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How much to charge for babysitting

Asked Jun 19, 2008, 03:31 PM — 5 Answers
Hi. I'm in my sixth month of pregnancy. Shortly after I give birth, when I feel comfortable, I am going to start watching my friend's baby (she's due in four weeks) three to four times a week. It'll be long days, 10-12 hours, starting at six in the morning. I do have plenty of child care experience. Because this is for a friend, I really don't know what to charge. I mean, I would like to cut her a break but it is going to be hard work watching two newborns. Basically, it needs to be worth my while but not over the top. I figure it probably would be best to charge by the hour, considering that some days may be longer than others. Any help would be appreciated!

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5 Answers
Fr_Chuck's Avatar
Fr_Chuck Posts: 72,607, Reputation: 37031
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#2

Jun 19, 2008, 03:36 PM


First are you going to have to "declare" this money as income, which means you will have to pay taxes on it. ** OK I know legally you are suppose to, but know a lot of people don't. But if they want to use the childcare as a deduction, you are going to have to declare it as income.

If so that means 30 percent or so of what you charge is going to be paid in taxes ** depending on your tax status**
But what I would do is call around and price similar services at other locations in your area and then decide what discount you wish to give your friend
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progunr's Avatar
progunr Posts: 1,971, Reputation: 1543
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#3

Jun 19, 2008, 03:39 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck
First are you going to have to "declare" this money as income, which means you will have to pay taxes on it. ** OK I know legally you are suppose to, but know a lot of people don't. But if they want to use the childcare as a deduction, you are going to have to declare it as income.

If so that means 30 percent or so of what you charge is going to be paid in taxes ** depending on your tax status**
But what I would do is call around and price similar services at other locations in your area and then decide what discount you wish to give your friend
Can't rate Fr_Chuck yet, but he is right on target.

Find some baby sitting adds, call as a potential customer, and ask how much they charge.

Several calls and you will have a good idea of what the average is in your local area.
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Scarlett9284's Avatar
Scarlett9284 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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#4

Jun 22, 2008, 12:39 PM
Well, I've made some phone calls and there is a huge discrepancy between what day cares are charging versus babysitting. An expereienced babysitter is charging 10-15 an hour but day cares go by the week and are cheaper, between 100-200 a week. So I still don't really know what to charge.
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TheBugsLife's Avatar
TheBugsLife Posts: 28, Reputation: 5
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#5

Jun 24, 2008, 01:49 PM
I was in the same boat I have a nepehew and my son are 6 weeks a part my sister is a stay at home mom so we sat down and figured what I could afford and what she would be ok with and we came to a happy middle
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HaloDoggy's Avatar
HaloDoggy Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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#6

Jun 25, 2008, 03:04 AM
I would go for 9 $ for every hour. But 18$ since she has 2 kids. So good luck!
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