Running a daycare on a tight budget

[Unregistered]

If you have a freezer, shop farmers market in late summer to fall. There is so much produce that the prices are low. If you buy in bulk, price is lower too. Then blanch and freeze and eat "free" all winter.

[Meeko]

Years ago, I got a HUGE box of board books for a ridiculous price off of Ebay. Since then we have bought a lot of toys from there at half the price of retail.

I also frequently go to a thrift store chain here in Utah called Deseret Industries which is fabulous...but I know most places have a Goodwill or Savers.

I have also had a lot of success with Facebook "Garage Sale" pages. Our town and the one directly south both have one. People just post what they are selling. Free and simple. Maybe your area does one?

[Gemma]

I used to love garage sales, I waited all winter for them to start!
Now they have them starting Thursday and I can't go cause I work, by Saturday only the junk is left, so I don't even bother going!....I started going to second hand children stores, I still find the great deals, without driving around for hours!

[mommiebookworm]

I have a wish list on my phone. Just a simple list of things I want for the daycare, that I can look through when I go thrift shopping or browse through my local facebook garage sale page. That way, I'm not tempted to buy stuff I don't have a plan for/ don't have room for. I've also sold stuff that wasn't being used. And, I'm not embarrassed to take stuff people have posted for free.
I plan my meals for dinner, and have leftovers for lunch the next day at least once a week.
I recently started making my own laundry soap, and it works great and only cost me about $30 for a six month supply.
I use color coded hand towels in the bathroom, so we aren't wasting paper towels.
I rotate toys and books. That way every two weeks or less, it feels like they got something new.
I don't serve juice, just milk or water.
I hope those are some ideas you can use.

[Josiegirl]

Thanks for all the ideas everybody! Keep 'em coming! Please?

One thing I have done recently is designate Fridays as our leftovers day. That has helped with not wasting as much food. Sometimes the dcks groan a bit but too bad. I'm trying to stick to plainer dishes because some kids, if they can't separate their food, won't even try it. I've stopped buying the expensive deli meats and fresh fish. I've bought albacore canned tuna instead.

[Unregistered]

I have a typed grocery and cleaning supply list. That way I only buy what i need. I also shop at save alot and family dollar. The list is key. Saves a huge amount of time. I only shop once per month.

Be deliberate when shopping at thrift stores or garage sales. I ask myself several questions:

*Do i need it?
*Do i have room to store it.
*Is it complete?
*Am i willing to get rid of something to have the new item.

Keep good financial records for tax time. Dont loose deductions.

Good luck!