We all want to spend money when we’re getting ready for our baby. Whether it is planning a nursery, picking out the layette, or choosing a crib, it is all so exciting! And, without planning ahead, it can also be expensive!
Getting a plan together is easier than it sounds.
GET ON THE SAME PAGE:
Talk with your partner. Schedule some time to have a discussion about what is important to you when it comes to creating a welcoming experience for the arrival of your baby. When you are both in agreement about what you want, decision-making about each purchase becomes much easier. And, you’ll discover where you can make trade-offs with your spending.
SET YOUR NUMBER
$1,000? $5,000? Select the amount that you and your partner are comfortable “investing” in the start-up stuff for baby. Then figure out how you will pay for these items: is it from your income, on a credit card, or from your savings? Has your family offered to pay for some selections? Is someone planning to have a shower for you? There is no right or wrong answer here. However, selecting a dollar amount upfront that you are willing to invest in the “getting ready for baby” experience keeps you from looking back and saying “How did we spend so much?”
ENJOY TRADE-OFFS
Trade-offs happen frequently when it comes to major life change purchases such as having a baby. Here’s how they work: let’s say you absolutely must have the $2,000 crib….go for it if it’s within your Number. Then, find an item that you don’t care as much about. Maybe you would select a less expensive stroller or forgo the fancy curtains.
You may feel like you have to sacrifice, but try looking at the full half of the glass. You get to have a top of line crib —- you’ve planned for it, you’ve given yourself permission to buy it…..so ENJOY IT!
MAKE A REGISTRY:
Create a registry whether or not you are having a shower so people can buy gifts for you that you want (and you won’t have to buy everything yourself!) Find a few ambassadors to get your message out about where you have registered.
A little bit of knowledge about your finances along with some advanced planning will take you a long way to reduce your stress and free up your time to enjoy your baby’s arrival.
