Comments on: Back 2 the Future: Baby, you’re so money.

By: Kristin Hutchinson

Kristin Hutchinson — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:53:33 +0000

Great post! Yes yes yes!

We have noticed a huge increase in kid-related costs and general budgeting stress. Babies and kids cost a LOT! Food is what is killing us — even the littles ones eat a lot, and sometimes its expensive stuff! We’ve also noticed a big increase in water/sewage bills (extra laundry, baths and washing cloth diapers, I think?). And then all sorts of incidental things, clothes and gear, outings, blah blah blah. Not to mention the bigger house and house related costs! Its overwhelming!

I know we have been pretty lucky so far and our issues are not TOO bad, but its still a worry and something I did not expect when I found we were having twins…
.-= Kristin Hutchinson´s last blog ..Two Years Ago… =-.

By: diane

diane — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:39:38 +0000

Our work schedules are what make it possible for us – now wee only pay for 2 days of child care per week for our twins. I used store brand formula and still use Wal Mart diapers only which is a big savings. In fact, Wal Mart is my new favorite store just because of the savings. We are only getting by because of our low child care costs. If we needed child care 5 days per week, we could not afford it.

By: L Deluco

L Deluco — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:56:11 +0000

We got hit really hard financially after our twins were born because we moved to a larger home. There was not enough room in our 2 bedroom townhouse for the 5 of us. My DH’s parents helped us with the down payment for the new house but we still owed $15K on the townhouse after it sold which went directly to the credit cards which we had so diligently paid down while I was pregnant so I could stay home with our 3 children. My DH is too proud (and libertarian) to take advantage of any programs like WIC or fuel assistance. He did not want our sons to even be a part of Early Intervention. We are using credit to get by, and gratefully accept the wonderful hand me downs and gifts we get from friends and family, and buy generic diapers. Thankfully we are done with formula. I pray everyday that we can coast like this until things get better. What makes me feel better is donating the toys and clothes that we no longer need to others. I don’t feel right selling them even though we could use the money. If we stick together and help each other out hopefully we can all make it through this.

By: nonlineargirl

nonlineargirl — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:16:45 +0000

I can relate. I just started back at work and most of my paycheck is going to my 4 year old’s school and a nanny for the twins. People keep asking if we were going to do at home or center care – how could we afford TWO center care slots for 6 month olds? I would be losing money every time I went to work.
.-= nonlineargirl´s last blog ..Christmakwanzaaka =-.

By: M

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:07:24 +0000

We went from a family of just the two of us to a family of 5 in 15 months … the financial shock after all the IVF was staggering.

We had been married for 10 years prior to that … with both of us in good income jobs. We owned our house and two paid off cars … oh and did I mention that we were in our 40′s?

Like I said … financially it was a shock … the money seemed to to be decreasing at an alarming rate.

I honestly don’t know how younger couples are doing it. Being a parent over 40 has had many negatives … but I am extremely thankful that I am able to be a stay at home mom and that I don’t have to count every penny.

I can’t express enough, my hope that things get easier for everyone … just having multiples is stressful … then adding in money issues and having to work … my heart goes out to everyone in this situation.

I hope I was able to express my support for everyone … (I’m not the greatest writer).

By: Leigh from 123 blog

Leigh from 123 blog — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:04:42 +0000

What a great post.

I am so OUT about money, it’s scary. Probably because I had a huge shock after having the twins. Budgeted for about half of the actual expenses so we have quickly gone through our entire savings account in the 4 months of the twins’ lives. Hopefully things will improve (that’s what they say…) and the finances too!
.-= Leigh from 123 blog´s last blog ..Back to work – part 4 – new working hours =-.

By: Momlissa

Momlissa — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:43:44 +0000

Thank you for this post. As you know, we are struggling. It could be worse, but ya know, it could be better. I too go to the grocery store and wonder where all the money goes. I get nervous when I see how much food 2 boys consume in one sitting (when they're not on a hunger strike, that is). .-= Momlissa´s last blog ..Review of Ecostore USA products =-.

By: reanbean

reanbean — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:37:45 +0000

I found out recently that we qualify for energy/heating assistance this year, due to our low salary one income. I went as far as making the appointment with the youth and family services department, but couldn’t actually follow through with it. I was so worried that it would somehow be on our permanent record and would prevent us from gaining something (who know what) in the future. Plus, although we’re definitely living check to check, we’ve not yet been in the red (thankfully) and I was worried that by us taking the assistance, it would mean someone else who’s really not making it wouldn’t get what they desperately needed. Still not sure if I made the right call. We’ll see soon enough…

Thanks for the post and for those who commented about your experiences. It helps to know that we’re not alone in this boat, though I certainly wish the boat was much less crowded.
.-= reanbean´s last blog ..Itsy Bida =-.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:45:36 +0000

very good post. Certainly, kids (and especially the more intense hit of multiples) can be taxing on the family finances. Thanks for being open about it. More of us struggle than probably actually talk about it! .-= Rachel´s last blog ..Gang Of Five =-.

By: Mommy, Esq.

Mommy, Esq. — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:16:45 +0000

Very interesting discussion! We are comfortable because of our crazy jobs but our crazy jobs mean we don’t see our kids so I am considering finding a new one that will mean a HUGE, HUGE paycut. It’s hard to find things that I can cut from our family budget – including the Nanny for which we pay another person’s entire salary!
.-= Mommy, Esq.´s last blog ..The Esqs Catch a Break =-.