Since February I’ve been taking a break from couponing and shopping, so you can imagine that our savings/spending have not been what I would like it to be! I’ve been relying on hubby to do the grocery shopping over the past few months, which means getting our groceries at Walmart (no coupons) because he refuses to shop at Kroger (he claims he doesn’t know where anything is in Kroger). On top of that, being pregnant does some weird things to your appetite and I am guilty of sending hubby out to the store for whatever I’ve craving at the time.
Luckily, my energy has been increasing and I’ve been coming to my senses and realizing that I need to get our spending back under control. It always helps me to write out my short and long term savings goals. When I’m tempted to blow $20 here and $10 there thinking about what I’m saving for helps keep me in line.
Current Short Term Goals (6 months or Less)
1.) Save 3 months of my salary. When the baby arrives in October I plan on taking 12 weeks off from work. While I’ll probably have enough vacation time to have the first 4 weeks paid time off, the majority of my time off will be unpaid leave. In that case, I want to be prepared ahead of time and make sure we won’t have to worry about paying the bills.
- Savings Goal: $6,000.
- Current Savings: $2424.29.
- Needed to reach goal: $3575.71 (I’m estimating that I have 10 paychecks to go till baby arrives, which means I need to save $715.14 a month to reach my goal by the end of September 2011).
2.) Save $2000.00 for baby necessities. I’m guesstimating that this amount will be sufficient in covering a crib, car seat, stroller, swing, pack in play, bedding, glider, changing table, pump, bottles, paint/décor for nursery. This guesstimate is based on retail price estimates so hopefully I’ll be able to find some great deals or even win some of these things through giveaways and I won’t need to save that much.
- Savings Goal: $2,000
- Current Savings: $0.00
- Needed to reach goal: $2,000 (I’m estimating that I have 10 paychecks to go till baby arrives, which means I need to save $200.00 a month to reach my goal by the end of September 2011).
To be honest, I have no idea how I’m going to achieve both these goals by the end of September 2011. On my salary alone, there’s no way I can save $915.14 a month (and hubby’s savings is going towards paying for his graduate school)- but some how things always work out and I’m having faith that God will continue to provide for our needs. I’m just going to have to get creative and figure out how to earn some extra money!
What are your tips for saving on baby necessities? On earning extra income?
Hi! I'm Jamie, a wife and mom who is passionate about living debt-free, saving for a rainy day, and spending money wisely. This blog is my way of teaching other how to save so that they can live a debt-free life!
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
There is only one thing baby gear wise that I regretted not going top of the line on and that was a breast pump. I got a cheap single electric pump and it ended up being a big waste of money. I ended up buying a second breastpump (Medela Pump in Style Advanced) and it is way better. Some insurances will pay for a breast pump so it may be worth checking to see if yours does. Otherwise, the only place I have seen them go on sale is Target.com. I bought mine on sale through Mr. Rebates (yea for extra savings!)
Craigslist is a great resource for free/cheap baby gear. Just make sure you check for any product recalls before purchasing.
Know moms of toddlers from work or church? Check and see if they have any gear they are ready to part with.
Lots of prayers for a healthy pregnancy!
I have never painted and decorated a nursery. It's not a requirement :)
Some people really like baby swings, but some babies hate them. It might be a total waste of money for you. If you really want one, get a used one. And, do not waste your money on a bouncer. It's good for about 1-2 months (I feel that a swing is good for the same amount of time as well, and those times overlap).
As far as saving other money, there are ways to do that. I feed my family of 8 for .70 per person per day (it's often much less). We eat less expensive meals more often (such as bean burritos and soups. We got meatless quite often. We have cut our expenses quite a bit (including our utilities).
I have 6 children, and I never owned a glider or a changing table. I change small babies in their cribs (one half of the crib is for sleeping, and the other half works for a changing table; just put down a cloth diaper and/or half-size waterproof pad, some wipes, and a basket of diapers right there, and you're good to go. I change bigger babies and toddlers on my bed, with a cloth diaper underneath as a changing pad.
You do not need a fancy bedding set. You will receive tons of blankets as gifts, and they will be fine, along with some sheets, waterproof pads, and mattress pads.
I will second buying used! Look at children's resale shops. Garage sales will give you the best prices. Remember to buy ahead for several sizes. Also, you don't need as many outfits as people say you do; you just need more bibs :) Change the bibs if they spit up, and you don't have to change all of hte outfits. The bibs fit for mutliple sizes. Also, newborns sleep (almost) all the time, so they will mostly wear pajamas :)
I have seen baby clothes for free on Craigslist OFTEN.
If you need more maternity clothes, you can buy used maternity clothes at children's resale shops, thrift stores, garage sales, etc.
You do not have to have everything for the baby. Don't let your emotions confuse the needs and wants. The baby doesn't need elorate clothing, just a few good peices for outings, and put him/her in sacks or sleepers when home.Get the basics first, then add what you need when you need it.
Very true! I keep reminding myself that baby will grow quickly and that money is best spent on a college education. :)
Jamie, Its great to see you back. I was getting worried about you and your family… It’s me Heather (the mom of triplets). What part of Ky are you in again? I have a pack n play and carseat/stroller combo I don’t care to give to you…
Enjoy the pregnancy. Enjoy some you and hubby time as that quickly fades away.
-Heather
Hey Heather! So glad to hear from you! I am In Western KY {and travel to NKY on occassion)- I can't remember if those are anywhere near you are not? Email Me- couponsarefun@gmail.com
What part of Nothern Ky do you visit? I'm on the south east side of KY but we are planning a visit to Newport before long. I'm also planning a trip with my crew to the Lousiville Zoo in June as well. I hope all is well and am so excited for you guys!
Also, boy/girl? I can't remember if I read it… I may have a few things. We've gave a lot away to other families but I'm always finding a few things here and there!!!
get the baby Bargains book! Love it! Oh and cloth diapers!!!! Plus always use coupons at Babiesrus and Buy Buy Baby
Thanks Sandy, I haven't heard of that book- will check it out.
Please check your insurance in DETAIIL about your delivery. Also when you get your bills look LINE by LINE regarding your stay there. I was charged for a circumcision for my daughter.
Also if you live near a college with a large grad student population, post that you are looking for baby things. I live by several large university and for a high chair, pack and play, stroller, co sleeper for less than 200.
Also you may be able to collect short term disability for your maternity leave.
Ha! Awesome tip! I was told my husband that he was in charge of writing down everything that they do/give me while I'm in the hospital so we're not overcharged.
Congratulations Jamie. Does your area have a Just Between Friends sale? I have bought and sold all of my kids things through this program. You can get excellent baby stuff for half the price.
Thank You Lee! Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there are any Just Between Friends sales anywhere in KY, :(
Congrats Jamie! I have 2 boys both born in September. Check out Craigslist for gently used baby items: I've seen Pottery Barn Kids bedding, Baby Bjorn carriers, Medela pumps, diaper bags, baby gear for a third of retail price….
Thanks Laila@ It sounds like you've had some great luck on Craigslist! I'll have to keep an eye out for some baragins.
If there is a freecycle group in your area, you can check there if someone has baby items to give away. I found a swing, and a high chair that way. Both were in great condition.
Great idea, I'll have to check to see if there's one in my area.
Ask for giftcards from a certain store then you can buy a big ticket item with them! See my blog for more money saving tips!!!
You can easily achieve your baby goals for $2000 by buying everything used. For my first baby i spent 400 or so on bum genius cloth diapers, crib with mattress used was 60 and came with ocean wonders mobile , blankets, sheets and waterproof pad, changetable was free off of freecycle, breastpump was the 140 stroller and infant caraway and high chair 350 from a garage sale. Clothes received free as baby gifts. Make sure you register for gifts so people know what u want. Ask for giftcards for
one by medela got used for 40 at a garage sale, nursing pillow 10 from garage sale,
Oh good, glad to hear that my goal for baby stuff is attainable! I'm definitely going to have to hit some garage sales this summer!
1. If you're having a shower, specifically ask for the larger items. Especially family. They can go in together and buy some of the larger items you need.
2. Network. Ask at church, work, other family members if they know someone that is ready to get rid of their baby items. See if they can put you in touch with them, and then buy in bulk, so they can get rid of a lot of it at a time. Makes it much easier. ( I just had a friend do this with much of my baby stuff).
3. Our nursery at church has a large basket in the foyer. For couples that are having a baby, a special month is dedicated for people to place diapers in the basket for the new baby. With my 3rd, I didn't have to buy diapers for 7 months!
Great ideas! That's great that your churchhelps out new parents like that!
MyPoints and Swagbucks help me out a lot! When I was in school using my Swagbucks for Amazon gift certs. and then using my Amazon money for books was such a huge help!
I also list unwanted and already read books and cds on half.com, Platos Closet is great for getting a little extra cash from unwanted clothing.
Congrats on the pregnancy and good luck with your savings! I will be rooting for you!
Love SwagBucks! I have had some luck selling books on half.com, I'll have to look around the house and see what else I can come up with. Thanks!