Budgets Are Sexy (2026)

There is a smarter way to approach budgets sexy, and it starts with knowing a few key details. This guide covers them, along with tips you can apply immediately.

Key Takeaways

• (Guest Post by Len Penzo while J$ is off in La La land with his new boy…) I know.
• I heard the groan the moment you didn’t see J Money’s name in the by line.
• I don’t take it personally.
• Worth noting: even so, I wanted to be sure J had plenty of time to enjoy that new baby of his.

A Closer Look at Budgets Sexy

I typically hate writing guest posts for famous bloggers since being a guest writer on somebody else’s blog is the Internet equivalent of being a substitute teacher , in junior high school. So here I am!

Awhile back, I noticed that J began tracking each single expense his baby has cost him since conception. Well, now that J has finally become a Dad , and as the father of a 14-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter , I wish to be sure he knows what he’s genuinely in for, financially speaking.

What to Know About Budgets Sexy

More importantly, like plenty of you, I saw the latest government study that claims it now costs an average of $235,000 in right now’s dollars to raise one child to age 18. Though, for plenty of folks, this number is absurdly low.

For instance, while the study included food, shelter, child care, health care, clothing and grade school education expenses, it failed to include college , that is, assuming you’re the type that thinks parents are responsible for that. The study also inexplicably failed to consider other key cost drivers that most parents have to deal with.

How Budgets Sexy Really Works

Remember that off the top of my head, here are just a few examples, some arguably more pricey than others: Unexpected home maintenance When my son Matthew was near seven-years-old, I made the mistake of giving him a kid-sized tool box with kid sized tools. You know, a little saw, a small screwdriver or two, tiny pliers, a mini-hammer; stuff like that.

One day I came home to discover Matthew had decided to apply his tool set to do a little home remodeling , the renovations included making large gouges in his bedroom walls, and chipping off parts of the window frames and base boards. Then there was the time he flushed his underwear down the toilet , of course, we only discovered that little surprise after we spent a couple hundred bucks for a plumber to clear the hopelessly clogged line.

Getting the Most From Budgets Sexy

As a rule, i’ve got about 100 other examples from the last ten years I could share, but I think you get the point. Extracurricular activities This year alone, I’ve simply shelled out at least a few thousand bucks to cover the fees and other costs for Matthew’s travel baseball team and Nina’s color guard team and weekly singing lessons.

Wasted electricity Kids seem to have no trouble flipping on the light switch when they enter a room. In fact, I can’t remember the last time my kids walked into a room and forgot to turn the lights on.

Tips That Make a Difference

In short, but when it comes to turning them off, well … fuggedaboutit. I wish I had a nickel for each time I walked into empty rooms with a 100-Watt light bulb or two burning, or a television set blaring, or a stereo playing.

God knows it would certainly assist cover the money I’ve spent over the past ten years in added electricity. And don’t get me started about them standing in front of the open refrigerator for six minutes at a time while they debate what they wish to eat or drink.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Worth noting: gifts Think about it: Over the course of 18 years, the number of gifts we provide our kids can genuinely add up: Christmas, birthdays, graduations … I’m sure there are other occasions I’m missing. Babysitting Let’s face it: parents have to get away from their kids each once in awhile if they wish to keep their marriage healthy and vibrant.

With few exceptions, the Honeybee and I have been fortunate enough to have two sets of grandparents available to watch our kids. Not everyone is so fortunate, though!

Is Budgets Sexy Worth It?

More importantly, and over time, let me tell you, those babysitter rates can genuinely add up! I’m sure you can think of scores of other examples of why kids can be so pricey to raise.

That being said, it’s an undeniable fact that having children makes our lives richer , and that makes kids a bargain at any price. Len can’t believe it either.) (Photo by GoodNCrazy) (Visited 10 times, 1 visits right now) Get blog posts automatically emailed to you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on budgets sexy?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. So here I am!.

Is it worth shopping around for budgets sexy?

Usually yes. Awhile back, I noticed that J began tracking each single expense his baby has cost him since conception.

What should I check before buying?

Read the terms, confirm any code still works, and factor in shipping or returns. Well, now that J has finally become a Dad , and as the father of a 14-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter , I wish to be sure he knows what he’s genuinely in for, financially speaking.

Smart Ways to Save More on Budgets Sexy

• Check for student, military, or first order offers you may qualify for.
• Time non urgent purchases around major sale events for the deepest cuts.
• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.
• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.
• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.

Final Thoughts

Put these ideas to work and budgets sexy gets a lot less expensive. Bookmark this page, check back for fresh deals, and let the savings do the talking.

Originally published at budgetsaresexy.com.