Working Together: Spending Quality Time While Saving Money
Families can save a lot of money by taking on some of the chores previously hired out, such as lawn-care, dry cleaning, pool-care, car detailing and pet-shops, by doing these jobs themselves.
How did pets get clean before there were pet salons? How did lawns get mowed or cars get washed when there weren’t detailing shops? Of course, we did it ourselves. Think of the thousands of dollars each year you could save taking the time as a family or community to do these things yourself so you can put your money to work for you. The money you save could be put toward vacations, home improvements and extra-curricular activities. Here are just a few ideas to help your get started:
- Kids can start a dog walking business for well trained animals.
- The community could have a neighborhood car wash and use the money to have a block party.
- Neighbors could have a Saturday morning lawn care routine with all the kids and parents pitching in to help those older residents who aren’t able to mow their own lawn.
- While a maid service might be used once a month or after parties, give kids a chance to earn their allowance by doing weekly chores.
- You can learn a lot about your teen while detailing a car. Try taking on the task together and you may be surprised what you will learn if you just listen.
- Limit pool use to certain months and times. Make the use of it contingent on willingness to clean it.
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Difficult economic times can put extraordinary strains on families – not only on budgets but on relationships as well. Boys Town Press offers a wide array of boosk, CDs and DVDS to show parents how to help their children develop good values and healthy relationships. Visit www.boystownpress.org to find the resources you need.
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