5 Steps to Surviving a Financial Crisis for Parents

My brother-in-law, who is an alumnus from a prestigious men's college back east, just got laid off from his job in the mortgage industry. Good thing, too. Now, on unemployment, he will be making more money than he was when he was working in the struggling industry. Unfortunately, stories like his are becoming more and more frequent in today's economy. Everyone is being impacted by soaring gas prices and the increasing cost of goods and services. As parents, the stress of finances is often heightened because of our responsibility to provide for our families.

Take heart, however. There are things you can do to help squelch anxiety and worry.

Stay Calm

Tough times come and go, and although it may not seem like it, many families are experiencing various financial challenges right now. Take a deep breath and mentally prepare for each new day. Remember to temper your words and emotions, work together as a team, and don't be afraid to seek outside assistance.

Take Care of Yourself

It is critical that you maintain your health. Exercise regularly, eat nourishing foods and get plenty of rest. This isn't a license to join a health club or make an appointment at a spa. Discipline yourself to do something as simple as riding your bicycle or begin a walking program. If you live in an area that isn't conducive to such activities, buy (or better yet, borrow from your library) an exercise DVD.

Take Care of Each Other

Co-op with another family for a "date night" each month. No one pays for sitting services since both couples provide services for each other. You don't have to spend that babysitting savings in order to have a successful date, either. The two of you can take a walk, rent a dollar DVD, share a chocolate malt or just go back home to spend time alone. Back rubs and bubble baths can work wonders to soothe agitated or frayed nerves during a stressful time.

Shop Wisely

Kansas City has several consignment clothing stores for families with younger children. You take your clean, used clothes in to the store and exchange them for in-store credit. Essentially you'll be "swapping" what your children have outgrown for the next size up!

Spring and fall typically mean it's garage sale season in KC as well. Don't overlook the advantage we have of large, organized neighborhood and even city wide garage sales! There's no need to waste gas going from one sale to another! My garage sale friend just called with her latest find... four pairs of barely worn shoes for her kindergartener for $1.00! Previously she found a brand new Liz Claiborne purse for $1.50 and a huge floral arrangement custom made at a trendy Westport store for $5.00!

Don't forget thrifty grocery shopping. That means shopping the loss leaders, frequenting the day old and discount stores, shopping on a full stomach and sticking to your list! If you can shop without little hands piling extra non-essentials into the cart, all the better. Shop weekly. I have learned it's best to buy paper products in bulk but not groceries. Our family has discovered two things: A) if we have a lot of it, the kids will eat it! and B) when the end of the week draws near and I'm left with foods like rice and eggs in the house, we eat them! You would be surprised at how creative you can be, and how much you cut back on waste when you commit to just one grocery store trip per week.

Reach Out to Others

Again, big bucks need not apply. Take some home made cookies to a new or ailing neighbor. Is there a new baby in the neighborhood? Volunteer to watch the older siblings so mom can have some time alone with baby. Alert elderly friends and neighbors that you'll be running errands and then volunteer to pick up any items they may need. Pre-package a bottle of water and some crackers in a zip-lock storage bag. Keep a couple of these in your car so that when you see someone on the corner asking for help, you are ready to do just that.

It is never easy to endure financial struggles and crisis, but when we take the focus off of ourselves and put it onto others; we have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone else. It's then that we begin to see we are not alone in our trials.

Sandy Brooks is a freelance writer and mother of two. She and her family make their home in Lee's Summit.