Can we afford a child?

Newly-Wed

Hi. I need some advice.

I'm in a strong and loving marriage with my new Husband. We've been together for 8 years and married for 9 months. We are living in our first home together and have a pet together.

I'm a qualified Teaching Assistant, but work in a fast-food restaraunt until I can find work in a school. I work full-time and I'm on National Minimum Wage. My Husband is unemployed. He has severe dyslexia and is finding it very difficult to get a job as a result (this shouldn't make any difference in this day and age, but it obviously still does - the Jobcentre has called him "thick" because he can't fill out forms).

We are free of debts, and have no issues regarding over-spending or impulse-buying. We are always careful on our outgoings and save money wherever possible.

We feel we are ready to start a family in many ways, but there is one factor that greatly concerns me - can we afford to in our current financial circumstances? Do we both need decent jobs, or would we be able to manage on one income?

I want the best start possible for our child, and I want to know they won't be taken away from us because we can't afford.

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

sharp910sh

What is your salary? That is the question. Will you return to work

UsernameAlreadyExists

Newly-Wed wrote: »

.... My Husband is unemployed. He has severe dyslexia and is finding it very difficult to get a job as a result (this shouldn't make any difference in this day and age, but it obviously still does - the Jobcentre has called him "thick" because he can't fill out forms).
...

errr ... what?

There is never a "right time". Whenever it happens, you'll adapt. If you plan for 9 months time, it could happen in 24 months. You'll deal with it ... there's no manuals.

DannyBo

Newly-Wed wrote: »

Hi. I need some advice.

I'm in a strong and loving marriage with my new Husband. We've been together for 8 years and married for 9 months. We are living in our first home together and have a pet together.

I'm a qualified Teaching Assistant, but work in a fast-food restaraunt until I can find work in a school. I work full-time and I'm on National Minimum Wage. My Husband is unemployed. He has severe dyslexia and is finding it very difficult to get a job as a result (this shouldn't make any difference in this day and age, but it obviously still does - the Jobcentre has called him "thick" because he can't fill out forms).

We are free of debts, and have no issues regarding over-spending or impulse-buying. We are always careful on our outgoings and save money wherever possible.

We feel we are ready to start a family in many ways, but there is one factor that greatly concerns me - can we afford to in our current financial circumstances? Do we both need decent jobs, or would we be able to manage on one income?

I want the best start possible for our child, and I want to know they won't be taken away from us because we can't afford.

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry to be blunt but no you can't - if you have to ask such a ridiculous question.

Having a child doesn't revolve around having money.

No need to thank me.

suki1964

Yes

As long as you satisfy the minimum working hours, ctc and wtc will kick in

Newly-Wed

Apologies - I forgot to mention I am planning on returning to work after Maternity Leave. I guess I'll have to if my income is the only one coming in (which I guess will save on Childcare costs if my Husband is not working).

warehouse

OP, if everyone waited until they could afford to have a child then nobody would ever have one.

sharp910sh

I will have kids when I am on £40k a year minimum/

suki1964

sharp910sh wrote: »

I will have kids when I am on £40k a year minimum/

That's why now at 49,I'm childless


Don't wait for children, you may find the choice is removed

Robin_TBW

If you even have to ask this question to strangers then the answer is no.

You've got a household with one minimum wage income... let's face it, you knew the answer.

suki1964

Robin_TBW wrote: »

If you even have to ask this question to strangers then the answer is no.

You've got a household with one minimum wage income... let's face it, you knew the answer.

Obviously not heard about benefits