Arizona Tribune - 5 Ways to Prepare Financially for Parenthood

Some paths to parenthood come with added costs. Family-building expenses like fertility treatments can be significant, and they aren't always covered by insurance. Some families explore IVF loans to help cover the upfront bills and make growing their family more affordable.

Here are five other ways to prepare your bank account for when you become a parent.

1. Build a baby budget

Start by estimating the one-time and ongoing costs of a new child. One-time costs might include items like a crib, car seat, stroller and changing table, while ongoing costs could be diapers, formula, clothing and medical care.

Once you have a rough estimate of the big-ticket items and ongoing expenses, look at your current monthly budget to see how the cost of a new baby fits in. Having a sense of the numbers early on may give you time to adjust your spending and start saving.

2. Grow your emergency fund

An emergency fund acts as a cushion for surprise expenses, and those tend to increase when you have a child. An unexpected medical bill or growing childcare costs may be slightly more manageable when you have extra savings to fall back on.

Even saving a small amount of money each month adds up over time and gives you more peace of mind. One common method that could help you prioritize saving is the 50/30/20 rule, where 50% of your income goes toward your needs (utility bills and groceries), 30% toward wants (dining out and entertainment) and 20% toward savings.

3. Plan for childcare costs

Childcare is generally one of the biggest expenses new parents face. Research your options early, since costs and availability vary widely depending on your area and the type of care you need.

A few options include:

• Daycare centers
• In-home childcare providers
• A nanny or au pair
• Family members who can help a few days every week
• One or both parents adjusting their work schedule

Comparing different childcare costs ahead of time could help you understand which option is the best fit for your budget and your family's needs.

4. Tackle existing debt

Entering parenthood with less debt may free up more room in your monthly budget. Take a look at your current balances and decide when and where it makes sense to chip away at your debt.

If you're juggling several debts, like a moving loan, credit card bills and a personal loan, a debt consolidation loan may be one option to explore. A debt consolidation loan helps you combine multiple debts into one manageable monthly payment and can be a great way to help you simplify your finances and maybe even free up money for this next chapter.

5. Review your insurance coverage

Health insurance can play a big role in managing the costs of parenthood. If you have coverage, take time to understand what it covers for prenatal and postpartum care, labor and delivery and pediatric visits. Review your options and ask questions so you know exactly what your plan covers and what you'll likely have to pay out of pocket along the way.

You might also consider looking into life insurance to protect your growing family.

Get ready for your new family member

Preparing financially for parenthood doesn't happen overnight, and every family's situation looks a little different. With some planning, you can hopefully focus a little less on the numbers and more on welcoming your new arrival when the time comes.

Notice: Information provided in this article is for information purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of [publisher] or its employees. Please be sure to consult your financial advisor about your financial circumstances and options. This site may receive compensation from advertisers for links to third-party websites.

Contact Information:

Name: Nagarameshwar J.
Email: [email protected]
Job Title: Director

SOURCE: OneMain Financial

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Th.Gonzalez--AT