Maternity leave is a special time that gives new mothers the chance to spend time with their babies, forgetting about work and the stresses that go with it. But depending on your role and where you work, paid maternity leave can be pretty brief in the US, so it’s likely you’ll be taking some unpaid leave at this time to help you take longer off work.
Going without pay can be a big strain on your family financially, even if you’ve saved in advance. Finding ways to make your money go further can help make the most of your maternity leave so you don’t have to worry about your finances. Take a look at some of the following ways to save money while on maternity leave.
Make some adjustments at home
There are some things you can do to save money on maternity leave, just by making some adjustments at home. Some creative ways of saving money include canceling some subscriptions (do you have time for the gym right now?) and making an effort to cook more at home.
You could also look at ways to cut down on your energy and water use to save on your bills and ease the financial pressure in your household.
Buy pre-owned and sell what you no longer need
In the build-up to having a baby, you’ve likely bought a lot of stuff you were told you need – spending a lot of money in the process. Once the baby has arrived, you’re probably realizing that you don’t need as much as you thought you did, and a lot of things don’t need to be brand-new. As your baby grows, consider buying some pre-owned items and selling what you no longer need to save some money. Babies grow so fast, so many things will be as good as new and barely used, helping you get some great bargains.
Swap the coffee shop for at-home hosting
All those trips for coffee and lunch during your maternity leave can start to add up. So why not try switching to some home hosting instead? You can take turns with other moms to host, who will also be grateful to save a little money. Pick up some snacks or try some simple cake recipes to whip up some baked goods in a hurry.
Make the most of free and low-cost classes
Your local community is a great place to meet other parents and enjoy activities with your baby. Many communities will host free and low-cost classes for moms and babies, helping you get out of the house without having to spend a fortune. From exercise classes to those that help with your baby’s development, it’s worth exploring what your neighborhood has to offer that will help you make the most of your maternity leave.
Research what you’re entitled to
If you’re concerned about your finances during your maternity leave, you may want to explore whether there are any benefits you might be entitled to. This could help ease some of your costs and help you take longer off work. If your birth experience had complications, a birth injury attorney may be able to help you make a claim for compensation. It’s always worth exploring your options, you never know where you may be due some extra money.
Maternity leave should be a time to enjoy with your baby without worrying about financial pressure. Make your money stretch further and make the most of your savings so you can enjoy this special time getting to know your new baby.