FOOL'S EYE VIEW
Saving For The Patter Of Tiny Feet

By Jane Mack (TMFJane)
January 6, 2004

In about nine months' time, maternity wards across the country are going to face one of their busiest times of the year. It seems that overindulgence throughout the Christmas period isn't restricted to food and drink!

Just over 100,000 babies are likely to be born throughout September and October so if you unexpectedly find yourself an expectant parent over the next few days or weeks, you haven't got long to get your finances ship-shape.

According to Abbey bank, parents spend up to £2,382 on new baby essentials and these include only basic items such as nappies, feeding bottles, weaning equipment, clothes, nursery furniture, a pushchair and home safety equipment.  If new parents also want 'nice-to-have' items such as a baby dresser and Moses basket these cost an average £809 bringing the total potential spend to a hefty £3,111, and that's before their offspring's first birthday.

So, how are you going to find that amount between you? It's not as hard as you might think if you're prepared to make a few sacrifices. And let's face it, you're going to be making sacrifices for the next 20-odd years so you may as well get used to it!

Cancel your gym membership - Save £450

Membership costs vary but you're probably paying in the region of £50 a month. Cancelling it would save you £450 by September. I know swimming's supposed to be good for expectant mothers but your council-run pool will be far cheaper on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Cut the coffee - Save £270

Much as you may desperately need that café latte at £1.50 a pop every morning on your way to work, it adds up to a pretty tidy sum. By September you'll have saved £270 by taking a flask instead.

Become a sandwich-maker - Save £900

If you're spending a fiver a day on a sandwich, a can of coke and an apple, you'll have spent about £900 by the time the baby's born. Make your own lunch - it's much cheaper.

Slash the satellite - Save £340

If you can't bear to miss the football or that chick flick you've always wanted to see, go watch it round at a friend's house. You're not going to have much time for watching telly anyway so get used to it.

Lose the takeaways - Save £720

A takeaway meal for two can easily cost £20 or more so indulging in one of those every week can soon mount up. There are plenty of good cook books around - experiment with your own Indian or Chinese cooking.

Stop eating out - Save £450

On average we eat out a couple of times a month and an evening at Pizza Express can set a couple back £50. Treat yourself once a month instead of twice and you'll save a fortune.

Total savings - £3,130

See? You'll even be able to buy that Moses basket now! Of course, you'll have to account for the marginal costs of making your own sandwiches and meals at home which will reduce your overall savings. But it'll still be a great deal cheaper than buying convenience food.

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