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An Expensive Proposition
Raising Twins Without Breaking the Bank
By Barb Eimer
Pamela Ryan, a mother of 20-year-old twins from Inver Grove Heights, Minn., suggests saving money by asking for a "multiples discount." When her girls were younger, she used to get shoes at 10 to 20 percent off simply by asking. Pediatricians and orthodontists often give price breaks. "Even many colleges offer a discount for more than one family member in a particular college," she says.
One great thing about having multiples is that there are a number of free or inexpensive resources to turn to for help and advice. Many parents of multiples are familiar with Twins Clubs and, if not, they are easy to find using a search engine or your local telephone directory.
These clubs provide many services for parents, but the best money saver is their semi-annual sale. These sales are a wonderful way to get slightly used toys, clothing, furniture and bedding. An added benefit is that you will be able to get matching things, as the parents doing the selling are themselves parents of multiples. In my hometown, the twins' resale event is such a big deal that mothers wait in line for up to an hour to get in.
Todd Sedmak of Falls Church, Va., the father of 3-year-old twin boys, is a big believer in Twins Clubs. He volunteers during the sale because volunteers get to be first in line when purchasing items. "The Twins Club has been a great help to us," says Sedmak. "Not only do they hold the big sale twice a year, we receive monthly newsletters with helpful tips and additional items fo sale."
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