Can you help me?

culpepper

Gas and electric seem high if that is only half the amount .
Ours is about £70 a month for the both on a duel fuel tariff.
If friends or family offer to knit or buy for the new baby, say 'yes please', people sometimes think 'no thanks' means 'never' and you can always keep for another bub or pass on to others if there is too much.
The national childbirth trust (NCT)is a very useful group to join when you are going to be a new mum. They have meet ups and often have sales of maternity and baby things and they have people to help with such things as breast feeding advice if needed.

claireizadiamond

Thanks for the reply culpepper I save £30.00 for both gas and electric, we pay quarterly and I usually get around £100.00 back as such as it is usually around £160.00 quarterly for both.

I will have a look at the group, thank you. I went into New Look yesterday and managed to get 4 maternity tops/jumpers for £4.00 each using my Christmas money :j

determined_new_ms

we "acquired" a 11 month old (long story but we took custody of our granddaughter) a few years ago and as a consequence my income was slashed drastically - until August I took 15 months off of work and have now returned to work p/t earning 1/4 of what I was on before we took her. My 2 pence worth is buy reusable nappies. If I had my time again I definitely would but by the time we took her on I didn't think it was worth the outlay. If you cba with reusable then Sainsbury's own brand are cheaper than aldi!

everyone feels differently but I was happy with getting things for the baby 2nd hand. If you are too then, ebay, facebay, netmums are all great for 2nd hand items that are as good as new for a fraction of the price! I am quite rigid with her child benefit. I put it into a savings account and just use that for any items she needs and activities each month and I use about 2/3s of it and the rest is just building up a savings account for her.

It really depends how you want to be with your little one when they arrive but having kids doesn't have to cost the earth. We adopted giving her time above material items

claireizadiamond

That is so lovely of you determined new ms and I sure in the long term your Grandaughter will really appreciate all your love and support.

Going to start stocking up on nappies etc nearer the time. I am open to second hand clothes for baby (as well as me for maternity clothes)
x

Aced2016

Try Aldi if you can get to one ! I've cut my shopping hugely there !

Also it's already been said about cutting down on gifts etc, and do you know you will be entitled to child benefit ?

Really not sure you would get any tax credits but certainly check by using the tax credit calculator.

Also if anyone asks what to buy you, don't be shy to ask for nappies, Sudo cream, wipes, baby grows, vest and bibs. These are the complete essentials and you can't have too much.

Good luck !

hamiltoes

Congratulations on the new baby :j

Don't have much to add on the budget front but I did want to say, once baby is here you might want to evaluate pooling money and resources with your partner, especially if your income reduces due to mat leave etc.

You may get some help with tax credits if you require childcare in future, and also child benefit £20p/w once baby comes so I recommend entitled to website to check. Remember statuatory maternity pay is not counted as income for tax credits purposes so you may get some while you are recieving SMP due to reduced income for a year.

Also wanted to pitch in and say with nappies, supermarket own brand are by far better than the big P, L!DL were my go to and are cheap and reliable. Also really recommend their babywipes, you'll go through a lot! If you can, try to BF as much cheaper than formula and better for baby, but its really quite difficult and not everyone can so don't beat yourself up.

Don't bother with: baby baths! Waste, you'll bath them in the sink and HCP don't recommend regular baths these days anyway. Clothes! Honestly such a waste, you'll find babygrows easier, cheaper and much more practical. Baby related food and toddler ready meals. So expensive when you can DIY much cheaper and healthier.

Wish you all the best x

enthusiasticsaver

Have you looked into what maternity pay you will get?

The gifts budget could be reduced and presumably the £50 for petrol when you stop work. I would say once you finish work having a joint account would work better with you both having the same personal spends particularly as you are both on low incomes. An emergency fund is also a must.

Don't be tempted to use credit cards. It is a slippery slope and never end well. Hand me downs, charity shops etc are great for baby clothes/toys.

LabRatty

Congratulations!
Definitely agree with the principle of second hand. We've found it saves on clutter as well as money, as babies use many things for such a short time and if you haven't spend much on stuff in the first place you're much more likely to sell it on once it's no longer needed.
We have a 2 yr old in our wider family. Her first pram assembly was bought for £50 (spotless) and sold 6 months later for £35, and now she's out of the high chair (bought for £8) it has been sold for £5, meaning net costs are minimal. Good shoes (clarks etc) can be had for £1.50-£2 per pair and are often virtually unused due to the rate their feet grow.
We reckon her CB covers most of the costs of feeding/clothing her and allows for a bit of savings too. Also, open an account for baby (see Martin's best children's accounts) and put away any money given as a gift - it soon mounts up.

All the best,
LR

claireizadiamond

Wow I am overwhelmed by all your replies, thank you all for taking the time to read and reply.

Aced2016- I will have a look at Aldi, I currently get my shopping delivered by Tesco. I am trying to cut our food spend dramatically, using what's in the freezer and cupboards.

hamiltoes- Thank you Husband keeps mentioning about a shared bank account, I just don't feel comfortable using his money that he works hard for. I did buy some baby grows in the Christmas sale so we are onto a head start (although they are Christmas themed but I love Christmas!!)

enthusiasticsaver- I have had a look and from what I can see Weeks 1-6 I will receive £191.88 a week and then weeks 6-39 I will receive £123.10 a week. The £50.00 petrol will stop in July ( I am planning to work up to the last minute)

LabRatty- I didn't realise how much prams costs until me and Husband were looking the other day. A close family member won all of their baby things, but have given it away to friends recently so we will be getting everything.

x

Aced2016

If you look at the Hauck range of travel systems they're not expensive, I got mine from tesco direct a nice black and cream one. Got car seat, pram, buggy and rain cover and if you have any use your club card vouchers.

And I initially all you need is changing mat, Moses basket and pram/ car seat. And a little bouncer chair or baby beanbag. You can pick all that up on gumtree or car boot sales.

Don't go crazy on toys, numerous seats etc you honestly don't need it all. And I found the little seats from Argos brilliant for the bath they're £15.09 pink or blue with a head rest, but not compulsory.