Cutting The Costs Of Raising Children (NAPSA)—The cost of childrearing is not cheap. Based on a USDAreport on Children’s Expenditures, parents with an incomeof $70,200+ who have a baby born in 2004, will spend almost $270,000 by their child’s 18" birthday (and that does not include college tuition). Luckily, parents are finding creative ways to reduce those expenses wheneverpossible. One way parents have been cutting costs and recouping some of the money spent on things like furniture, clothing and toys, is through online auctions. The auctions let parents buy things children need—for generally far less than retail—and they let parents sell things children have outgrown. “We are a consumer-driven culture and unfortunately for parents, it comes at a high price,” said Holly MacDonald-Korth, Overstock.com senior vice president. “Online auctions are a smart way for parents to recycle their money—save when they buy and save whentheysell.” MacDonald-Korth says her company’s Web site is designed to be fast, easy and (potentially) lucrative. She says it helps new auction sellers get up and running Online auctions can help parents turn old baby cribs into college nest eggs. within minutes, with minimal fees and volume discounts for listing multiple products. “A garage full of ‘stuff’ can be daunting, but you have to ask yourself, would you rather save dust or money for your kids?” said Alana Collins, mother of three teenage sons. “With online auctions, I make more money in less time than a garage sale or flea market. And I’m saving every penny to help send my kids to college,” said Mrs. Collins. You can learn more about online auctions at Web sites such as www.auctions.overstock.com.
