Our daycare bill was $1,450 a month. For one toddler. I stared at laptop at kitchen table and thought “This is second mortgage!”
We love our daycare – teachers know his name, he eats lunch there, no way switching. So I had to find $400 inside same daycare.
Here is exactly what saved us $400/month:
1. Changed schedule from 5 days to 4 days = Saved $220
I asked director: “Do you have 4-day rate?” She said yes! Monday-Thursday only, Friday I work from home with toddler. Most daycares don’t advertise this but 70% offer it if you ask. Our rate: $1,450 to $1,230.
2. Used FSA Dependent Care = Saved $110/month
I opened FSA at work open enrollment. Put $5,000 pre-tax for daycare. Saved $1,320/year = $110/month in taxes. Ask HR about Form W-10. Money comes out paycheck before tax.
3. Asked about sibling credit + referral = Saved $70/month
We don’t have sibling yet, but they gave $50 referral when my friend enrolled. And $20 for bringing own diapers/wipes (Costco bulk $25 vs daycare $45). Small but adds!
Total math:
- Before: $1,450
- After 4-day: $1,230
- Minus FSA tax saving: $1,120
- Minus referral/diaper: $1,050
- Saved: $400/month = $4,800/year!
What I do Friday at home (so I still work):
- Morning: Library story time (free), playground
- Nap time: I work 2 hours laptop
- Afternoon: Blocks like picture, he plays while I answer emails
Not easy every Friday, but $400 buys groceries for month at Target!
What to ask YOUR daycare tomorrow:
- “Do you have part-time or 4-day rate?”
- “Discount for paying monthly early?”
- “Do you accept FSA?”
- “Discount for bringing own supplies?”
I didn’t switch. I just asked questions no one asks.
What is your daycare cost? Drop your state + cost below – let’s compare! Mine is $1,050 now in Texas.
Read next: Daycare Waiting List: How I Got Spot in 2 Weeks Not 8 Months