Ways to save or Make Extra Money for Maternity Leave

Congratulations! Its great that your thinking of saving now until waiting until a month before the baby is born.

I haven't read the other responses ...

You can start with the theroy if I don't see it I won't miss it. If your employer offers direct deposit have a set amount directly transferred to a savings account, if direct deposit is not available do it yourself.

How much to you carry arround in your purse for day to day expenses? The little things like stopping for a cup of coffee, change for the vending machine, a quick snack while running errands, etc. Cut that amount in half and put the rest in savings.

Cut up the debit card. Everyone I know who uses them, uses them for impulse items that they don't need. It also never fails that they miss calculate somewhere along the line and get hit with the outrageouse $35 fee. Use cash instead.

Do you eat out a lot or do take out? Cut it back by half and put the extra savings into your savings account.

Unless your already on a strict grocery budget, there are lots of ways you can save. Use coupons. Plan your weekly meals around the sales. Avoid the deli counter. Instead buy blocks of cheese and slice it yourself, make leftovers to use for sandwiches. Try buying store brand items, many of them are just as good as the brand names.

Do you drink a lot of soda, coffee, etc.? Last year I gave up soda and replaced it with water. Not only do I feel alot better, I'm saving money too. I also make it a habit to drink water with meals, this includes when I go to restaurants.

Buy in bulk. It's still early in your pregancy, but as you get father along, cook large meals and freeze some. It'll make it much easier when the baby arrives.

Instead of putting money into a savings account that pays almost no interest, consider paying some of your bills in advance. If you can get a month or two ahead on things like a car payment you won't have to worry about it during the time your not working.

Rather then going out to dinner at a restaurant, hubby and I will go out for lunch. Lunch is usually much cheaper than dinner.

Keep track of how much money you spend for one month. I mean every little thing. By doing this you'll be able to see where you can cut some of your expenses.

I hope some of these ideas help. Good luck.

I would suggest cooking and eating at home more than going out. Also, using coupons at the grocery store. Buying only those items that are on sale that week. you would be surprised how much you can save that way.
You don't have to get coupon-crazy and try to buy all your groceries for $10! just use the coupons for items you like and use, and only buy those things when they are on sale. also, if you do eat out, drink a glass of ice water with your meal instead of purchasing a soft drink. Most soft drinks are $2.50 at a restaurant. It sounds petty, but it all really does add up.

Consider watching another child while you stay at home, selling things on craigslist/ebay (I did this for a while and really helped make ends meet), or hold a garage sale. You can also go to angelfoodministries.org and while I was staying at home, purchasing our groceries through them helped tremendously! Food costs are the most variable so its hard to guage sometimes. Going through them really helped budget. Hope that helps! Any time with your baby is precious so good luck and best wishes with you and your baby!

I know this question came up a few days ago, so you might want to look around for it. I suggest putting away your tax refund, selling things you no longer need (downsizing), consider babysitting another child a few days a week if that is possible for you, and find a flexible part-time business where you can work a couple of days a month and make a few dollars. I live in Westchester and sell Barefoot Books for kids a couple of Saturdays a month. The money has helped us afford for me to stay home the past 2.5 years with my son, and I cannot find anything else that is as flexible. I work when and if I want to. It's been great. You can find out more at www.ReadandGrow.com. If interested, let me know.

Good luck to you!
T.
Barefoot Books Team Leader
www.ReadandGrow.com

I found the perfect work from home job a couple of months ago. It has been a life saver because I’m able to get some extra money by putting in a couple hours a week. You can work at your own pace and make your family’s schedule BEFORE your work schedule. You could even try this out now so you’ll be well into the swing of things by the time the baby gets here! Let me know if you are interested and we can talk more.

Check out my website at www.makemoneyonline.tonoftips.net for ways to earn extra money online.

Also, start cutting out things you don't really need from your budget. Stop drinking soda, switch to cheaper alternatives, call and ask for better deals on your internet, car insurance, and phone.