A recent article in US World News and Report gives people 8 Tips to affording a baby.  Interesting list.  Currently we’re on a hiatus on baby spending, no diaper/wipes deals and no time to shop and look at stuff for our baby.  Plus I’m still waiting for more used stuff from friends before buying anything.  Honestly the most money we’ve spent on the baby has been on diapers and wipes, everything else has been free or $5 used.

The first tip is to spend wisely, meaning that you don’t need a bigger car or house for kids.  Probably not.  But if you were already living in a bigger place I will say it is nicer than trying to stuff us and our newborn into a 1 bd condo.

Second tip was to wait until after birth for spending.  To figure out what you really need.  Good point, but I think you should wait to see what freebies you’ll get as gifts and hand-me downs as well!

Third tip check out your benefits.  Unfortunately my DH’s benefits are changing in 2010 so we’ll be paying $250 to take our baby home from the hospital, whereas in 2009 it was $0.  Thus we upped our flexible spending account to pay for this.  Not a big deal.  My DH also knows he has 30 days to add her to his medical insurance.  While the change in benefits we just found out this month, the other costs and changes we immediately investigated after I hit the 12 week mar.

Fourth make trade offs, the example is cutting retirement savings.  I think this is a mistake.  Rather the family should look at cutting spending first and all extras like cell phones, cable, etc before cutting retirement savings.  That $100-200 month on extras can be used for other stuff.

Fifth plan ahead by getting a smaller mortgage or  baby fund.  Even without kids I think it’s important to consider your budget as a whole, not just when you want to have kids.   Sixth, practice budgeting.  What can I say to this?  Everyone should have a budget including single and newly minted graduates.  This should not start when you get pregnant.

Think creatively about ways to save money and take the plunge are tips 7 and 8.

I can only say the article I wonder if people actually read this and follow it?  I mean seriously.  Even before kids how do you buy a home without a budget?  Or figure out what you can really afford?  And since when does living within your means only start when you have kids?  Shouldn’t it start asap?

I guess this is why I’m finding the idea of parenthood easy.  All these simple lessons were things I thought “adults” living on their own, paying their bills dealt with.  Budgeting, savings, retirement, etc.  Yep, I have no idea what a baby will cost, but at least I have a handle on our finance pre-baby and not struggling to get it organized post-baby.