Being pregnant is a wonderfully magical time. There’s so much to look forward to and enjoy, but it’s normal to feel worried about money. A new life can put a big strain on your finances, so what can you do to improve your bank balance?
Take stock of your debt
With a little one on the way, it’s a good idea to take stock of your debt. If you owe money to multiple lenders, consolidating credit cards could help, or you might prefer to talk things through with a financial adviser Upping your loan payments for a while could also leave you with less to pay when the baby arrives, so it’s worth considering your options.
Buy second hand
If you’ve been to the baby shops in town, you’ll know that prams, cribs and clothes can be a little pricey. Of course, there are some great offers out there, but it might be worth looking at second hand items. Nearly new sales are popular in the UK and there are plenty of swap shops and forums online to check out. What’s more, don’t forget to speak to friends and relatives as they might have some things you can have.
Don’t overdo the newborn clothes
As a mom-to-be, you’re probably already thinking about the birth. While it’s important to pack a hospital bag and have an adequate supply of newborn clothes at home – don’t overdo the tiny sleep suits and vests. Babies grow at a remarkable rate, so it’s wise to buy things that will help you through the rest of the year ahead. Dungarees, pajama sets and cute tracksuits might look huge now, but they’ll soon fit just right.
Make the most of freebies
During the nine months you’re pregnant, you’re sure to need a lot of lotions and potions to help you along. Luckily, NHS prescriptions are free during this period, so don’t forget to apply for a maternity exemption certificate using an application form FW8. These are available from your midwife or healthcare provider and are valid from one birth before the date that the application is received until 12 months after the expected date of the baby’s delivery.
Subscribe to baby clubs and sites
Not only are baby clubs and sites a great way to meet other mums, they can also give you access to promotional codes and vouchers. Many companies advertise their products through these forums and give money-off discounts to expectant parents. Moreover, pick up your free Bounty packs for your nearest Boots or Superdrug store and make the most of free samples including moisturizers, stretch-mark creams and even washing powders.
With a new mouth to feed, your finances are sure to be stretched a little bit, but there’s no need to overuse your UK credit cards if you don’t have to.
Disclosure: Disclosure: This is a partnered guest post.
Love the tips! Thanks for sharing! I like to recoup my $ by consigning clothes and other things!
Great tips! I have a bunch of clothes already, but I’m trying to take it easy on the tiny sizes.
I remember how expensive a new baby can be!
we have so much stuff ourselves.
I know everyone wants to go out and buy a ton of clothes but you really don’t use that many.
I can’t believe how much newborn clothes went totally unworn..so wasteful!
I totally overdid it with clothes the entire first year for my daughter. Ridiculous!
I love to get freebies.
Such good tips! My first son hardly stained any clothing, so I didn’t have to buy much for son #2.
Excellent tips!
All wonderful tips!!
These are great tips, Jennifer!
We only buy second hand!
Thanks for the great tips!
Thanks for the great tips!
Thanks for some great tips!
Great tips, thanks!
Great tips!
Thanks for all the tips!
Thanks for these great tips! New babies can really cost a lot!
Great tips!
Great info! I am due in July and need all the help I can get.
Those are some great points! We moved and my car died, so I had to get a new one, while I was pregnant. Talk about budget stress!
I’m gonna live in US with my husband soon… And I don’t have any idea how to save money and/or baby budget. But this is a great help for me, we’re planning to have our baby next year… Many thanks!
We bought a LOT second hand with our son.
We were really budget conscious with our babies and had friends with tons of baby gear that they lent us. It helped so much!
Great tips!
great tips to save. thanks for sharing.
Really great times. I’m super lucky in that I have a friend who hands down all her son’s clothes to my kid. I’ve maybe spend $50 on clothes for my son because of this.
Great tips. I love tip number 2. Most new mom’s don’t realize how fast babies grow and that they don’t end up wearing half of the clothes you buy them. The clothes just hang in the closet with the tags till on them. Trust me I remember.
Agree agreeee agreeeeee!!!
These are great tips for expectant parents!
I totally over did it with newborn clothes for baybah. If we have a second, now I know better.
What great tips!
I love the budgeting tips! I will start using these right away!
Thanks for these great tips! Having a new baby can be so expensive, every penny helps!
Great pointers I really think buying second hand is a good way to save on clothes especially for kids they outgrow everything so quickly.
Thanks for the tips! I have a little one on the way and have refrained from buying clothes so far… but it’s so tempting! I think I’ll start visiting some yard sales, so I can buy clothes without spending too much!
I completely agree about the newborn clothes… they are out of those in a flash
These are some great tips. I love buying the kids clothes at consignment shops.