Trying to save money for a Baby?

Question

I have been trying to save money for my baby. I am due around Thanksgiving. I need to save enough money for the 6 weeks I will have off, plus need money for baby items. My boyfriend job is not reliable, so I am trying to save enough to cover both of our bills for 6 weeks. I put aside money every pay check, but I feel so far behind. My mom and dad have no money to lend me, and I feel funny asking family. What can I do? I will be hitting the 2nd hand store for baby items I need. Any other ideas?? Thanks!!!

I plan on breast feeding as long as possiable and making my own baby food. I just finshed with my Master's degree and was in the process of starting a career. I feel that I will have more money in the future, just not now. I am trying to make sure my bills are covered while I am out on maternity leave since my job does not pay for that time off. I have money saved up, just not enough (in my book).

Answer 1

Get someone to throw you a baby shower. See what kind of support your state offers you. I know in Louisiana, we have WIC that will help with diapers and food. Also...pregnancy centers will often give you necessities and/or ppl will donate things you could get. Garage sales are good for clothes and baby furniture as well!
good luck!
and tell ur bf to get a better job! hes gonna be a father soon!!!

Answer 2

I think it's wonderful that you are trying so hard. I'm due around that time too and just stopped bf 4 months ago when I found out. You will save so much money by bf so stick with it and don't give up! Try cloth diapers too. I used them for 1 1/2 years and then my daughter was potty trained since then. I never spent one dime on diapers. I takes discipline but if you bf it won't be so gross. You will find something to do, be sure it's something that you can work around your bf schedule because that is very important for your child too. Some people think it costs so much to clothe a baby. You really just need some basic things that could last for months until you get on your feet. Hopefully your bf will come around and realize the importance of this too. Good Luck! Jennifer, mother of 5

Answer 3

1. Try to simplify you life as much as possible.
2. Buy stuff in bulk
3. Watch all of expenses and track
4. Eat at home as much as possible
5. Check with your local government if there is any subsidy income for you. In canada there is subsidies for low income
6. Once you child is old enough consider taking in another child to help out
7. Ask your BF to find a better job ( ie take courses to land better job).
8. Ask the bank to lend you some cash ( ie credit line for emegency)


Good luck

Answer 4

Buy bulk, make up a bunch of meals and freeze them. That way you will save money and have more time with the baby. Cut Coupons, Breastfeed, Cloth Diapering and EBAY!!!
........and don't worry, when the grandparents see the baby for the first time something changes, they turn into spoiling machines lol
Congrats and Good Luck ;)

Answer 5

Make a budget. Track EVERY PENNY that you spend. Don't buy ANY extra stuff like starbucks, lunch, renting movies, going to the movies. Really only buy the necessities. It's SO much cheaper to make your lunch than to buy it. Also, shop with a list. Plan your entire week of meals and snacks. Only buy what you need. Don't buy any cookies or chips or sodas or stuff like that. You don't NEED cookies. We save SO much money on our grocery shopping. I talk with friends and co-workers and they're spending hundreds each week on groceries. We spend about $40 a week for me, my husband, and our 2-year-old. About 40-50 actually. Shop on sale days and use coupons (but only on things you need). We shop at Henry's and they have their big sale days on Wednesdays. It's when you can use the previous weeks and next weeks ads. Shop around, find the best deals near you.

Also, save on gas. Try to walk to places that are close. Consolidate your trips; go to the grocery store and target in the same trip. Also, you can save a lot of gas by driving slower. Once you get over 60 mph, you exponentially use more gas the faster you go. And, don't accelerate fast. Gradually get up to speed instead of "flooring it." It will save a lot in gas money.

Call any loans or credit card companies and ask for a lower interest rate. They will probably give you one (if you're on good standing). If they won't lower the rate, ask them what you need to do to get a lower rate. Sometimes they say, pay on time for 6 months and then we'll lower it. Or something like that.

Find fun activities that are free or really cheap. Look on the internet for things to do around you. Take up hiking. I hiked all through my pregnancy, and after he was born.

Also, ask for free stuff on Craigslist. Check out the free stuff for great give aways. Or, search for baby items under $5 or $10.

Answer 6

If your boyfriend's job isn't reliable, he should look for another job and probably a second job -- pizza delivery has flexible hours and they always seem to need drivers.

Frankly, stop worrying about covering HIS bills. He should be the one worrying about covering your bills. Maybe he can sell his playstation or other toys to cover some of the upcoming costs.

Answer 7

Join a freecycle group. They are all over the web and I am sure there is one that covers your area. People are always posting baby stuff for free. Good luck!

Answer 8

This might sound harsh - but your boyfriend needs to find a reliable job. He has some new responsibilities now, and needs to step up to them, or you need to reconsider your relationship.

Good luck.

Answer 9

people should not have babies when they cannot afford to raise them
you think it's hard now? wait until that kid hit junior high school