1. Become a Home-Based Daycare Provider
With some research and a good business plan, you can be your own boss and care for children from your home.

2. Cultivate a good relationship with your caregiver.
Nurture that relationship and not only will your child be healthy and happy, but you also won’t have to spend time and money finding a new caregiver.

3. Consider job sharing.
You’ll save on childcare costs while you still earn some money. It won’t hurt to ask your employer.

4. Know how to ask for a raise.
Okay, so it’s probably not the best time to ask for a raise, but if you think you deserve one, there’s a right way to do it. Start by questioning any discrepancy between what you’re earning and the norm.

5. Write your childcare off on your taxes.
If your company doesn’t have dependent-care assistance, be sure to claim the federal child and dependent-care tax credit that the government provides.

6. Find a family-friendly boss.
If you’re entering the job market so you can get a little extra income for your family, make sure you find a family-friendly workplace.

7. Arrange a meeting to tell your boss you’re pregnant.
Tell your boss before your co-workers have a chance to blab. Before the meeting, familiarize yourself with the company’s family-leave policies, and have a plan for what happens when you come back from leave.

8. Be smart about starting a home business.
It may take some time to start making money off of a new business. Don’t count on raking in the dough at first, and consider how much time you can really devote to a full-time job (which is what it would be, and then some).

9. If you work from home, get dressed to the nines in the morning.
You’ll really feel like you’re making the transition from mom to business woman.

10. If you get pregnant, start hoarding as many vacation days as you can.
You can use them as part of your leave. Ask if you can also use sick days.

11. If you need help digging out of debt, get it.
If you’ve got collectors on your back, debt management services can help reduce your monthly payments.

12. If you’re a small business owner, get your name out there.
Give a talk at a free seminar or offer your services in a setting with an audience — you can distribute business cards and meet new clients.

13. If a friend asks for money, but you’re not confident she’ll pay it back, prepare yourself for the chance that you won’t get it back.
It’s perfectly legitimate to ask for a specific payback plan to reduce awkwardness and mixed messages.

14. Don’t secretly hoard money from your hubby.
Wouldn’t you be mad if he hid money from you? You need to be able to have a candid discussion about the money that belongs to Your Family, Inc., and decide what to do with that money together.

15. Enter our contests and giveaways.
We’re giving away stuff all the time — money, gift certificates, cool gear for your home, toys, even family trips. And entering doesn’t cost you a penny.

16. Turn off your computer every time.
Yes, every time. One of the biggest drains of electricity is a computer that’s left on 24/7.

17. Buy gas for less.
Warehouse clubs like Costco sometimes have pumps where members can fill up for about 10 cents less per gallon than at a local station. No club in your area? Check out gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest pumps near you.

18. Make toys for your kids out of stuff you already have around the house.
Hand over your turkey baster as a squirt toy — instant bathtime fun.

19. Download a free audiobook.
Keep the kids entertained while you zip around town with our featured free audiobook from AudibleKids. Check back regularly for our latest free download.

20. Keep a list of restaurants where kids eat free on certain nights.
This way, celebration meals don’t break the bank.

21. Sign up for a movie-by-mail service.
Online DVD rental sites, such as Netflix and Blockbuster, offer several different monthly plans, starting at about $6. The biggest plus: no late fees.

22. Steer clear of convertible cribs.
Those conversion kits can be expensive, and you’ll probably end up spending less money if you buy an ordinary crib now and a twin bed later.

33. If you don’t have health insurance, sign up for a special short-term-care package for your newborn.
Ask your doctor or the hospital’s patient relations department if they have a program.

34. Outsmart the Mouse.
Those package deals don’t always save you money. On your next Disney World vacation, try booking the trip yourself and save a bundle.

35. Plan to take your next vacation after Labor Day.
Lodging and travel prices can drop 20-50% in the fall.

36. Print out coloring pages.
Instead of buying coloring books every time your mini-Picasso finishes scribbling on one, print out free coloring pages from the web. We love these Sesame Street games and puzzles.

37. Make your kids brown bag lunches they’ll love.
Save money on lunch with fun lunchbox meals like mini pizzas made with English muffins, jarred pasta sauce and melty mozzarella.

38. Open a Flexible Spending Account if your employer offers one.
The pre-tax money you set aside can help pay for eligible out-of-pocket medical, dental and even daycare/nanny expenses. But be sure not to set aside more than you’ll realistically use.  carpet squares

39. Form a babysitting co-op
Can’t afford a sitter on the weekends? Offer to do a trade with parents you trust.

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