SOA - does it look ok?

mrsd1984

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

Sorry. I misunderstood.

I thought you already had one child.

In that case, I'd say almost £600 pa, for presents, is a lot.

It probably is a lot, but then I don't aim to spend it all. I'd rather have too much in that account and have a nice sum left at the end of the year. We have only just started this, and from the £50 that went in at the beginning of July we have £43 left so we are not spending needlessly (sp?). If after Christmas we find we have lots left, we can easily readjust the amount. I do understand what you are saying though.

notanewuser

mrsd1984 wrote: »

We find it plenty for the 2 of us. We eat well, and cook a lot from scratch. Husband takes packed lunches to work and we do buy mainly value products. We have managed it for months, and have done it before when money was a bit tight.

What are you doing about nappies/wipes etc?

[Deleted User]

Personally, I'd put some of the money you are putting aside for Presents, into the Emergency Fund.

While it's in the Presents Fund, there's a tendency to think "We can afford that rather expensive present, as we have lots of money in the kitty for presents".

I know it's purely psychological, but knowing it's in the "Emergency Fund", makes it less tempting to spend it on that "perfect present mum/dad/auntie/uncle would love".

I'd even go as far as to suggest sitting down now (well before Christmas), and deciding how much you will spend on each person, for Christmas and Birthday, then budget to save just that much.

People tend to understand that, with a new baby, you can no longer afford lavish gifts, and instead are happy to receive token gifts, in the £10/20 (or even less) range.

mrsd1984

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

Personally, I'd put some of the money you are putting aside for Presents, into the Emergency Fund.

While it's in the Presents Fund, there's a tendency to think "We can afford that rather expensive present, as we have lots of money in the kitty for presents".

I know it's purely psychological, but knowing it's in the "Emergency Fund", makes it less tempting to spend it on that "perfect present mum/dad/auntie/uncle would love".

I'd even go as far as to suggest sitting down now (well before Christmas), and deciding how much you will spend on each person, for Christmas and Birthday, then budget to save just that much.

People tend to understand that, with a new baby, you can no longer afford lavish gifts, and instead are happy to receive token gifts, in the £10/20 (or even less) range.

We have actually sat down and written out how much we intend to spend on people for birthday's and Christmases. Have it saved on computer and my aim is to come under target. Started shopping already and have got quite a few bits and pieces. All of a sudden this year we have lots of children to buy for. We have gone from 2 nephews to 4 and our baby. Also, a couple of close friends have had babies this year. My parents have divorced and remarried so 3 sets of parents to buy for. Anyway, I see your point and will look into moving some of the money into another account. Thanks for your suggestion.

mrsd1984

notanewuser wrote: »

What are you doing about nappies/wipes etc?

We have loads and loads. We've been buying throughout pregnancy whenever we have seen offers and currently have enough for around the first 18 years! :rotfl:

FBaby

Have you bought everything for your baby? They don't cost much when they are only a few weeks, but it then adds up, pushchair, cot, clothing, highchair, bath, changing bag, etc... Can you rely on family/friends to help with all these?

mrsd1984

FBaby wrote: »

Have you bought everything for your baby? They don't cost much when they are only a few weeks, but it then adds up, pushchair, cot, clothing, highchair, bath, changing bag, etc... Can you rely on family/friends to help with all these?

We have all these ready. Managed to get them all without getting further into debt. I was earning more and managed to save to buy what we needed for baby.

tallyhoh

mrsd1984 wrote: »

Thank you.

Tallyhoh: I don't think so. I earn around £27000 when I work full time. I teach, but have recently turned to supply teaching which is why I'm only getting smp for majority of my maternity leave. Will be looking to work part time after I go back so maybe then, but to be honest I know very little about it.

Check out any entitlement on turn2us

mrsd1984

tallyhoh wrote: »

Check out any entitlement on turn2us

Thank you. I've just checked it out and we are not entitled to anything.

OverRated

mrsd1984 wrote: »

We have actually sat down and written out how much we intend to spend on people for birthday's and Christmases. Have it saved on computer and my aim is to come under target. Started shopping already and have got quite a few bits and pieces. All of a sudden this year we have lots of children to buy for. We have gone from 2 nephews to 4 and our baby. Also, a couple of close friends have had babies this year. My parents have divorced and remarried so 3 sets of parents to buy for. Anyway, I see your point and will look into moving some of the money into another account. Thanks for your suggestion.

Whilst different circumstances - My wife and I have agreed with our family we wont buy presents for Birthdays and XMAS. We get everyone a card and buy small gifts for the two children in the family.

Perhaps you could consider something similar. I suspect your family/friends would much rather you saved the money.