It’s almost been a whole year of budget examples. With two months left, it’s time to talk through budgeting for a baby. Babies are such a blessing, although an expensive one! Therefore, the July budget example will focus on saving a baby to avoid consumer debt.
To avoid debt, check out ACCC’s July budget example.
July Budget Example- Tips for Creating a Baby Fund
Our couple has just found out they are expecting. The joyous news comes at a time of overall financial stability. However, there is still debt to pay off and things they need to get done before this child arrives. Plus, the medical bills, increased grocery budget, maternity clothes and purchasing all the baby essentials need to be considered.
Tips for Creating a Baby Fund
To find your monthly baby fund money, take a look at your current budget. Are there any areas that can be trimmed to use towards baby savings? Any kind of entertainment, music subscriptions or dining out money is a great place to start.
Here are some ways you can manage and grow your savings for the baby fund:
- Rework the budget to save $100-200 as soon as you get pregnant
- Continue to save this amount to cover baby supplies once the baby arrives
- Look for used baby items to lower costs
- Create a clear and helpful baby shower registry- ask friends and do research to get what you really need
- Make some extra money before the chaos comes
- Cancel some subscriptions and memberships to boost savings
- Keep tax refunds, bonuses, birthday money, bonuses and more for the baby fund
Every dollar counts when building a savings fund. Dump whatever free cash you have into it, and things will add up quickly. For example, if you receive $100 for your birthday, $1,000 as a tax refund, and another $200 from the baby shower, you already have $1,300 without touching the budget or ending up with debt.
Costs will vary from family to family: breastfeeding vs formula, disposable vs cloth diapers, etc. A good guess at early costs without daycare can range between $50-200/month. Remember, you will have less income at the end of pregnancy and throughout maternity leave or if you are staying at home indefinitely.
Next, let’s see how our couple changed their budget to start saving for a baby.
July Budget Example
INCOME
- Salary 1: $2,700
- Salary 2: $2,100
TOTAL= $4,800
MONTHLY LIVING EXPENSES
- Groceries: $600 (Increase)
- Household Items: $50
- Clothing: $100
- Cellphones (2 phones): $100
- Internet & Cable: $125
- Rent: $1,100
- Electric: $120
- Gas: $60
- Trash: $10
- Auto Maintenance: $40
- Auto Insurance (2 cars): $175
- Health & Dental Insurance: $350
- Renter’s Insurance: $20
- Entertainment: $50 (Decrease)
- Netflix/Hulu: $25
- Gym Membership: $0 (Cancelled)
- Student Loan Payment: $875
- Auto Loan Payment: $175
- Vacation Fund: $0 (Decrease)
- Pet Care: $75
- Savings & Investments: $500 (Decrease)
- Baby Fund: $250 (New Line Item)
- TOTAL: -$4,800
Fortunately, our couple only had to tweak a few categories. First, an increase was made to groceries because pregnant mamas need extra food and vitamins… and ice cream. Next, entertainment was decreased to $50. The gym membership was cancelled. The couple is committed to finding DIY workouts at home. Finally, they pulled $100 from savings for the baby fund. The total is $250 a month. This is a great amount, especially if you have limited family support or not anticipating a large baby shower.
Thanks for reviewing the July budget example. Tune in next time for the final budget example in August!
If you struggle to pay off debt, ACCC may be able to help. Sign up for a free credit counseling session today!
