if we had a baby now, how much would we get per f/n from centrelink?

[Onelittleprincess]

Ill be honest. It is hard work sticking to a small budget. But it's workable. We shop at aldi and buy bulk meat packs at the butcher. But definatly doable. We looked at all bills for a year added them and divided 52 so we knew the minimum and then went from there

[Mummy&Daddy2Be]

thanks OLP i might PM you a few questions if you don't mind! i've been trying to access the centrelink online services / calculate all weekend, and it's been under maintenance!!

will try today

[Lenny]

Just wondering why you think babies cost a lot?

[Mummy&Daddy2Be]

Just wondering why you think babies cost a lot?

not sure really. have always been told they do . everything adds up though.

we just don't want to make a snap decision about having a baby. i don't want to have one, and then think "oh crap we can't afford this" IYKWIM

[chody47]

not sure really. have always been told they do . everything adds up though.

we just don't want to make a snap decision about having a baby. i don't want to have one, and then think "oh crap we can't afford this" IYKWIM

My DH was always apprehensive about having a baby due to the cost. I know some people who spend a lot more on their babies than we do, but I also know we could have spent less. If you are prepared to try breast feeding and are able to, that's a big cost out the way there, as is buying cheap clothes or even second hand. We tend to buy most of DDs clothes from big department stores at a tiny price. I know many people who like to buy brand name stuff for their baby. Great if you can afford it, but I could never justify it with the speed in which DD grew and the fact she had extremely bad reflux and not only went through multiple outfits a day, but many got ruined and stained.

[Onelittleprincess]

DD1 outfits are mostly handed down to DD2. Bonds suits are awesome even if a little $$$ BUT they hold the wear well. We always doubted if we could afford it all and we can - we just make it work. Only do the things we can afford to do and always look at a big picture. Admitiddly we pay high tax through the year and get a big refund that goes to things we put off (updatign kitchen, driveway etc).