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

[PumpkinZulu]

Honestly, we only have about $400 a month left after all is said and done. Babies aren't expensive. They start getting expensive I'd say around 2 or so, when there are more activities, go through clothes quicker, eat more etc. Affording a baby is very relative to your mindset Our daughter has so far had everything she could ever need, as well as much she could ever want.

Eta just realised this is in the Centrelink section. I would be hesitant about having a baby too if you definitely can't afford one on one wage. That was DH and I initially and it was very stressful. Now, DH works 6 days a week and if we lost my payment (which is almost nothing now anyway) we'd still be okay. My advice is to really examine whether or not oh can afford a baby one just your DH's wage. As I said, I believe how expensive a baby is is relative to how you look at it.

[Onelittleprincess]

Sit down together and work out absoulty everything. My Husband has honestly no idea where money goes where but understands i have the financial mind for it all. Start purchasing odds and ends early. When we found out we were expecting bub 2 i bought extra things when they were on sale (nappies etc). Our belief was as long as the mortgage was paid and the bills and the kids had food who cares.

Start living off his wage now and put yours into savings. Live to a strict budget then what ever is left at the end of the fortnight put into your savings to bulk it up. only dip into it as required. You will be suprised how you can survive and save.

Another thing I do is work things out in small payments. For example DH wants to go to an event in March which will cost approx $300. I tell him he needs to save a certain amount each week ($5) to be able to have the money required by then. How easy is it to say "save $5 a week" compared to "save $300 by march"