My husband and I are going to have a baby but we really can't afford it...?

Question

Does anyone know of any good programs that can help us after we have the baby? I know WIC is a good program, but we aren't eligible because our income isn't as low as the required one. If there are any programs that will help you by giving money to raise a child, please let me know. I'd appreciate any help, and serious answers only please.

Answer 1

well several things here - plan more next time, both of you get a couple of jobs, have relatives help as much as possible. Dont have babies and then rely on the government (the tax payers - me) to support you and your babies. That isnt fair.

Answer 2

If you do a search online WIC has an income guideline that is based on income and household size which is why you do not qualify this I know because we are on WIC and hubby is an E6 in the military but they count us as family of 6 being pregnant. So each case is different for some people. We have relatives in the military are a family of 5 and he is an E5 in the military but both he and his wife works so it puts them over the income.

Now what I do not understand is that when married couples know they cannot afford a child, why is protection not being used? We are having another baby because we planned and we can afford to have another baby, but after this I know what I need to do...get on birth control because it is my responsibility as an adult not to bring situations on myself that I cannot handle.

So since you are not eligible for WIC, I am sure you will not be eligible for any other state help like money to help take care of a child but I say this much that money is not much and I am speaking from my own experience because I was a single parent raising my oldest child before I met and married my husband. All I got was $100 month before I started working again so I said forget it, it is not worth the trouble when I am fully able to work and they make you go get a job when you are on state assistant.

The thing your husband can do is go find a better paying job, manage your money better and put that child before your needs and wants.

Good luck

Answer 3

First check medicaid. It's actually easier to qualify for Medicaid than it is for WIC, income wise. If you don't qualify for that, then get your doctor to write a note to restrict your work hours from, say, a 40 hour week to a 30 hour week. That is still full time and you should not lose any of your "benefits" from work.

I know what it's like to make just enough to not qualify for help, but still not make enough to make it. Having your monthly income reduced just ten hours a week can make all the difference. Then you will be covered by WIC, for groceries, and Medicaid for medical and possibly food stamps.

Don't be afraid or ashamed. With gas prices, rental rates, auto insurance, all that crap, you basically have to make $80k a year to live comfortably, and that's if you live in a below-the-median-income state like Arizona, Florida, etc.

The system is there for a reason; it is only temporary, and it will give you the best options for pre-natal care, labor & delivery, well baby visits, food, etc.

And remember, YOUR taxes pay for it too.

Hope this helps!

Rebecca

Answer 4

My wife and I were very poor when both of our kids were born. I have to honestly say I think you're too used to a lifestyle of having what you want. If you are willing to live a very simple life, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to get by. At one point I had a job where I was making enough to pay our bills. We had a used car that was in good working condition and we lived in a used mobile home. We qualified for WIC but I had them cut us off because I was able to pay our bills without it.
Cut off your cable. Get rid of your cell phones. Get rid of all your unnecessary toys.
Get rid of all the excess things that you don't NEED.
Live simply, with dignity, and stand up on your OWN two feet. I bet you can live a whole lot more cheaply than you do now.
If your income isn't low enough to get WIC, you do not need a handout. You need to suck it up and learn to simplify.

Answer 5

If you don't meet the guidelines for WIC I don't think that there are any other options out there. You can save a lot of momey by buying baby items at thrift stores and yard sales. I knew I was going to quit my job when our son was born so I bought many things this way, and they were all in good shape because a baby really doesn't use the stuff for long. If you plan on quitting your job you may qualify for WIC if you are just going by his income.

Answer 6

If your income is not low enough for WIC then you to reevaluate your spending.
See what you can cut down on now.
And start buying diapers now
Even if you buy large sizes it will help out.
Buy gift certificates for where you plan on buying formula since you don't know what kind the baby will be on.
I know I am not telling you where to get handouts from but I would rather try helping myself before I have to rely on others hard earned money.
I am not meant to be mean but you will feel better about yourself if you work hard and raise your child yourself.

Answer 7

Since you and Hubbie both work, Each of you should set aside $20.00 bucks each time you get payed and act like it is not there, Place in a NEW Savings account for BABY ON THE WAY. If you are going out to eat alot STOP if you or he smoke STOP If either of you are Gambling STOP If either of you Drink or purchase Beer Alcohol on a regular basis STOP, What I am trying to say is whatever you are doing with your FUNDS when you get paid If you do not need to SPEND then do not. START SAVING. And when you shop for food do not purchase the name brand stuff get generic CHEAPER. And if you just want to have a FISH FRY, or a YARD SELL Put that money away for BABY.

Answer 8

http://www.soulofadoption.com

Go to the forums, and talk with other parents there. Don't be put off by the name of the website. There are many birthparents there who regret that they had to place their children for adoption, and they have learned a great many ways to afford to keep the child, too late for them but not too late to help you.

There are also foster parents, who are frighteningly under-reimbursed for the work they do, and also know every trick in the book to make your money go as far as you can, and to get things cheap or free.

They will be glad to advise you on how to provide for your baby. There are no ads, and members are NOT welcome to advertise looking for a birthparent, or pressure you into choosing adoption, so if anybody does, notify the administrators. The forum link is on the left-hand column, about halfway down. Use your browser's search/find feature to find the words "discussion forums" if you can't see it.

My two hot tips for saving money. Breastfeed until the child is eating and drinking with regular utensils. It is FAR cheaper and easier. Not only will it save on formula and bottles or cups, but it will also save a lot on medical visits. Your baby gets immunity from many diseases, including common ear infections, from your milk. He gets none of that, and an increased risk of asthma, allergies, and diabetes, from formula. And make cloth diapers. Ask other cloth users what kinds of fabrics work, and troll the thrift stores for shirts, bedding, and things you can hack up and use for diapers. There are a few free patterns online for one-size diapers, that you fold differently, to fit any size of baby. Very easy to use. Spring for a sprayer that attaches to your toilet pipe, for easier cleaning.

Answer 9

No one can really afford a child. We get help from WIC, and together, we have 3 sets of parents that help with whatever we need if we really need help. My husband got a raise recently, and he works 6 days a week. I'd say, find ways to earn more income. Sell Avon, MaryKay, or sell on ebay. They are great ways to earn extra income as long as you stick to it. Good luck. . . and PLEASE don't abort.

Answer 10

Alot of us think we can't afford it but we do in the long wrong. Go to yard sales and thrift stores to help with the equipment. Also look in the paper for giveaways. Just be happy the baby needs love not material things. This should be a happy time for you, congratulations. There are pregnancy help in the yellow pages that can help you. I just don't know the area you live in or I would try more to help you.

Answer 11

there really isnt any others for pregnancy. u can try hud for a home or welfare, but it depends on ur income. everyone can afford a baby, just gotta learn new ways to manage with less money. i make 28,000 and my boyfriend works part-time and we just put money away every month since we found out we were expecting and were having a welcoming party instead of a baby shower to get more gifts than if there was only females invited. since i know people that have had babies recently and their baby grew out clothes before it could even wear them , they are giving us those clothes.