopped while trying a pair of shoes on her son: "I'm positive. We'll make it through anything.”