Mums and Maternity Pay: Beat the Budget

The decision to take a full year off during maternity leave is a huge one for so many of us, especially given the current cost of living crisis we now find ourselves in!

For many new parents this choice is driven by the desire to spend quality time with their newborn baby, in my case it was more because Covid robbed us of our first five months of a ‘typical’ maternity leave ie. Those cosy coffee dates which are so often talked about. Instead our trips out of the house were one bloody cold walk with the dog or tackling the weekly food shop and I wanted those five months with my baby back! However, taking a full year off work often means living on standard maternity pay (the last three months with no maternity pay whatsoever) which can be very financially challenging. Having experienced this firsthand, I know only too well  the budget constraints this imposes. However, there are ways to make the most of the money and navigate these financial challenges with a bit of creativity and A LOT of resourcefulness, you just have to be disciplined and a little bit thrifty!

Side Hustles

One effective strategy which I found to perhaps be the most lucrative, is to explore side hustles that can be integrated into your new routine as a parent. You could start a small business that aligns with your interests and the time you have available, such as dog walking or offering ironing services for an evening whilst the baby is asleep! These activities are easier than some to be managed alongside childcare responsibilities, making them a flexible source of income. Moreover, they allow you to control your working hours and work around your baby's schedule. If you’re crafty, you could even turn your hobby into something a little more serious and sell your products or designs on a site like Etsy, or Facebook? Utilise the talents you have and make them work for you and your family! 

Selling Sites

Another avenue to increase your income is through selling items online via platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Vinted. On Facebook, I have found the key is to focus on selling items for around £5 or more. While individual sales of £5 may seem small, they can add up quickly...as I know, having made over £2k in less than three years on this platform, every penny counts! When it comes to Vinted, another tip is to bundle similar items together to attract more buyers. Kids clothes do great as bundles and kids shoes and retro style clothing also do very well when it comes to quick sales in my experience. Take your time to photo your pieces well, using good light and ensure the items are clean and ironed, this makes a huge difference to the amount of interest your items receive and could be the difference between a purchase or not. A little short term pain (in the arse!) for that long term gain. As an additional bonus, you can also save money by purchasing second-hand items from these platforms. You'd be surprised by the number of new, unused items available for a fraction of their retail price, from clothes with tags still attached to brand-new shoes still in their original packaging on both sites! I have bought everything from rattan sun loungers, to toys, to outdoor playhouses to brand new kids shoes on both sites and in terms of value for money they are second to none. You are also doing your bit for the planet whenever you purchase second hand, another reason to reuse and recycle.

Food Shopping

Cutting back on food expenses is often one of the easiest bills to trim down. One effective approach I stand by is 'Shelf Cooking', a term coined by American, Jordan Page, a mum of 8 (madness, right?) living in Utah, whom I have followed for years now! She’s a productivity pro, blogger and YouTuber and if it's good enough for her, it's good enough for me! Check out her website here https://funcheaporfree.com.

Shelf cooking essentially means using up what you already have in your cupboards, fridge and freezer before buying more fresh groceries. This helps minimise waste (another plus for our planet!) and makes the most of the resources you have! Get creative with your meals, find ways to incorporate ingredients you already have into new and exciting dishes. You’ll be surprised by the amount of money you can save and how much food you have in the back of your cupboards once you have to think on your feet!

Meal Planning

Meal planning is another strategy that can help you stay on budget. I almost always plan my meals for the week (not every week, I am still a forgetful human at times after all) and I create a shopping list based on those plans and stick to it. Doing this will not only save you money but also reduce the temptation to make impulse purchases if you’re shopping in Aldi when hungry! I would not recommend this, hahaha! Consider using click-and-collect or delivery services for your food shopping to avoid the pull of in-store marketing tactics and random spends - damn Aldi’s middle aisle!! Been there and done it girl!

Community Support

Additionally, explore community resources that may offer support during your maternity leave. Local mom groups often exchange tips on budget-friendly living and even organise clothing swaps for growing babies on online forums or at local events. Don't be afraid or ashamed to approach your local food bank if you really are struggling with your food bills, that's what they're there for after all. Being part of local communities can provide both financial and emotional support during this important time in your life. Your local children’s centre or may also run free baby groups each week which will get you out of the house and keep you and your baby busy without costing you anything. Attending a free group may also give you the opportunity to make new friends, whom you can then meet for walks or free trips outside of that group to the park or each other's homes for coffee, at a later date! If you're a SEN parent, reach out to nearby charities such as Little Miracles who often have centres especially designed for SEN children to attend and socialise for free. https://www.littlemiraclescharity.org.uk

Visit your local council's website to find our nearest children's centre or check out this link to find our nearest Sure Start Centre, https://www.gov.uk/find-sure-start-childrens-centre.

Whilst living on standard maternity pay can be very challenging, if you’re financially savvy and resourceful, you can hopefully stretch those pennies to enjoy more precious time off with your baby. Embrace side hustles, leverage online selling platforms and be mindful of your spending where you can, particularly when it comes to fresh food! Parenthood is a journey filled with a lot of concern and often stress, but also, SO much joy and with the right financial approach for that first year, you can concentrate on embracing and enjoying the special moments without worrying about your budget too much!