New here and could use some suggestions

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2006
New here and could use some suggestions
5
Tue, 03-06-2007 - 1:17pm

Hello Everyone!

I am due with my first baby in early April. We found out around Thanksgiving that she will have some pretty major heart issues when she is born. Since then, my DH and I have been planning on me being a SAHM...that is until we took a close look at our finances. Now it looks like I might have to work afterall.

My DH makes pretty good money. We plan to pay off our 1 credit card and my student loans before the baby gets here, so that won't be on our shoulders the whole time. We have two cars- one is paid off and one is not, and our mortgage is pretty low compared to most. Despite all of this, we can't seem to make the numbers add up. How do you all do it??

Right now I cannot imagine finding a daycare to put my daughter in...honestly I don't know if any will accept her because of her condition. I really don't like my job (even though I have been there for 5+ years), and the thought of staying there just to pay for daycare is really stressing me out.

If anyone has any suggestions on how they made "it" work, I'm all ears!!! I plan to breastfeed...provided that I can, so that should help with some of the cost.

Thanks for listening, and I look forward to hearing your suggestions!!!

heffalump23

Scrapbook at WiddlyTinks.com
P
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-17-2003
Tue, 03-06-2007 - 2:02pm

First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's heart condition - I hope that it is something that can be cured or at least managed.

Before you get too freaked out about not having enough money, I think that you should really sit down and take a REALLY thorough look at your finances. The best way to do this is to track every purchase/expense for a month - and I mean EVERY one. This will give you the best idea of where your money really is going. And you might even find that there are lot of things that you can cut out:

* cable tv? Now is a great time to shop around for new providers! Bundling your phone/cable/internet may save you money.
* expensive phone features (call waiting, caller i.d., etc.)?
* name-brand groceries? (I shop at Sam's and Costco as much as possible and otherwise buy store-brand goods)
* do you eat out a lot? (That was a BIG issue for us because I HATE cooking!!!)
* expensive gas? (And if you're not working you won't be driving as much, so that expense will go down)

*And it goes without saying that expensive vacations, elaborate date nights, the latest trendy clothes, and $5 daily lattes at Starbucks will be a thing of the past.

I'm sure there are other things that I'm not thinking of. So you should go through your expenses for one month and then analyze each one to see where it can be reduced. It sounds like you're actually in pretty good shape - especially once you pay off your credit card and student loans. And you have until Thanksgiving to save like crazy!

Good luck to you - I'm willing to bet that you can find a way to make it work.

Paige (mom to Harper, John, and Gib)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-14-2005
Tue, 03-06-2007 - 2:03pm

Hello and welcome to the board :o)

Congratulations too on your little one, and I'll be praying that things aren't as bad as they are predicting. I can only imagine the emotions you are dealing with.

One thing that I do is to cut coupons, and look for sales. I try to buy meat when I can get it for a really good deal, and freeze it. I also make sure I never go shopping without a list, to help avoid "impulse buying", and I don't buy junk food or soft drinks. I set a budget and plan menus that fit within it.
You might also look into WIC... it's easier to get than food stamps and really helps a lot.
Take a look at anything else you can cut... club memberships, satellite TV, etc. We don't have a house phone, and use our mobile phones since my dh gets a good rate with his work. We are also a one car family, and I stay home most days to save on gas.
We rarely ever go to the movies (maybe once a year), and try to rent instead, or check the library.

HTH and best wishes!!!!

ETA: I just thought of something else... I check my favorite department stores like Dillards and JCPenneys at the end of the season for clearance sales for clothes... I buy things in the next size up that I know the kids will need. Sure it may not be the latest style, but it's good quality clothes that will hold up and I can usually get things at 75% off or more.




Edited 3/6/2007 2:07 pm ET by cl-momof3littlepunkins

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2007
Tue, 03-06-2007 - 2:07pm
Hi I'm Jess,
Having a child is hard on finances period but when you throw in the unknown it can be down right Terrible. The best advice I can give is don't give up on nursing too quickly, its does get easier. I also go clearence shopping for all the boys things. I buy a year in advance at the end of every season. Its saves us a bundle and if you don't have the money you just don't buy. I like to clip coupons and buy in bulk. We have memberships to B.Js and cosco. Every little bit helps. See how much money your really going to earn after childcare to see if its really worth it. It means fuel,hassle, not watching your baby grow, and with her condition I would stay home with her. My friends baby just had open heart surgery. They were in boston recovering for 1 month. Her daughter is 3 months now and their finaces are completely drained. Accept any help finantially that people offer to you ! zYou will need it somewhere along the line. Most important take care of you. See how you feel about being home. You won't be bored. Jess
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-2006
Tue, 03-06-2007 - 2:37pm
Thanks for all of the suggestions...I'll keep you all posted on how things turn out!!
Scrapbook at WiddlyTinks.com
P
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-02-2005
Tue, 03-06-2007 - 6:35pm
I used to work full time as well as my DH, then we thought of us having a baby, we have mine his and ours now. well I looked into going back to work after we moved to a new city and the cost of day care sent me into shock. I remembered why I had 3 jobs before, 2 for daycare fees alone!
So instead I went into home child care. I registered with hte local resource and referal, accept state assistance payments for some of the kids in my care, and I am here with my 2 year old, as well as here when the kids get home. THe programs available are great. Im on a program that reimbureses 90% of my meal expenses, I can claim my own kids and on top of that I bring in more than if I was working and not paying daycare. We have a car payment, minimal, and basic rent and utility bills. Bills hanging over your head are going to be a stress point. It has also helped my 2 year old socialize, I met people in a new town, plus I do all the running around and everything I need, I just take the kids. Its not so hard for me because I used to have to lug 4 kdis around before.
But it might be something to think about. You'll be able to work from home so to speak. If not child care, there are several companies looking for home billers, typists..etc... good luck and keep us posted.