How to afford time off with your baby

book overview

How to afford time off with your baby contains
101 ways to help you save money to help you have
more time with your baby. The ideas begin at pre-
pregnancy and consider mortgages, buying in advance,
maternity clothes and such like and follow all the way through
the journey of parenting to when the school years begin. The tips
are largely tried and tested by Becky herself and are easy and
accessible. Research indicates that three in five working mothers
would stay at home with their children if they could afford to. There is
copious research to support the benefits of parents spending more time
with their children during the early formative years, but the prospect of
managing on one income can be daunting. This book should help lessen those
fears and provide practical support.

book contents and chapter summaries

Introduction
This contains the research to support the benefits of time spent with a baby. The author’s story and a glimpse into her own journey into affording time off is also contained within this introduction.

Chapter 1 Pre- Birth: The BIG considerations
You need to start by looking at your finances realistically. Don’t panic though - in this chapter you will find lots of simple, achievable ideas to cut down on the big bills and sort out your finances. This chapter looks at cars, mortgages, benefits and all the BIG stuff.

Chapter 2 Practical preparations.
This chapter will take a look at all the practical stuff that needs to be sorted pre-baby and give you lots of tips on how to do this on a budget. Looks at areas such as stocking up and getting the nursery ready.

Chapter 3 Have a lovely pregnancy
Despite being on a budget you want your pregnancy to be very special and you do need to feel relaxed, pampered and have a great sense of well-being. By following these tips youshould be able to have a truly lovely pregnancy without feeling the pinch. From budget maternity wear to library freebies there are lots of ideas here to help you on your way.

Chapter 4 Baby’s Arrival
In this section we are going to consider how to make savings from the day your baby arrives.You will find some practical and creative solutions, from birth announcements to gift lists.

Chapter 5 Your Newborn Baby (0-6 months)
This chapter will look at all your child’s basic needs from newborn to 6 months – from milk to mountain climbing (well not quite!)

Chapter 6 Thinking About You (0-6 months post baby)
You matter too! This section looks at socialising, pampering, post-natal exercise and all the support you may need. Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you needs can’t be met.

Chapter 7 Weaning, Walking and Wearing you out.
This chapter will look at all the new areas to consider in your baby’s life during this time and the new expenses to be faced.

Chapter 8 Staying sane through those terrifying 2’s
As your child begins to grow and develop they will need more in the way of stimulation and activities to help them learn and grow and this section will consider birthdays, embracing nature, crafts, etc. to ensure life is full, enriching and affordable for you all!

Chapter 9 Taking care of yourself (6-36 months)
6 months after your baby is born you begin to feel quite human again (hopefully!) and start to see the world consists of a bit more than just your baby. Often as women we keep ourselves UP by treating ourselves/shopping but for mummies on a budget this is not an easy option. We have to get creative but there are lots of answers.

Chapter 10 Pre-school years 3-5
This chapter explores lots of ideas that can ensure your pre-school child is well stimulated, healthy and properly prepared for school, as well as out from under your feet occasionally!

Chapter 11 Earning money whilst staying off work.
Are you wanting/needing to make some extra income whilst at home with your baby/toddler/pre-schooler? This chapter contains a list of creative ideas to help you make money.

Chapter 12 Special Occasions
Christenings and Christmas birthdays and Baptisms all can terrify us with their cost . This section addresses how to keep the spirit of the event without over spending.

The Resource Bank
The last third of the book is devoted to a huge resource bank, which contains a comprehensive list of contact numbers, and web addresses so you can easily access useful budgeting advice.

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