Do you think I can afford another child ?

Rachie_B

liz you are only 29 ,you could wait a few yrs and see if you want to extend your family then the youngest would be at school then too

Spendless

Rachie_B wrote:

liz you are only 29 ,you could wait a few yrs and see if you want to extend your family then the youngest would be at school then too

I agree.Mine were born when I was 33 and 36. How long would training to be an accountant take?

hobo28

Having a baby around the house is lovely. Babies are ace. Problem is........they grow up!

lizodonnell

The route I am doing because I dont have time to go to college and i have to study from home is 10 years by the time i will be fully qualified, so waiting until i have completed that isnt my biggest worry, its starting again in three or four years time ! she will be at school next september and i have the contraceptive injection so couldnt even start trying until july, i just wouldnt want to have one as soon as she started school, i think it would make the transition really hard for her, and she is my little princess, its all about the two i have now not being affected by it in a bad way just because i want a teeny weeny baby to cuddle now i have two big lanky ones taking over the living room !!

sarymclary

Liz,
I don't think your question is so much about whether you can afford a child, but whether you're prepared to sacrifice the current lifestyle and money you have.

Being a parent is all about sacrifices, but if you're really up for the gig, you don't even realise you're making them.

If you really wanted to be a bigger family I think you'd be having a lot of early nights and enjoying yourselves!

I'm the mother of 4 children, and I'm raising them on my own after being widowed. I've been a SAHM since my 2nd was born, and will only consider going back to work once my youngest starts junior school (2 yrs). I made a commitment to have my children and raise them (altho' I know this doesn't suit everyone). However, my 2 eldest are both at Grammar, achieve great grades, and my 2 youngest are in the top sets in their schools too. I thoroughly believe that it's been down to encouraging grown up conversation at home, and being there every step of the way for them.

I'm not judging you, but I think if you look deep within you, you already know the answer I'm sure. A healthy baby is a blessing, and shouldn't come into the world owing anyone anything - least of all a month's salary, or taking some of the kids' pocket money.

On a practical note, surely if you took a year out of work for your maternity leave, you'd be able to save on the nursery fees for your daughter by keeping her home with you, after which she'd be in full time education, and then you could assess your situation a year down the line (or more than 18 months from now in reality).

Good luck, and I hope everything works out for you and your family. :cool:

lizodonnell

That would be my plan, and part of me is seeing a new baby as a chance to spend even more time with the baby i still have ! My son is a little star and i know that he doesnt ask for the things he needs for school (well not all of them) But I want them for him, he has worked so hard and he is such a help around the house that I just want to give him the best I can. You are right about our lifestyle though, we have only had the sort of money we get now for about a year and the novelty of it hasnt worn off yet - savings and nice clothes and nice cars are just the stuff that other people used to have, not us, so i know that we could afford a baby. Maybe you are right. Will speak to DH when he gets home again i think. Its all his d*** fault anyway !! But I always wanted one straight after my little girl, but its been so long now and we have gotten so used to this way of life, and I just sort of thought that was it (although my mom bet me £50 about two years ago that I would have another before i was 35!!) Maybe moms do know everything !!

Penny-Pincher!!

Hi

I dont understand why its costing an extra £170pm because of Grammar school Thats £2040 a year extra:eek: :eek: :eek:

My DD has just passed her 11+ and is going to a Grammar school September and from this month I am putting £50pm away for school trips away etc. We have also agreed on £25pcm pocket money which she will have to use to buy phone credit etc.

Her uniform is costing a huge amount (£500) but have already saved £150 towards this and we have been offered help from parents as they would like to invest in her future:D

Looking at your SOA there is alot that could be cut down. Shopping around for better deals on all insurances, morgage, mobiles, phones, internet etc.

You have a good income coming in each month but would say its more lifestyle choices that need to be looked at.

HTH

PP
xx