There are many things for expecting parents to get done once they receive the good news of a baby on the way. Baby showers, setting up the nursery, creating a birth plan and more. Don’t forget about the financial cost of all this. Our credit counseling advice is to plan accordingly. Saving before, during and after the baby is born is the best way to avoid consumer debt.
Budgeting for a baby will help prevent debt.
Savings Tips for Expecting Parents to Avoid Credit Card Debt
Many couples find themselves well endowed with baby items from generous friends and family; however there are ongoing costs associated with raising children that expecting parents sometimes underestimate. Here is a look at some of those costs and tips on saving money. Following these tips will hopefully allow you to continue eliminating credit card debt or avoid it in the future.
Pregnancy & Baby Costs
Plan on medical expenses for delivery and baby insurance. Even with health insurance, delivery costs typically exceed coverage. Check with your insurance company to see what your policy will cover. They may even have an estimator to give you a rough savings goal. It could easily be $1,000 or more. Plus, you will need to start paying insurance for the little one.
You’ll see an increase in food costs for mom and baby. Mamas get hungry while pregnant. If they are able to nurse, the hunger does not stop. Your grocery bill will have to stretch to accommodate this. Eventually, that baby will also need its own food supplies from the grocery store. Between formula, puffs and baby food, expect additional increases down the line that continue as the baby gets bigger.
Maternity clothes and post delivery clothes are probably needed. I appreciated having some nice maternity clothes while pregnant. I also benefited from different clothes once the baby was born. Moms often need shirts they can nurse in and nursing bras to go along with it. Pants and other clothing items might also be needed as body shapes change post delivery.
Baby supplies. There are a million and one things that you need to buy for the baby on a consistent basis. They need a lot of diaper supplies, helpful toys, gadgets and baby gear. You may also find you need more blankets, sheets, pacifiers and teething toys.
Savings Tips for Expecting Parents
Now that you have a glimpse into your future, it’s time to start saving that moolah. The more you can save, the better you will be. There will be plenty of stress without having to worry about money.
- Rework the budget to save $100-200 as soon as you get pregnant
- Continue to save this amount to cover baby supplies once the baby arrives
- Look for used baby items to lower costs
- Create a clear and helpful baby shower registry- ask friends and do research to get what you really need
- Make some extra money before the chaos comes
- Cancel some subscriptions and memberships to boost savings
- Keep tax refunds, bonuses, birthday money and more for the baby fund
Being prepared financially is a really important step as your family grows. Stay ahead of the game to avoid stress and debt. Be sure to have a working budget that you review and update together.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
