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Guidance on starting a family

 

You and your loved one are thinking of starting a family, and that’s great news! But you realise what a massive responsibility it’ll be, so don’t feel bad if the idea makes you a little bit nervous.

We’ve put together some advice that will help calm your nerves and help you make good decisions.

Start preparing your lifestyle

If you want to have a baby, it’s important to take a close look at your lifestyle as a couple. The healthier and happier you are, the easier your new journey of parenthood will feel.

  • A few lifestyle pointers that can help you start

    • See a doctor for a full health screening and to get professional advice on fertility and pregnancy.

    • Get active – even if you start with baby steps. Health and fitness should be a new, on-going life goal.

    • Consider whether or not you are ready for a career break and for how long you can support your lifestyle without an income. This will help guide your timing on having a baby and can influence the decisions you make in the workplace now.

    • Cut out drinking, smoking, and caffeine- especially when you are trying to conceive.

    • If you own pets, consider how they will react to a newborn baby in the house. If you’re nervous about your pets’ behaviour, seek professional advice to start preparing them.

Start spending wisely

A baby will bring the birth of a whole new budget. Start planning ahead so that you’ll have enough money for all your necessities when the time comes.

  • Top money tips to remember when it comes to a newborn

    • As adorable as tiny outfits are, babies grow out of them very quickly. If you fall pregnant and start preparing your baby wardrobe, stick to the golden rule: 80% basics, 20% fashionable.

    • A pack of about 120 nappies costs around R300. On average this will only last a week. Consider using washable cloth nappies if you want to save a few thousands in the first months!
       
    • Do the best you can to pay down your debt and not accumulate more. If you do create debt, rather let it be on a good investment, like buying a house which a great asset. Don’t forget to prioritise your debt. 

    • Be conscious of every purchase you make from now on and question whether you really need it. Any money that you can start putting away can make a huge impact on your financial stability when your baby arrives. 

Start gaining extra income

It sounds easier said than done, but creativity and determination will bring you a long way. Earning extra income that isn't calculated in your monthly budget really helps cover holidays and other fun activities.  

  • Three ideas for side incomes

    • Earn a side income through online projects and jobs. There are so many opportunities in this digital age. Remember to do research on the client or company you’ll be doing work for before getting started.

    • Start a small side business. If you know how to work hard and smart, and you can manage your time well, you can do it.

    • Do a thorough spring clean of your house and gather things that you can start selling. This will help you save a quick lump sum and also give your home a fresh feel for when a new baby arrives.
       

    Don’t burn yourself out though. It’s always good to accept new challenges, but when you become new parents you’ll have a lot on your plate. Spending time with your spouse and growing together in this time is important too.

     

Start your financial planning

You’ve gotten into the hang of handling your savings plan, now’s the time to take it up a notch. Planning for your family’s future and creating your wealth should be your two new goals.

  • Here's what you can do

    • If you haven’t already, start saving for education now. Public schooling increases by about 9% every year. That means that by 2027, school fees could reach over R80 000 a year.

    • Keep extra curricular activities in mind when saving for their schooling. Sports and hobbies are vital for healthy children, but the equipment and accessories that come with it become expensive.

    • Consider expanding your investment portfolio to make your money grow for you. Education savings can go into a tax-free savings account or other long-term investment plans.

    • Draft your will or estate plan. Protecting your family’s future is a top priority.

    • When you do have children, teach them about delayed gratification (resisting an immediate award so that you can get a better reward later) from a young age, so that they become responsible savers one day too. 

Remember, one day your children will become who you are. So start being who you want them to be!
 

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virtualadviser@absa.co.za
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