Getting ahead of myself...

PolarBear517

I went over my employer's medical leave/short term disability policy to figure out how much PTO I'd need to have saved in order to take X amount of weeks fully paid (right now, I expect to have about 10 weeks fully paid if we get pregnant sooner rather than later, and if it takes us a while I may be able to take 12 fully paid)

I also called my insurance company today to go over my deductible and out of pocket maximum, and whether or not my baby would be covered in my out of pocket maximum or if they would be subject to their own deductible and the "Family" out of pocket maximum (I guess their answer was that we would only have my deductible/OOP max unless the baby required a NICU stay and wasn't discharged with me, in which case we'd be subject to the family rate).

When I ended the call, the insurance representative asked when I'm due! Super awkward saying "I'm not, just planning ahead..."

Less than 6 weeks of birth control left, and I'm definitely feeling like I should have a plan and realistic expectation at least with regard to the initial expenses (I've known some people to be surprised!). I'm trying to be realistic with regard to time to conception, so part of me feels like "you might not even be pregnant for a year, what are you planning for?!". After all the time we've spent thinking about the best time to d/c birth control, I really can't believe we are almost there.

Anyone else feeling this kind of crazy??

borgie05

Nothing wrong with planning ahead, especially when it comes to finances

hupp0013

I don't think there is anything wrong with planning. The things you are planning ahead for are very important things to ask questions and know the answers to.  Now if you had already gotten started on a nursery, or things like that, I would be more inclined to say that you would slow down a little bit.

MrsFL2015

I don't think you're crazy at all.  Having a child is a big expense, responsibility and commitment.  You would never purchase a house or a car without thinking about how it will impact your finances.  If you know ahead of time you're planing to have a child, it's wise to think about these types of things.  I signed up for  additional/supplemental insurance through work that will actually provide me with additional money for medical bills.  It covers any type of hospital stay, but I signed up for it mainly because it covers maternity expenses that my regular insurance doesn't fully cover.   In order to be eligible, I had to sign up before I was pregnant.  I've had the insurance for over a year now, but at least I know I'm covered.  

NYTino24

@PolarBear517 I think you are doing the right thing! Another thing you can do is start a college fund.

aboxofchocolates

Just curious, what does your hubby think of your preparations?  I think mine would be overwhelmed.  

PolarBear517

@aboxofchocolates

My husband is 8 years older than I am, well into his 30s. When we got engaged in 2013, he wanted to try right after the wedding 2 years ago. The only reason we have waited this long is because I chose to go back to school for my Masters degree. He would have gone for it if i didn't mind having a new baby while still in school. So he doesn't really get jitters when it comes to this stuff. 

It's also important for him to know the financial side because his income accounts for about 85% of our household income right now (I'm a full time student and only work part time .5 FTE). 

@NYTino24 I haven't looked into that yet but it's a good idea I will definitely want to get started saving early 

Thanks for the responses- helps me feel less crazy  

aboxofchocolates

@PolarBear517 wow sounds like you guys have a really good head on your shoulders.  Exciting!  

Sprite2012

I did that the first time, and I did it this time!  I'm the same - need to have my ducks in a row.  Don't feel crazy!

PhillymommaX2

Very smart. Babies are very expensive so it's good to have a plan!