I am 29 weeks and getting excited but recently ny nerves about money are taking over. My husband and I make very good money, over $120k per year, but I make more than him, about 70K. I will not be working for about 3 months and I do not get paid for my leave. We live in Massachusetts which if anyone knows, is a very very expensive place to live. We have a nice home etc but I get scared that something will happen and this will be to much. We will have enough money put away to pay the mortgage for about 4 months but I am still scared. Everyone tells me it will be ok and it will all work out but the anxiety is killing me. Have other woman felt this anxiety before and what is your advice?? Does it just work out or is it very scary to have a baby and the financial worries that go along with it? Thanks everyone.
2007-03-13 11:21:35 · 19 answers · asked by ShanaJ 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Thank you so much everyone. I really appreciate the responses and the well wishes.
2007-03-13 11:56:25 · update #1
I think you should relax and enjoy this time in your life. It sounds like you have a good st art with your savings as long as you can pay your mortgage you'll always have a roof over your head. Once the baby comes you will be surprised how much relatives can kick in for support. You guys will just have to make small sacrifices during your time off work like not eating out etc but once you have a brand new baby at home most people don't want to get out as much. Don't stress have fun!
2007-03-13 11:27:40 · answer #1 · answered by Monique S 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Babies are EXPENSIVE, and every mom-to-be worries about money. It's crazy not to worry.
I'm a bit curious as to why you elected to take 3 months leave, when some places only allow 6-8 weeks. Are you expecting a difficult delivery, or do you just want to take this time off to be with your baby? If money is really an issue, you might want to consider cutting your leave a little shorter and going back to work. It's going to be hard, but it's better that you all have a roof over your head and food on the table than extra time off work and no money to pay your bills. If you can afford it, stay home. But go over your finances now... every square inch of them... including what you'll be using in formula and diapers for the baby. It's better to be prepared than find out later you were wrong.
2007-03-13 18:29:04 · answer #2 · answered by Luann 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
nervousness about how to get along when the little one comes along is natural. the important thing to remember is that "prior planning prevents poor performance"!
If you have a savings account with a healthy balance, you can plan out a budget that will allow you to live within the means that your husband will be providing.
You can also consider doing some stocking up on the non-perishable food items your family eats the most. That should save some off of the grocery bill while you are home with the baby. (it will also help you because you won't be worried about running to the store all of the time!)
I quit work prior to the birth of my oldest son and never went back. We make decisions to choose wisely on purchasing, I use coupons when I shop, I shop the sales and I enjoy my time with my family. We also chose to cut out a lot of frills we had been spending a healthy chunk of change on: dining out too frequently, cable or satellite TV, frequent movie going, etc. Make a realistic budget to include SOME dining out (limit it to no more than 1x per week or less) use the resources of the public library - they let you borrow movies and books FOR FREE, and be willing to ask for Grandma and Grandpa to baby sit one time per month per set of grandparents to give you some couple time.
I can't tell you not to worry, because that is not going to happen. But, I can tell you not to let it consume you. Remember that the most wonderful little person is coming to join your family and that the benefits of being a parent far outweigh any downside!!
Congrats on your happy news!
2007-03-13 18:35:53 · answer #3 · answered by stonechic 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is very scary but it really just does work out. You find ways to make it work. You won't be living the same lifestyle for both money and baby but it will work out. You must know that people do it with far fewer resources and cash behind them than you have. Don't let it stress you out, it could be bad for both you and the baby. Congratulations on the baby =)
2007-03-13 18:26:49 · answer #4 · answered by sticky 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It really does work out, as long as you are careful with your money and plan, which it sounds like you do.
You may have to scale back your style of living (like choosing basic cable with no HBO) and stuff like that.
I think being somewhat worried about this is normal and shows you are going to be a good parent. Just keep an eye on the spending and you should be fine.
2007-03-13 18:25:12 · answer #5 · answered by christine_ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not good for you or your baby to be so worried. Things have a way of working out in the long run, then all that worry is wasted energy! You were smart to plan ahead and save for the time you won't be able to work. Next time you might want to have a years worth of living expenses saved, as that is what financial experts say is good and it might alleviate you stress. Most of us did not save too much and we made it. I have twins and was not financially prepared for one yet, but it has worked out. God has always taken care of me and I put my life in His hands!
2007-03-13 18:31:11 · answer #6 · answered by shepherd 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Trust me, you have way more than what others have and you're just worried over nothing! Experts say you should have about 3 months salary saved up when having a little one, and it sounds like you've got that. It will all just work out. You should relax!
2007-03-13 18:30:24 · answer #7 · answered by lovin' life... 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hm... sounds like you'll be jussssssst fine...
Some people only wish they have that much... and they do just with a baby.
Pregnancy nerves... :-) Are you the working type? Maybe you're such a busy body you won't know how to slow down temporarily.
2007-03-13 19:49:16 · answer #8 · answered by throughthebackyards 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Been there done that.. I was worried how it would all work out too. It is very scary..don't get me wrong. The money you all have saved is great, more than what we have. It does work out, but for the first little while we struggled with that. With us we cut out almost everything that wasn't essential to our survival.. but our situation has gotten better, and it's all worked out.
2007-03-13 18:42:25 · answer #9 · answered by youngladyintxsa 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no thats very normal to worry about finances when youre getting ready to have a baby. we make what you and your husband make in a year in like 5 years and we do just fine. our baby has everything she needs and we live comfortable. granted we cant just go buy whatever we want, but we can afford what we NEED. thats all that matters. cut down on unecessary spending and just buy the essentials.
2007-03-13 18:26:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋