Thinking about TTC, BUT...

2013maybe

I need some insight/advice/experiences? I'd say the biggest thing holding me back besides the normal doubts,etc is our financial situation. I'm so worried about money and can't help but think, "if we're having a hard time now, how's it gonna be once we have a child to take care of?". When voicing my concerns to other women, they say just do it, you'll find a way, if you wait until you have enough money you'll never do it, or if you keep coming up with reasons NOT to you'll never do it. I'm 32 and I don't want to wait any longer. There's no quick fix to our situation, and I don't see things getting much better even with an extra 9 months :

pmarie33

Can you afford diapers, food and daycare? How about health insurance for little one? These are probably the highest costs for baby. If you can swing these things every month, then add about another 25 for other expenses. Then decide if you can actually afford having a baby.

Then you have to think of the possibility of having twins. What if you lose your job?

But none of that will really matter to you the first time you hold your baby. You will find a way to make it work.

SCBride2007

In my opinion, if you actively TTC while you are financially struggling, and you know you can't afford a baby (like PM said about food, diapers, daycare, insurance, etc.), then you are not making a smart decision.

However, if things are just "tight", then yeah, you'll probably find a way. 

JLW0504

My husband and I are financially tight but we did a quick budget and cut some extras that we had and don't necessarily need like cable t.v., dining out, etc. and we've found our "baby expenses".

We had a friend who lost her job a few years ago and with us and a few other friends, we were able to help her afford the things she needed: diapers, formula, wipes, etc. until she found another job. Not saying that you should depend on other people to take care of baby for you, but if you have friends like us, then they will be there for you if you fall and help you back up again.

There are so many resources out there that can help with costs. Our local library has a free couponing class every few months. Couponing has saved us a few times.There are so many websites out there now that will send you freebies and there are all kinds of money saving tips out there too. Just depends on if you're willing to put in the effort.

I say go for it. This is our first and we are sooo excited to welcome him/her/them (haven't had that first appt. yet) into the world.

brij2006

Our friends decided to just go ahead and have one, because they knew they would never be financially ready.  The child is almost 2 years old now, and they both wish they would've buckled down and paid off some debt for a few years first so they would have some extra money free'd up. They tell all of us that they thought they could work it out, but they have had to ask for assistance from their parents just to pay for daycare costs and have had to sacrifice her being able to stay home like she wanted to, just to make ends meet.

Check out costs of daycare in your area, along with diapers, formula, insurance costs, cost of delivery, etc. Then put together a budget and see if you can afford it each month along with your regular expenses.

JLW0504

  CLEARLY, we don't know her whole story, just what information she gave us. Buying furniture is not always a necessity. You can find cheap furniture at second hand stores, yard sales, estate sales, etc.  As for the stone/metal, we have one as well and instead of forking over money for a new table, we are going to buy foam guards. That is a much cheaper alternative. Not the most aesthetically pleasing, but furniture looks aren't as much of a concern for me.

As for baby gear, a jogging stroller isn't really a must have, it's a want to have. I would love to have a jogging stroller myself, but it's not worth the money to me.

 I was only trying to offer the woman some suggestions and a possible anecdote. No one can really afford a baby unless you're Bill Gates or a welfare leech( I work in health care so I know what I'm talking about with that one).

szkarz08

My DH and I just decided to take the plunge and TTC. We're tight on money too, I'm currently in grad school. If we get pregnant right away, I'll have almost a year of school left once the baby is born. Things will be tight for us, and we'll have to majorly watch our spending. But...once I graduate we can finally add another paycheck to the bank account. I agree...if you wait until you have 'enough' money, that time may never come. My husband and I might not be in the 'best' financial situation, but we are both on the same page and understand what sacrifices we are going to have to make. Sit down, see where you can make some cuts and decide if you can make it work. I think the most important thing is that you are both on the same page and make your decision together Good luck!

FrenchBebe

Hi, I know that people have different ideas about what is "necessary" when you have a baby.  For some people a brand new jogger stroller is a must-have and for others it would be nice but they are not going to hold off having a baby if they can't pay for a stroller.

I just wanted to give you another point of view.  Actually, I live in Africa and one thing I've learned here is exactly how little you do need to bring up a happy healthy baby.  Others talked about formula expenses but what about breastfeeding?  Need to work and can't stay home to nurse?  What about pumping?  It's true, diapers are expensive, what about cloth?  Of course, we would all like to be able to give our child the very best of every thing but honestly your little one is not going to care if he or she is wearing a dollar store t-shirt or a $30 t-shirt.  Many times it comes down to needs and wants.  We need a place to live, does it need to be 4,000 square feet? Not really, we just want that.  Figure out what is necessarily for your family and you'll find out if the time is right for you.  Just remember, if you keep waiting for the PERFECT time, it may never come.