Money worries (Again) - Pregnancy

mumtime

18/07/2008 at 04:54

Morning all,

I just thought I would have a little rant as I am panicking about money. I am still at work and get paid in a week and I'm broke already. As in COMPLETELY broke. What is it going to be like when I'm earning pocket money on maternity leave?! I have been trying to buy lots of napoies, wipes, creams, lotions and potions so we can stock up before the birth - I'm taking advantage of all the offers out there so thats obviosuly going to help but still!
I am just really scared about not being able to do anything when the baby comes - I guess as long as the rent is paid we'll be fine but I can't help worrying. Is anyone else freaking out like me??
Sorry to moan I just feel panicked today

Michelle 24+3
xx

Leigh22Kent Platinum member

18/07/2008 at 05:07

Hey Mumtime - I worry about money all the time.
I am rubbish with money - have never saved for anything !!!
Even when I am skint I manage to buy a new bag or top etc ..

We have recently bought a house, so I am only just getting used to having a mortgage and to pay for bills, plus we took out a loan for decorating - on top of that I have started driving lessons and now the baby !!!!

Like you, I am buying bits every month and getting the deals and using all my vouchers, but I do worry that I am going to be like Bianca off Eastenders not being able to afford anything !!! I'm sure that it will all come naturally and we won't let our babies go without, even if it is a struggle xx

giojo

18/07/2008 at 05:17

hi sweet!
i'm same as you my oh is worried too. out here in cyprus i won't get my maternity money until 3months later the system out ere is screwed up. at least i've put the mortage money by for the nx couple of months so don't have to worry about that.
i too have been buying nappies and lotions and stuff.
but how long are babies in the newborn pampers for i've got about five packets and stopped as i didn't know how long he would be in that size for.
gio 35+5 x

giojo

18/07/2008 at 05:18

engaged2010 Platinum member

18/07/2008 at 05:23

Gio,
I have quite a few packs of pampers, I bought about 5 packets of stage 1 and the same in stage 2 and the rest in stage 3 & 4 as I think LO will be in them for longer....
I think everyone worries about money, I do quite alot. My OH & I are both on quite a good wage and I have managed to save about 150 pound a month so we have the savings behind us as well. Although I still panic about everything.
My mum was a single parent and she says no matter how much money you have coming in you will always manage (hope she is right lol)
Hope this helps
Cass 30+5

mumtime

18/07/2008 at 05:25

Oh you have all made me feel better already - its nice to know other people are in the same boat!
Thats true about nappies?! I never thought of that! Ha ha, I'll be squeezing my 2 yr old in newborn nappies knowing me cos I would have bought so many!
Well done for saving some of the money, I should have a few months rent saved which will help too, I guess we just need to budget alot and not splurge. Its so scary!
I feel bad for you and the delay on mat pay - thats sounds awful.
Like you all say though, you just have to make it work. Gulp xx

giojo

18/07/2008 at 05:26

thanks cass
i'll get a few stage 2 packets too then thanks for that sweet
gio xx

giojo

18/07/2008 at 05:41

mumtime
as everyone tells me you will always find the money. don't forget too that lots of people will be buying you presents for the baby so that will help i've had quiet a few already like the bedding the moses basket the thing you lay on the matress just in case the baby stops breathing. little clothes his bath. and he hasn't even been born yet.
but i know how you feel hun my oh doesn't earn the best of wages out ere but no one does out ere. but chin up everything will be fine.
just think i also have to have about 1800 euros just to give bith out ere. me and oh have been saving for this too
but it will all be worth it in the end...
gio xx

mumtime

18/07/2008 at 05:44

Thanks Gio, your a sweetie. I see you also have alot to fork out. I have received loads of gifts and my MIL (interfering as she is) has bought us tons and also the pram. Ok, I will try and remain calm and like you say it will be worth it in the end!
Whats your due date? x

giojo

18/07/2008 at 07:31

mumtime
i'm due on august 17th
i can't wait now i've had such a good pg no problems up till now mainly cause of the heat out here its soooo hot i must be holding about 5kgs of fluid :lol: my feet and hands are like big dinosaur feet..
i just want my little Wade to come now.
i'm still working but just spreading my work out a bit.
i'm just don't know wot to expect out here when it comes to giving birth its done very different you don't have choices ere or birth plans. so i will have to see.:roll:
gio xxx

mumtime

18/07/2008 at 07:37

Still working?! Are you crazy!! In that heat too! I have to say I miss having a Summer holiday this year but can't imagine what its like to be pg in that heat. Its ok here so far - typically English! I'm sure you'll be fine giving birth over there as at the end of the day lots of other people have done it - don't worry.
Not long to go - I can't wait to hear all about it! :\) I am due November 3rd so still a way to go! xx

giojo

18/07/2008 at 07:41

ahh you will have a little scorpio child nice but there always on the go. my friends have little scorpio children. i will have i little leo unless he is late not sure what their like as children have to wait and see

gio xx

Sylvester

18/07/2008 at 08:11

Hi

Once the baby is born, you will be entitled to child benefit, which will bring in around an extra ??70 plus a month.

Septembermama

mumtime

18/07/2008 at 08:13

Oh I hadn't even considered that - I go straight for the panic before I think things through. Well every little helps. God I sound like a Tescos ad :\)

Thankyou! xx

Allie73

18/07/2008 at 09:02

You'll be ok. You just have to have a plan. If you start writing down everything you spend money on in a month, you will be able to keep better track of where your money is going. Once you figure that out, you can figure out where you can cut back. My friend did this and found out she was spending over ??800/year at Starbucks! You could cancel your Sky subcription and internet while you're on maternity. You can use the internet for free at the library. Avoid buying packaged meals and cook from scratch, in bulk so you have quick meals in the freezer. Walk whenever you can to avoid using petrol or paying for bus fare. Go to boot fairs to buy baby things. Seriously! It's the best thing I did. I can't believe the toys I've gotten for my son for next to nothing.

purpletyger Silver member

18/07/2008 at 09:26

Also don't forget to apply for the SureStart Maternity Grant, I think you can apply from 29 weeks up until 3 months after the birth of your baby and when baby is born apply for Child Tax Credits which you may well be entitled in addition to the Child Benefits.

I know how tight it can be financially, my husband was made redundant a couple of months before the birth of our first child and it was so hard. We brought a lot of stuff second hand and were given a pram and some other bits which helped, but believe me you'll manage and be fine just because you have to be when you have a kiddie. Also if people ask you what to buy you for the baby, don't be afraid to ask for some of the more boring stuff. My family did that for us because they wanted to buy us practical things as well as some nice little outfits etc.

mumtime

18/07/2008 at 10:15

Thats all so true. I'm home alone tonight so I think I will be all about the excel spreadsheets with the incomings and outgoings and I'm going to research cheaper brands and things too. Thanks for all your help everyone, I feel alot calmer and know no there are ways and means.
2.25hrs of work left. Thanks god its Friday xxx

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