Budgeting in Pregnancy…and beyond - Elise Mendelle, Bundle-O-Joy

It is easy to get caught up in the maternity industry and find yourself spending loads of money BEFORE your baby is even born.  First of all, it is an exciting time and you get caught up in the whole allure of being pregnant.  What are you going to wear?  Where are you going to shop?  However, it is a good idea to stop yourself before you go rushing out to the shops to spend a fortune for what will be a relatively short lived period.

You will only be pregnant for nine months.  You probably won’t even properly show for the first three, which leaves six.  The last month or two, most women are usually big and uncomfortable and don’t really fit into anything they initially bought anyway.  So that leaves a short 4 or 5 months, which in the grand scheme of things really isn’t that long.  I am definitely not suggesting ignoring how you look during your pregnancy.  I am just suggesting you plan your wardrobe and budget wisely.



A few key pieces will take you very far.  I would suggest:

1)  Great pair of jeans e.g. if you usually wear skinny jeans, you may get away with them during pregnancy.  Many women find boot cut jeans more flattering with a bump.

2)  1 or 2 vests – great for wearing under tops.

3)  Dress. 

4)  Basic top – I would suggest something black with ruching at the sides, or a wrap  top trousers / white top – the perfect outfit for work or looking smart.  Can be dressed up or worn casually.

In addition to these items, you can then buy a few more exciting, personalised pieces to mix and match with your staples. 
Finally, it is time to ACCESSORIZE, a great way to add glamour and style to your pregnancy. 

See Bundle-O-Joy’s blog post GET THE LOOK to give ideas of how to use pregnancy essentials to create different, inspiring outfits.

Other great ideas for saving money during pregnancy:

1)  Try ebay for great deals.

2)  Borrow clothes from friends.

3)  Visit NCT nearly new sales or charity shops.

4)  Some reasonably priced maternity labels – ASOS, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Gap.

Remember, the more you save during your pregnancy, the more you will have to spend on your baby!

Elise

www.bundleojoy.co.uk

@bundleojoyuk

www.facebook.com/Bundleojoy

Other Help for Pregnant Mums and Parents

There is other help available to pregnant mums and parents with young children that you may not have heard about.  Have a look through and see if you qualify for a few more pennies or help with everyday necessities.  (I've shortened some of the links.)

Free prescriptions and dental care

All mums-to-be qualify for a prescription exemption certificate once their pregnancy has been certified by a doctor or midwife.  You need to complete form FW8 and they will need to sign it.  You’ll be sent a handy little credit card type certificate that you can keep in your wallet. 

Just remember to mention it at the chemist or dentist when you visit!

It entitles you to free prescritions and dental care so get one as soon as possible.  They last until a year after the day your baby is expected.

For more info visit:

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1644.aspx

Sure Start Maternity Grant

A grant of £500 is available to parents-to-be on low incomes to help with preparing all those baby essentials.

To see if you qualify for the grant, please visit:   http://bit.ly/8nHu7E
From there you can also download an application form or you can contact your local job centre.

Healthy Start Scheme

Healthy Start is a government scheme that provides vouchers for free milk, fresh fruit and vegetables, infant formula and vitamins to certain pregnant women and children in families on low incomes.

Visit: http://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/ to find out if you are eligible.

You can get an application form from your midwife or health visitor or complete it online.

Lots of shops except the vouchers – look out for the Healthy Start sticker in shop windows or ask in store.

Free School Meals, Milk and More

When you little one starts school they could be entitled to free school meals if you are on a low income.

Visit: http://bit.ly/doxrPK to find out more.

Children who are entitled to free school meals also qualify for free school milk, although all children at school under 5 are eligible for this anyway. 
Visit the coolmilk website for more info:

https://www.coolmilk.com/cms/index.php?q=parents

Lots of schools take part in the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. 
Children aged 4-6 qualify for a free piece of fruit or vegetable each school day. 
See this leaflet for more information: http://bit.ly/naq4wZ

For families on benefits, help with the cost of school uniform may also be available.
More on this can be found on the DirectGov website:  http://bit.ly/og0GWl

I hope I've just about covered everything, but if there is something you know about that I've missed, please leave a comment - I'd love to cover it!