Having a baby is an exciting time, but there is no denying it can also be stressful, not to mention expensive.
If you are expecting and are worried about how you are going to manage your finances, both now and after the baby is born, then the below guide is just what you need.
Discover everything you need to do to make sure you are in the best financial shape when your baby arrives, with tried and tested techniques that guarantee to work.
Work out your budget
If you have not already done this, the first thing you need to do is work out your budget. This involves looking at all the money you have coming in and everything that goes out.
By doing this, you will be in a much better position to see what you can afford, as well as where you can make cuts to save some money for your new addition.
If you are not sure where to begin with working out your budget, there are free budget planners that you can download online.
Talk to your partner
In most relationships, there is someone who is good with money and then someone who is a little more relaxed when it comes to spending. If this is the case with you and your partner, then now is the time to sit down and have a frank conversation about your finances.
It can also be a good idea to set some ground rules, such as a maximum weekly spending limit, so that you are both on the same page when it comes to saving for the new baby.
Identify where you can cut back
Having a baby can be expensive, which means that most couples will need to make cutbacks to their spending in order to be able to afford everything they need.
A good place to start is by making a list of essentials such as household bills and groceries and non-essentials such as gym memberships and eating out. Then, go through the list of non-essentials together and decide which ones you are both willing to give up.
Tackle any debt
If you or your partner have any debts, then now is the time to tackle these. Write down all the debts that you have, such as personal loans and credit cards and then prioritize the most important ones, i.e., the ones that have the highest interest.
If you can, try to increase the amount you are paying back each month before the baby arrives, as it will be a lot harder to make payments after the birth.
Assess your maternity pay
Many people struggle to manage maternity leave, so it is crucial that you assess your maternity pay sooner rather than later.
Firstly, look at how long your maternity leave is. This can vary from state to state, so make sure you check what you are legally entitled to. For example, find out how long is maternity leave in California. Next, see how much you are going to receive per week so that you can adjust your spending accordingly.
