Financial Planning Is Good Parenting
Growing up in a financially stable household gives your children a significant advantage and improves their health, conduct, and wellbeing both now and throughout their lives. As you manage your family's finances wisely and accumulate emergency funds, you'll provide security for your child and serve as a good financial role model.
"Don't think money does everything or you are going to end up doing
everything for money." - Voltaire, Age of Enlightenment leader
According to the USDA, raising an average child costs just about $13,000 per year. Because you'll need to buy several things for the first time during your first child's first year, you should budget approximately this amount, if not a little more.
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The USDA numbers are based on averages from data across the entire U.S., and actual expenses vary significantly based on where you live. You should also factor in your own needs and preferences when it comes to how much living space you'll need, whether you'll , where you'll live for school, whether you can buy secondhand clothes, and more. Weigh your answers against the costs of these products and services where you live to get a better idea of the costs for your family.
LEARN MORE: The Benefits of a 50/30/20 Budget
How much you need to save for your kids’ college education depends on when you start saving, how much of the total you are willing to pay, and where your child ends up going to college. Fidelity has a rule of thumb that you can follow. It assumes that, if college costs continue to grow at 2.5% above inflation and your child starts college at 18, choosing to graduate in a four-year period, then you should aim to save approximately $2,000 multiplied by your child’s current age. The formula also assumes that you will be paying approximately 50% of college costs from savings. Remember, every family has a different savings goal and a plan to get there.
LEARN MORE: Start Planning for College
There are 12 weeks of unpaid leave available under the FMLA, but only for full-time workers who have worked for the employer for more than a year. Even then, the FMLA only protects your work for a maximum of 12 weeks and does not guarantee paid leave. Your employer is not compelled to pay you in the United States, though some may offer paid time off.
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1.Review your health insurance policy: Make sure you have coverage for pregnancy and postpartum care and try to reduce them.
2. Register for baby shower gifts: friends and family can help to cover the one-time expenses.
3. Get your child tax credits: Ensure you get child tax credits you are entitled to.
4. Save on taxes: Make use of tax-advantaged savings accounts such as the 529 plan and Roth IRA.
5. Shop discount clothing stores: Shop for clothing at discount stores where you can find brand names at a lower prices.