How to Afford a Baby

by Justine Davies

Pregnancy should be a time of wonder, not of woes. It is a time of celebration, and that celebration should not be overshadowed by niggling doubts as to how you are going to afford to not work for a while. Medical expenses, maternity clothes, baby equipment ... how can any one save when there is so much to buy? And once you have had the baby you then have to juggle financial commitment on a part or no income. Surveys have revealed that financial issues are one of the main reasons couples put off having children. this essential, practical guide has tips on how to plan for time off, work out how long you can afford to take time off work, get the best bargains on baby clothing and equipment, and how to manage your money throughout pregnancy and beyond.

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Budgeting with a HUMAN BEING deadline: it's a useful fear tactic, but the techniques (in part 1) are applicable to any self-improving adult.

The "pregnancy" paragraphs were cheesy and unnecessary, but I appreciated her humility about debts and nausea... and would read a book she would write about "how to afford a nursing home" or "how to afford a wedding" because she is CLEAR ABOUT WHY she orders tasks the ways she does (per deadline).

All in all I recommend it if you're interested in the topic, but I am not pregnant and hence started speed-reading in Part 2.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very practical book, not as intimidating as it sounds to those who might fear looking at their finances, and very kind to its readers! Even though this is out of date, it's still incredibly useful. And I love that it's Australian. (besides, it would be hard to release updated editions given the frequency with which successive governments change the financial entitlements for families.)

I realised as I went through it today that I had actually read pretty much the whole book, but just not done everything it recommends - reviewing insurance and utilities, etc. Still, I'm pretty pleased with what I've achieved with the help of this book so far, and I've earmarked things to come back to.