Sit Pretty: EZ Ways Save Money On Childcare

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.