Stressing about finances

Make sure you sign up for tax free childcare also from next year working parents get new entitlements to free childcare hours from 9months so definitely have a look into that too We’ve worked out though it’s actually going to be cheaper for us (we are having twins and already have a 3yo) for my husband to drop his hours to 30 hours a week and for us both to work 4 days and have different days off so we only need 3 days childcare

I would talk to citizens advice see what help you are entitled to, in terms of other things you can do, be minimalistic- clothes shoes you don’t use try sell, baby stuff you can sell as they out grow, buy second hand, meal prep, bulk buy etc x

We are in a similar situation; I only get SMP and am the main earner. We sat down and worked out our bills per month vs income and what the gap was. We end up about £600 short, we had to make the decision that I would return to work after 4 months and my husband would use SPL to take the following 6 months off as with me working and him on SPL were ok with an additional £400. We’ve spent the last few months ensuring our cleaning supplies and pantry are fully stocked to try and prevent any spending once baby is here. Tax free childcare is a must for when at nursery/childminder. Plus we should receive the 9month funding next September which will either be 15 / 30 hours depending on government roll out.

As others said, don't forget about tax-free childcare and the free hours from next September, that will make a big difference. I currently pay up to £1300 for my toddler to be in nursery 4 days, that's going to drop to about £900 with tax free childcare and 15 hours, when she gets 30 it'll be about £600 a month. And childminders are normally cheaper if you are interested in that instead. You could check if you might be entitled to UC as well. But yeah SMP sucks. I'd have a look at what your shortfall will be and if you can save or sell stuff you don't need now to save some money. Maybe buy second hand baby stuff to save money.

Don’t forget about your child benefit is it? Where you get £25 week I think. That comes into action as soon as your baby is born. Also buy baby clothes second hand. Vinted is a godsend and so easy to navigate, you obviously pay for your items, but then the money sits until you receive the items and you then need to do another final confirmation that you’re happy with your order. If you’re not, you will get refunded the full amount within 5 days I think. But I’ve honestly saved a fortune on Vinted. Do you also check your bills every month and what’s actually coming out of your accounts and going in? I always make the effort to double check, as some bills go up and I’ve forgotten about the email that I had telling me! And so I need to make sure they’re covered. Slow cooking is a massive money saver too on energy bills. As well as batch cooking and freezing meals

no harm in applying for UC - you may not be entitled you may be.. just give it a go and see! I’ve been feeling like this the whole pregnancy! many people who work full time with children still get assistance so try it - no shame in it xxx

Thank you for the advice everyone, really appreciate it and they’re all very helpful and will give them all a go 🤍

@Dana the £25 a week you get regardless of your incomes and situation, everyone is entitled to it. So it’s deffo worth the look in! Don’t for one second think ‘oh, I won’t get that cus I work, so won’t get that benefit’ you most certainly do, but can only claim it once babies born. But be sure to do it! X

@Amber thank you, I didn’t even realise you could get that, no one’s ever told me and I wouldn’t think to check tbh as I thought it was only Something that single parents got 😅 that will definitely help, I’ve heard something that it will all come to an end soon though and the government is stopping that payment? Is that just a rumour do you know?? X

@Dana first I’ve heard of the rumour. I wouldn’t worry too much. Just claim what you can x

@Amber it’s not regardless of situation it’s means tested x

@Josie you do have to apply for it yes, but I think you’re only not eligible if you and your partners income is like a combined total of 50 or 60 grand a year x

@Josie sorry, I’m trying to read more into it now to provide the best info. I think it’s only if one partner earns more that 60,000, then you’re not eligible for it, or you have to pay some of it back, depending on how much you earn x

@Dana https://www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave/extra-help Look into this. I believe you can also get universal credit to top up your wages after SMP

@Amber thank you so much 😊 x

I wouldn’t suggest this for everything, but but it’s always an option to get an 0% interest credit card for a year or something for emergencies. Hopefully once things settle down and you’re able to get back into work you can sort out paying whatever is on there. Defo wouldn’t recommend for everything but still helpful for a few bits to help ease a burden. Just make sure whatever you add on there you’re able to defo pay back later.