23. What I wish I’d known about money before having a baby.

We know babies are expensive. But before having one, I didn’t fully understand how becoming a mum would affect my income, maternity pay, work and everyday household costs.

In this episode, I share what I wish I’d considered financially before having a baby. From increasing my income and building savings to preparing for maternity leave and understanding what self-employment could mean for my parental pay.

I also share some of the ways we kept the cost of having a baby down, including buying second-hand baby clothes and furniture, waiting before purchasing all the supposedly essential baby equipment, using gift lists, rotating toys, choosing free activities and deciding which things we were happy to spend more on.

We also talk about meal planning, loyalty schemes and the small changes that can make family life more affordable during a cost-of-living crisis.

Some of my experience is specific to living and working in Germany, particularly the discussion of Elterngeld and ElterngeldPlus. Maternity and parental leave rules vary and can change, so please check the current guidance for your own country and circumstances.

Links mentioned:

• Dirty Dozen list for organic food
• Free Meal Planning Spreadsheet and ChatGPT prompt 

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