As my family grew from a small to a large one with six children, I developed efficient ways to save money. Items that are small expenses with two small children become big ones as the family grows. Below I present ten money-stretching strategies for young couples with a growing family. It takes discipline to stick to these guidelines, but the effort pays off over time. The benefits are not just financial. 1. Teach kids that it's okay to be different. This gift to your children pays off again and again. Empathize with them when you won't buy things their friends have, but stick to your principles. Train them to listen to their own instincts, and not the crowd's pronouncements. Most … [Read more...]