First time mother due in December

Bamama

*Bump* Don't like being on page 3 lol.

mildred1978

Think the figs you've used for benefits are weekly rather than monthly. You need to multiply them by 4.33.

mildred1978

Those mobiles are a bit steep - can you switch to a lower tariff?

Bamama

Edited now mildred. Tariffs for the mobiles can't currently be reduced due to the phones we have but they will be dropped as soon as they can be.

I'm hoping the gas and electric don't go up. As we've only been here since May we don't really know what we'll use. We have managed to renew our contract so we'll be here until at least next May, the agent says our landlord is more than happy to have us here as we haven't created any problems.

princessdon

you are going to have over £500 pm disposable income, you'll be fine

But to be honest ... increase your food bill (nappies etc), and your leccy and gas will go up.

Just bear it in mind .

Bamama

The thing that worries me is that around £250 of that "excess" is going to be in OH's bank account so isn't guaranteed. So out of the £250 a month left I have to save for next years car insurance (for myself), tax and MOT on the cars possibly, next years contents insurance, next years tv licence... somewhere out of that is gonna be my unknown water rates.

I know that I'm gonna be spending on nappies, have made the decision to breast feed so can save a little on formula lol. My gas bill was £27 from June through to end of August, I set up a direct debit which they've set at £40 a month. It was £147 for my electric which is why I think that the £50 a month they're gonna be taking won't be enough and they'll have to increase it. Considering the house is empty pretty much from 7-5 Monday-Friday... it will be more when I'm home all day with the baby.

Please tell me if I'm over reacting though. I tend to get in a right flap and need to be told with blunt honesty that I need to calm down.

princessdon

You find a way - we all feel the same when pregnant, we all worry about bills, but we just manage - it's what parents do.

if anything the 2 cars (and the high associated costs may be what goes).

Enjoy your pregnancy, pop an SOA on closer to the time when you know your exact situation etc.

Bamama

Thanks princessdon OH can't do without his, as much as I wish he could because he is currently paying nearly £120 a month for insurance. Not only does he sorta need it to get to work but his whole family is a 30 minute drive away so that would cut him off from them and he's sacrificed enough moving down here for me.

I've only been driving since February so wouldn't want to give up my car either. Mostly because if I stopped driving I'm not sure I'd start again (it took me 6 years to start having lessons). Perhaps I've been too hasty in thinking I need a new car. I don't go shopping alone much so could probably get away with a strap on carrier until the baby gets too heavy. That does mean paying for tax and MOT on my KA though.

I will be sure to pop back with an update when I start to panic again lol. Thank you so much for your advice, everyone.

narabanekeater

reusuable nappies? fantastic your thinking of breastfeeding as your right it will save money. If your going to use disposbales join the list of Mother and baby groups online who send you coupons which used correctly can mean very cheap nappies for the first few months. Also try and put away say £10 a week in a piggy bank then when the supermarkets have there 1/2 nappies and wipes sales you can go and stock up while there cheap. Ive had 3 babies and to be honest the biggest costs are drops in income. They need love, cuddles, warmth, clothes and food. Posh prams and toys that do 1000 things just arent needed. Also make sure you have a Boots advanatge card as the points add up quickly. Ive had a free pram, cot and allsorts free over the years. Again they have a bump to baby club.