How did you manage?

Question

When you found out you were pregnant, how did you minimize your bills so you could afford the baby. This is mostly for the moms that had "surprise babies" out there....Thanks.

Answer 1

Pay off as much of your debt as you can before the baby is born. If you have paid into your mortgage for any period of time, you can re-finance to drop your monthly payment. You can update your home(windows, weatherization) to save money during the winter on heating bills. And, most importantly, don't pay retail for ANYTHING. Its not hard to find deals for EVERYTHING.

Answer 2

We didn't have bills in the first place. Our son was a surprise and we didn't have cable/internet/two phones or anything. So all we did was save. Now (surprisingly) we have cable, internet, and two phones--all of which we got after the baby was born. We aren't on WIC or government assistance and actually are able to put fifty dollars away a month into two separate college funds. We found "bundling" bills was a good thing. We get our cable/internet from the same company. We have cell phones as they are convenient and we save money. The main thing is (if you haven't already) start a budget and stick to it. We don't go out to eat often. I cook a great meal every night and normally end up liking it better then going some where else. Since the baby came my husband no longer buys beer or liquor. We don't go to movies often because we really can't. We are now homebodies. Babies make that happen to you anyway. We only have one vehicle--it works for us. Depending on your income from your job (if you have one) it may be easier to quit--this eliminates extra gas, lunch, and paying for childcare. Contact me if you need any other advice or tips. It's all about budget. I feel we live well and have a little extra to spend on things we don't really need but want.

Answer 3

My surprise baby arrived three weeks after we found out about it! And I wanted to stay home. First we left the option of my returning to work up in the air until we tried living on just his salary for a couple of months. Then we tried several areas of reduction in spending. Got used cars ate in rather than going out it is a lot less expensive! and then started trying to save money by conserving, if it has a second use find it and use it. Lastly, when you want to do something expense think about it. Movies can be done in the daytime for cheap and buying new furniture is a no no because the kids will just mess them up anyways just wait for the nice stuff for when the kids are older. Remember to have you don't have to spend money. That keeps us going from month to month but it is a struggle but well worth it. Also if you are going to daycare keep in mind that there are some really great places out there that do not cost an arm and leg. The people there are much more important than what kind of place and stuff they have.

Answer 4

One thing that helps is to get yourself a gift card of where you plan on buying your babies diapers and formula at. Every payday during your pregnancy put some money of your baby's gift card and by the time they are born you should have a bit saved up to buy the diapers and formula every week, especially while on maternity leave. This is also a good way of getting used to having to spend that money anyway.
Since our 3rd child we go out less to restaurants and more park picnics, eat more chicken, and less beef, not buy as much, take shorter showers, turn the heat down a couple of degrees and the air condition is not set so cold.
I also buy a lot of clothes 2nd hand. A lot of those store have some really nice things. Sometimes I go and find tons of stuff and sometimes I find nothing.
Really we don't notice anything missing that we did before.
The kids are worth it and the time you spend with them and the rest of your family means more than materialistic things.
Good luck to you and congratulations.

Answer 5

When you need baby things, from clothes to cribs, go to a thrift store. Make sure the crib slats are not more than 2 1/2 inches apart though. You can get perfectly good if slightly worn things for way less than half price. It is not recommended to get used car seats though. If one has ever been in an accident, it may not be safe. If you are where they have yard sales (also known as garage or rummage sales ) those are even cheaper. I have seen footy sleepers for 15 to 25 cents sometimes at yard sales. Good luck.

Answer 6

When I got pregnant, my bf and I were living in 2 different places, so we moved in together to pay only 1 rent instead of 2. Also if youre married you get a discount on your car insurance. We've never been the type to buy cable tv, but its an easy thing to cancel I think... I bought clothes at plus size stores instead of maternity stores- its way cheaper, but its the same idea lol...
saving money wasnt so bad when youre pregnant, its when the baby's born and you need to buy diapers and clothes and daycare (which is enormous)... good luck and have fun! ;)

Answer 7

I just stopped buying things I did not need, drove around less, things like that. Shop for the baby at clearance sales, resale shops, and garage sales. And, I hope your friends and family are generous at your baby shower. Also, if your total household income is fairly low, check with the state to see if there will be financial assistance available to you.

You did not mention whether the father is with you. If not, be sure to get into court right after the birth to get child support set up.

Good luck and many happy days with your baby.

Answer 8

You just have to cut all the "wants" - no cable tv, no extra electronics and stuff. No buying unneeded girly stuff "just because" like extra makeup, jewellery, etc. and other personal items you really don't need. For husbands, no buying of CDs or vid. games, etc., or whatever hobbies they have. If you're working, no more fancy coffees or lunches out. As a couple, no fast food or restaurants - get cooking, and healthily. No vices, such as smoking, drugging, drinking. Remember that babies just need to be loved and cared for, so you don't need the "latest and greatest" anything for him or her - like strollers, or clothes. Good luck!

Answer 9

I work as a finincial analyist. I help people in your situation all the time. If you go see a financial analyist it's a free appointment, and they'll help you with your debt and expenses. It's a huge help to most, and it doesn't take all that long. [e-mail] e-mail me if you want more information, I can give you contact information so you can set up an appointment with someone in your area.

Answer 10

one way you may not be so overwhelmed when the baby comes is to start now!!! By that I mean to start buying diapers and wipes and formula if you plan on formula feeding. Start to buy things with every paycheck now and you will save alot of money when the baby comes