Goddess: celebrity moms

• 'Spotlight to Nightlight': Bundle of Joy, Bundle of Cash

  posted by Ali Landry - Tue Apr 14 2009, 7:36 PM PDT

  celebs: Ali Landry | Sarah Clarke
  topics: Kids

  In this current economic climate, couples are undoubtedly factoring in the price of children when deciding whether to have them -- and how many. Considering that the latest reports estimate a kid costs $250,000 from birth to age 17 just for necessities, who can blame them?
  
  On this episode of "Spotlight to Nightlight," host Ali Landry and actress Sarah Clarke ("Trust Me" and "24") discuss the cost of raising children and share tips on how to teach kids about money.

  Click here for the Spanish version.

  Ali's Take
  
  Kids are expensive. Anyone who has a child finds that out pretty quickly. From diapers to school books to prom dresses, there are at least 17 years of costs and that can be quite daunting, especially in the economic crunch we are living with today.
  
  I remember watching my parents pay their bills every month at the kitchen table and going to the bank every week. That's how I was able to learn about money. You worked hard, you paid your bills, and you saved for a rainy day. Now, so much is done electronically and by credit card that our kids don't even know what REAL money is sometimes. I want to be able to show my daughter that things aren't just magically paid for, and that taking care of a family is a major financial undertaking.
  
  We hear over and over that there are so many ways to save money, but for a lot of people it's really hard to change your routine. My husband and I are trying to implement easy ways to save and also be responsible. While we buy a lot of necessities in bulk, we also try to shop at local businesses and mom and pop shops to spend money within our community and keep those small businesses thriving. As for Estela, I purchase a lot of items for her that are on sale -- I love a good bargain! -- and a size or two too big so that I am prepared when I need them. I also have found some great stuff on e-Bay.
  
  During our conversation, Sarah Clarke told me that she and her mom friends have "swap parties" so they can all swap clothes and toys that their kids have either grown out of or have lost interest in. So many of the things we buy for our kids end up barely being used, and this is a great way to recycle and save money. Sarah also taught me the trick of putting away toys for a while and then bringing them out later again. She said its like her daughter rediscovers the toy and it gets a new life. I can't wait to start using these tips!

  "Trust Me's" Sarah Clarke is doing her best to teach her 2-year-old daughter Olwyn not to be wasteful. Courtesy Sarah Clarke

  
  
  My husband and I know Estela will learn by watching us. We pray every night with Estela and thank God for all of the wonderful things we are blessed with and we pray for those less fortunate than us. We know she will have to take care of herself one day and we also want her to be a giving, compassionate person who is in-tune with the needs of others. We want her to know the value of a dollar but, most importantly, to appreciate what she has.

  Special thanks to Lost & Found in Hollywood. Coming soon: lost&foundshop.com. Until then, check out their Facebook page for daily updates on new merchandise!

  Click here to watch more episodes of "Spotlight to Nightlight," featuring Hollywood's hottest moms.

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