Frugal Baby Prep

Do you want a family, but worried you won’t be able to afford it?

The Bible says: “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3)

Now I believe that, and stewarding well can lessen the financial stress of a newborn.

When my 2nd son and his wife were expecting their first child, they shopped for used furniture and found a beautiful crib, rocker, and bookcase. In addition, they stumbled onto a leather recliner perfect for napping with a new baby.

Preparing for a baby is more than just decorating a nursery though. Here are some things you can do to be ready.

Review your insurance coverage and know what’s included. Be sure to Create a will and purchase life insurance.

Decide where you want to deliver. A birthing center may be cheaper, but make sure you’re covered there and at a hospital. How about ambulance transport? Request to see typical charges. You can reduce costs by bringing some of your own supplies (like diapers)!  Some costs are negotiable. When you get a bill, always ask for a cash discount.

Update your budget by estimating future expenses. Implement the changes before a baby arrives. By making sacrifices now, you’ll have a healthy emergency fund and extra margin. Challenge yourselves with savings goals and have fun aiming for them. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save with simple lifestyle changes.

Analyze what you really need for the baby. Stick to the basics and don’t hesitate to accept hand-me-downs. Prepare now and you’ll welcome your baby to a financially stable home.

And If you want to grow in Biblical stewardship, access Crown’s online studies and tools. They’ll help you on your spiritual and financial journey. You can take the course in the convenience of your own home or in a small group study. Find out more at Crown.org.