Daycare can put a major dent in your wallet. Are those weekly checks breaking your bank? While childcare is a necessary evil for working and non-working parents, there are ways that you can save some cash. For starters, shop around. Do your research and find out which facilities give you the most bang for your buck. If you work long hours, you'll likely want to send your child to a daycare that offers long hours at one cost, instead of itemizing each day. That way you won't be penalized if you're early or late. If your child does go to a school that offers before or after care, do your best to avoid incurring these charges on a regular basis. Seek out the assistance of family, friends or neighbors to help out when you have something important to do. Those extra charges can add up. Also, hot lunches can cost cool cash. Pack your child's lunch every day.

This can save you a ton of money over a month's time. If your employers offer a Flexible Spending Account, use it to stash away up to $5,000 in pre-tax dollars. By using the FSA program, you can save a couple thousand dollars a year, which is nothing to thumb your nose at. Don't forget to take advantage of the Dependent Care Tax Credit come tax time. Talk to your daycare provider and find out if there is anything you can do to knock down your tuition. Perhaps you can donate your services. For example, if you work in accounting, offer to do pro bono work for the center. Also, find out other ways you can earn a discount. If a childcare center is out of your budget, see if you can share a nanny with a fellow parent. This could cut your costs in half.