I think i am pregnant, i want to keep it but dont know if i can afford it??

ok so if i am pregnant i want to keep my baby but i have some problems i need advise on about how to pay for stuff. ok so i make too much(about $30,000/year) to get public aid such as section 8 (i do have my own apartment right now but i pay $650/mo.), wick for formula etc., link card for food, and so on... my fiance makes as much as me too but he has a lot of child support taken out, plus i have a $380 car payment among other bill between the 2 of us, i want to keep my job because it is a good job but i dont know how i will afford daycare and we do not have paid leave for having a baby......i just dont know what i'd do, i just feel like it's not fair that i techically make to much for assistants but yet dont make enough to pay for everything. dont get me wrong we are not poor and the baby would be well taken care of but what do you think??

I want to applaud you for respecting the life that is growing inside you.

Babies don't have to be expensive. I have four children and my husband and I live comfortably on one $30,000 a year income. Take a close look at what you are spending money on every month. Work out a budget and cut out things that aren't necessary.

Many things can be bought used, from clothes to cribs. Maybe you could trade your car in for one that isn't so expensive, there are many reliable used cars. Look into working from home; then you could have the best of both worlds.

Giving a child what they need in life is not as much materialistic as we are led to think. My kids have more fun playing with empty boxes and basic, old-fashioned toys like dolls, trucks, and balls than they do with expensive electronic gizmos. Think back to your childhood. Was it more important to have all the newest and best stuff, or to know that you were loved and wanted? Some of the best family times are free; just a day at the park or at Grandma's house:)

I want to encourage you not to give up because of financial issues. Having a child is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things you could ever do, and joy and love are way more important than money.

God Bless you and good luck!

well... ill tell you right now... i bet when your parents had you they struggled alot... Some things you just have to roll with and this is one of them... You honestly cant be prepared for everything in life.. just have the baby... and love it.. thats the most important thing...

good luck

A baby is a beautiful thing. When he/she comes into the world you won't care about how much she/he costs. You will love it so much. Start saving money in a bank account. Try half of your paycheck each month. Hope that helps!

If I can, you can. I work a regular full time job, have my own apt., a car (which is paid off), pay at least $100 a week for a babysitter, with no help at all. Except I do get WIC, but I still need to buy groceries every week! Even though I am just getting by, I was told when I first had my baby that I also made too much for assistance (section 8). And I make far less than you, and have no partner with a job either. Quit worrying, cut back on expenses where you can, and deal with it. You could be far worse off.

I think that if you really want your baby, you will figure it out. I had my daughter when I was 21, working part-time, and living at home. I moved into my own apartment when my daughter was about 3. I still do not have a lot of money (I make about what you do) and receive child support of about $480 a month and make ends meet. When I look back now I don't know how I paid for child care and still make ends meet, but I did. Having a baby is a scary thing and no one is ready for the expenses, but if it is what you really want, you find a way.

let me tell you, as a mother of 3, that if my husband and i can make it on 24,000.00 a year ( i do not work ) and have all the bills except house pmt that you do and then some ......you will be fine......everything always find a way of working out

When I found out I was pregnant w/my first baby, I was in the SAME boat as you. I made it work somehow. WIC, food stamps, etc. But not for long. I quickly realized that since my entire paycheck was going to daycare, I stayed home and raised my son on my husbands (small) income. Sure, we didn't have extra money to do lots of stuff, but I cleaned houses for cash under the table when I could and took the baby with me. That got us through when it needed to and my son and I are very close now (9 years later). We spent lots of time together and did fun, free stuff. It was a tough time, but looking back, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Good luck. And your right, it's NOT fair.

I would sell the car and buy a cheaper one. Between now and time for the baby, try to work very hard(even extra if you can) and pay off some of your other bills. If you breast feed you can save on formula. By all means keep your job- even if after paying day care you won't make that much) but you will need your job in the years to come

I have have one child and one on the way my husand makes a lil over 20,000 no we can go by a whole new wardrobe feel like but i we are comfortable. you have to learn to live within your means make a list of what you spend on everything a month and see what you can do to cut back if it means getting a cheaper car or moving into a less expensive place whatever youcan do. My tip for you to save money for food is this There is a website called www.angelfoodministries.org
You can by food that is straight from a store no seconds or cans without lables its brandnew food for 25dollars local churches normally take the orders it has no income restrictions its comes with about 75$ of food there is no limit and it has saved my family lots of money Good luck to worry its okay wheree there is a will there is a way God Bless

Then get a cheaper apt. They can be as cheap as $300 in many places. Or rent a mobile home. Trade in your car for something you can afford and have paid off in a few months time. It's not that you can't afford it, it looks to me like you and your fiancee spend way above your means. Instead of maternity leave, many women take their PTO.

Im pregnant too and im gonna tell you like my mom told me if you wait until you can afford it you will never have children. I know how you feel about assistance... I dont think some people know what its like to have bills!! Good Luck!!