October 2, 2018

5 Ways to Save on Childcare Costs

How to be a savvy spender and smart parent.

3 minutes
Childcare options

Looking for your next childcare solution? Ultimately, you want the best for your children, and that means finding a caregiver that provides them the individualized, loving attention they need to grow, learn and thrive. But why not be a savvy spender and save a few dollars along the way?

Cultural Care Au Pair has collected the 5 top ways to save money on childcare, giving you the tools and resources you need to make an informed decision for your little ones. Remember—what works for one family most certainly won’t work for another, so do what’s right for you!

 

1. Consider alternative forms of childcare

Don’t make the mistake of dismissing certain types of childcare right away. If you keep an open mind and investigate all of the options that exist in your area, you might be surprised at what works best for your needs and budget. In Massachusetts, for example, daycare costs for two children under 4 years will almost always exceed the cost of hosting au pair, especially in urban areas. In Mississippi, on the other hand, your daycare bill will run less than half of what it would be in Massachusetts, so daycare is a more competitive option from a financial perspective.

 

2. Take advantage of the Child & Dependent Care Credit

The federal government offers a Child and Dependent Care Credit to families who need to enlist the help of a daycare or nanny so that the parents can work. This tax break provides a credit of 20% to 35% off the first $3,000 in childcare costs you incur per child per year. (The percentage of the credit drops as income rises.) For more information and to see if you qualify visit irs.gov.

 

3. Take advantage of a pre-tax dependent care account

A pre-tax dependent care account is something many employers offer as a perk to their employees. Your employer will set up the account for you, and you can choose to put up to $5,000 of your pre-tax salary into the account. You can later use this money to reimburse yourself for childcare costs, potentially saving you a considerable sum. Two things to note – first, if you are married and file your taxes jointly, the $5,000 cap represents a combined maximum for both you and your spouse; second, you’ll want to plan carefully because leftover funds not used during the year must be forfeited.

 

4. Take advantage of company discounts

Check with your Human Resources department to determine if your company offers subsidized childcare or any discounts of any kind with local providers. Some companies also offer back-up care at nearby daycare centers for parents who suddenly find themselves without coverage due to weather, school vacations or a sick au pair or nanny.

 

5. Fill in the gaps with willing family members

For most families, relying on family members or friends for full-time childcare coverage isn’t an option. But if your mom or brother or neighbor is willing to devote a few hours a week to watching your kids, you can benefit from a cost perspective while your child gets one-on-one attention from a loving adult. Though you wouldn’t expect to pay a family member or friend the same hourly rate as a daycare center or nanny, it’s a good idea to offer at least minimum wage in your state. If they refuse? Thank them with homemade cookies, a spa treatment, or a gift certificate to a trendy restaurant.