It's safe to say that since the post-pandemic era, prices have soared across the board – from eggs and milk to bread and peanut butter. While many blame inflation entirely, I can't help but point the finger at the pandemic itself. It seems these companies are now trying to recoup losses from being closed during lockdowns by charging us nearly double, if not more. I've also noticed that packaged goods like chips come in smaller bags, yet with much higher price tags than pre-pandemic levels. But okay, let's continue to blame inflation instead of these companies.
Now, let's discuss the real reason you're reading this blog post: how you can save money as a dad. Enters, the Dad's Money-Saving Hacks: DJ Your Kid's Parties with Smart Gear Investments. The best way I can share these tips is by drawing from my personal experiences on how I'm currently cutting costs.
As a dad of one, with another on the way, my first tip is to invest in quality equipment that can serve multiple purposes. For instance, I purchased two JBL EON710 Speakers and Stands Bundle (Pair) for about $1,041.00 as a graduation and birthday present. I also bought around 12-15 chairs and three to four 6x4 tables for approximately $300. Years ago, during Black Friday, I snagged a Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Camera for less than $500.00, complete with two lenses, a bag, and a SanDisk memory card. Additionally, I bought a Ring light tripod and a MacBook Air at Apple using a teacher's discount for around $1,000. Finally, I invested in a Pioneer DJ control set.
I want to recognize that this approach may not work for all dads out there. The truth is, when you're not using this equipment, you'll need to store it somewhere. This means you'll need to have the space to store these items. So, having a home or a bigger space for this equipment makes more sense. Otherwise, it will be an inconvenience to buy them.
Now, let me explain how these items help me save money.
JBL EON710 Speakers
As dads, we know that parties – whether birthday celebrations for the little ones or graduation events – are inevitable. And parties, big or small, can be expensive. Buying these speakers means I can be the DJ at my kids' events, cutting extensive costs from having to hire a DJ who would typically charge by the hour. Since purchasing these speakers, I haven't had to worry about DJ rates because I'm my family's DJ. And when I say DJ, I simply plug and play. These speakers are also Bluetooth accessible, so if I want to keep it simple, I can use the Bluetooth connection. However, I prefer to look the part, so I also bought a used Pioneer DJ control that I can easily connect to my speakers and MacBook.
MacBook
The MacBook Air serves multiple purposes in our home. It's the family laptop, our podcasting laptop, and my DJaying laptop as well. My wife and I use it for our podcasting, from editing to post-production. I also use this laptop to edit photos I take at family events before sharing them. This MacBook is instrumental to us.
Pioneer DJ Control Set
As mentioned, this is what I use for house parties. I connect it to my computer, and I can run music and different sound effects through it. A very useful set to have.
Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Camera
This camera is super useful. I've taken countless pictures with it, from professional headshots for my wife to birthday party shoots to milestone photos with my daughter. It can save you a lot of money. While photographers aren't overly expensive for special moments, for other events like parties, I'm the designated photographer. I enjoy doing it.
Ring Light
I bought this ring light especially for late-night events. I use it to lighten up the area and take nice photos. I can also use the ring light during the day to hold my phone or camera for family or group photos, avoiding selfies. This ring light is a useful tool to have.
Chairs and Tables
What's a party without seating? These chairs and tables are instrumental. Renting chairs and tables, which could typically range from $1.50-$2.00 per chair and around $8 per 6x4 table, can quickly add up. When I did the math, I was confident that purchasing them, even if I had to buy them little by little, would cost me less in the long run. You don't have to buy all the chairs and tables at once. First, I bought 12-15 chairs, and my goal is to have about 25-30 chairs. I'll wait until I can save up to buy the rest.
In conclusion, buying some or all of these items can save you a lot of money in the long run. Having more than one kid also means having more than one birthday a year, so more events to plan for. And you can DJ those events while having fun and saving money for the family.
Other honorable mentions include but are not limited to: looking for affordable childcare solutions, limiting app subscriptions, buying in bulk (Sam's Club, Costco), doing free activities, and the king of all – budgeting. Saving money starts with establishing an easy-to-follow budget for you and your family and using that budget as a guide to purchase these items. A budget makes life simple and shows you how your money comes and goes. Follow the king, and it will take you to the land of financial freedom.
