I've spent the last several weeks literally freaking out about finances and how it's all going to work out once this baby gets here. I know that Brian and I are two highly intelligent individuals and we'll figure it all out. I'm only starting to feel like we've got a plan in place, but it's making me feel a lot better about things. I also am wondering if me going off all of my medications has a bit to do with it all! I did end up quitting the anti-depressants again when I was about 9-10 weeks along just because I felt like if I didn't HAVE to take them, then I didn't want to. I am remembering now that a major reason I went on them about 3 years ago was to help with my anxiety levels.
Brian has been doing a pretty good job dealing with my craziness, and no, I really don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that I've been crazy lately! I grew up in a household where money was always tight and I remember feeling like money was always something to worry about. This has definitely followed me into adulthood. Being the Family and Human Development major that I am, I have severe issues with the thought of leaving my child in a daycare and basically allowing someone else to raise my child, so naturally, I want one of us to be able to stay home. Going down to one income is what's throwing me into a panic. I've been trying to put some cash away in savings and Brian and I are both in agreement that the Tahoe must go (if you know of anyone that wants to buy a 1999 Tahoe in immaculate condition with 20" wheels and a remote start alarm system for the low, low price of $5,500 let us know!). We're downgrading where we can with our cell phone plans and a few other things. Still the "unknown" haunts me. I know I'm not the only parent-to-be out there that worries about finances, so some words of encouragement would be nice! I'm taking deep breaths and thinking serene thoughts.
6.09.2009
Anxiety
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
.jpg)
9 comments:
Hey girl! Try to calm yourself down as much as possible. Yes, we all worry about finances when we're about to have kids...it's totally normal. You guys are already taking good steps to cut back on your expenses and that is a very good start. From my personal opinion, diapers are really not that expensive I'd say we spend about $30 a month on diapers for Conner. It's more when they are newborns because they go through more diapers in a day, but that phase doesn't last too long. You can always try cloth diapers too. Breastfeed if you are able...formula is what is really expensive. Count on at least $30 per week if the baby is exclusively fed on formula. And remember, there are a lot of things out there that people swear that you need for babies that you really just don't. A crib is kind of important, but a changing table is not. Neither are cute, overpriced bedsets. The baby's don't use the comforters anyways because they increase the risk of SIDS. Well, this post is getting pretty long. I can tell you more in person if you'd like!
BTW, don't worry about the stretch marks on your hiney already. Most of the stretch marks I got on my butt were in the very beginning (like at 12 weeks). I think they were caused by my hips spreading. And I never got any on my stomach.
HOLY CRAP...sell us your tahoe! we are in the market for one!
for serious call us :)
480-570-4324 Holly & Jake, and don't stress to bad, Babies seem to come with there own wallets!
I totally hear you sister! I stressed out BIG time, but it's crazy because as long as you aren't out spending unnecessary amounts of money on random things, you will probably be just fine. I would definitely recommend nursing for many reasons besides just the financial aspect. Also, there are so many people that have already had babies and they don't need all the baby stuff anymore, so you should totally shop around for baby furniture from craigslist. You can get some seriously great deals. Let me know what you think you guys are going to need because I have a bunch of stuff and there are a million great buys up here in the bay area. okay, we need to chat, don't get too stressed...love you!
Awe Karin! At least you have lots of experienced Mommies to help you out =) Now go get yourself a Blizzard, it will make you feel better =p
Sweet! I'll have my husband give you and Jake a call, Holly! He knows all the ins and outs of the truck much better than I.
And thank you all for your encouraging words. It does help! I'm seriously hoping that breastfeeding works out for us and I'm planning on going to some La Leche League meetings in the coming months to learn all about it from the pros themselves :)
SERIOUS! to be honest Jake and I went into SO much debt during my pregnancy with McKenzie, I had to go on maternity leave earlier then planned and wasn't working for 6 months..it hurt bad, but we were able to dig our way out and it was the happiest time EVER! and now we feel like we're in the same situation again...it's funny how even when you make more money..you still struggle! I told Jake We just have to figure out how to live on one income, without doing it you'll always depend on two and spend your money like you do with two incomes! Unfortunately breastfeeding didn't work out for us...but like I said it all worked out and we never didn't have enough to buy formula! :)
Hey! So I think its good you guys are selling the Tahoe, you own your car outright, correct? So only having the motorcycle payment will be nice. I think diapers for newborns run about $20 every week and half or so, they really do go through a ton when they're small and gradually can start wearing them longer. Formula is super cheap, the walmart brand is only $10 for a huge thing of it which used to last Lucy a week when she was drinking a ton of it, so when they're little it'll last even longer. They're super picky about what goes into formula, so don't worry the walmart brand is just as good as the similac! So formula is actually really cheap!
Don't worry so much about daycare, if you have to do it I'm sure you will find somewhere good to take the baby. It doesn't have to be to a daycare facility, you might be able to find a nice woman to watch the baby. Obviously staying home would be nice and is probably the ideal situation, but if you can't afford it right away its not the end of the world and I don't think your child will be deprived; I think its better if its the only way to keep food on the table! I know you're into the church, neither is my aunt but when my cousin was a baby she had a great LDS woman watch her for years and was very happy with the situation. Maybe if anything you and Brian can work on different days or schedules or something that way you can spend as much time with the baby as possible and swap out duties, while still having two incomes. I'll send you a link to the google job I do from home as well, now that you have your degree you can apply for it. Its 10-30 hours a week (up to you how many you want to do but you have to do at least 10) and it pays $15 an hour. So its nice side income for something you from home.
Totally send me that link Jeanette!
Post a Comment