Five ways to save time by using others

This post title may seem a little off kilter, but we’re not talking using people in a scandalous way, but a useful way…

1. Hire a driving teenager (your own even if you have one) to run basic errands for you such as picking up dry cleaning, making small trips to the store, and other mundane tasks that your teen might enjoy getting paid for. You’ll save time, and your teen helper will learn to manage responsibility and make some cash.

2. Form a car pool and save yourself drive time for much of the month.

3. Have your groceries delivered. Many stores offer this service now. There’s usually a small fee, but consider that you won’t be impulse buying, so you may even save money as you save time.

4. Trade services with a pal or neighbor. If there’s a task you do quickly and well, such as taxes or mending a dress and you know someone who hates those tasks but doesn’t mind cleaning a garage (which you hate), see if they want to trade tasks.

5. Divvy up tasks with your partner. There’s almost no reason for two parents to attend a pediatrician appointment, a teacher conference, or other child related meetings. You and your partner can trade off kid-based meetings and save time. Of course for things like plays or sporting events, it’d be nice if you both show.