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Raising five children on a single income leaves me with no choice but to find the best ways to conserve finances. With the economy the way it is and prices sky rocketing to new heights on a daily basis, basic survival can be a difficult task.

One of the best ways to conserve money is to buy second hand. Shopping frequently at thrift stores and garage sales is a great way to get what you want and need at low cost, not just clothing either. Yes, second hand is almost essential for children's clothing. Babies outgrow clothing within a matter of months, after which you're left with spit up stained outfits, hardly worth a dime in resale value. Children between five and ten may not grow as quickly, but they wear through their clothing faster. Within months their clothing is ripped or stained in some way, turning it into dust rags or garbage. Even as children get older and more into fashion, it is not difficult to find great buys at low prices at thrift stores, it just takes a bit of looking. You can also find other useful items such as dishes, bake ware, books, and furniture at great prices. I often visit these locales on a weekly basis, even when nothing is needed. You never know when you're going to find your next must have.

Clearance racks at department stores are useful also. Shop at the end of the season for next year's clothing. I almost always buy my children's Halloween costumes after Halloween is over, then save them until the following year. Buying new Christmas ornaments for next year is also best done immediately after Christmas when everything goes on sale.

Never pass up an item on sale. Say for instance a particular toy you think your child will enjoy is on clearance, buy it and save it for the next gift giving holiday, such as their birthday. This will help save money around that holiday.

Buy store brand items, especially if it's for the children. Kids don't need a $3 package of cookies, the cheap, no name $1 package will do them just fine. They don't need the special $5 bottle of detangler shampoo, instead buy a $1 bottle of generic shampoo and a $1 bottle of generic conditioner. If the family shares one expensive brand of shampoo that you're unwilling to give up, you can still make it last longer by having others use the generic brands.

Make children earn money to buy non essentials items they are asking for. If your daughter just has to have a Hannah Montana T-Shirt, have her earn the money herself. Children can do a number of things to earn money, such

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