retired_hvporter

Totally agree with you mate. We've struggled financially at times, I've had to work stupid hours, etc, but we have a fantastic daughter who is happy. I am certain this is because my wife didn't work for the first 18 months of Izzy's life. Only now she does part-time at weekends, when I spend time with her. It does make a heck of a difference.

On the flipside, I know there are a lot of families who struggle to do this, with one parent at home. That doesn't make them bad parents. I just can't understand how people can be earning stupid cash and 'can't afford' to survive without both going back to work.

I'm printing this thread out for my wife to read. It may make her realise how well we've done compared to people earning more than us!

retired_imran_ryd

Alternatively, if your wife has the potential to earn more than you, get her back work as asap and become a househusband.

retired_kerich1117

Fixed.

You can't take £30k plus away from a combined income of almost £60k and think you can meet all baby and mortgage costs (plus car loan and study loan)

retired_hvporter

No fair enough. But could your wife work part-time?

Surrey tends to be even more expensive! It sucks down here, doesn't it?

I gave this lot up. Of course, I would start it up again when we are in a better position, but it is one thing we didn't really need in the short term. A gamble maybe, but a gamble worth taking.

Again, fair point. I do feel for you, especially as you are pretty much in the same boat as ourselves (no family nearby - ours live 5 hours away - so no easy childcare). I would consider childcare carefully though. Does either workplace have some sort of childcare centre/scheme? I know more and more places are doing this now. Even ask your works if they have any such schemes/supports in place. It is worth asking and you never know your luck.

And good luck - come pop into the OTF Parents thread as well!

hanouda

Shouldn't you have thought about the financial implications of spawning BEFORE assuming the pregnancy position?

retired_kerich1117

No fair enough. But could your wife work part-time?

Surrey tends to be even more expensive! It sucks down here, doesn't it?

I gave this lot up. Of course, I would start it up again when we are in a better position, but it is one thing we didn't really need in the short term. A gamble maybe, but a gamble worth taking.

Again, fair point. I do feel for you, especially as you are pretty much in the same boat as ourselves (no family nearby - ours live 5 hours away - so no easy childcare). I would consider childcare carefully though. Does either workplace have some sort of childcare centre/scheme? I know more and more places are doing this now. Even ask your works if they have any such schemes/supports in place. It is worth asking and you never know your luck.

And good luck - come pop into the OTF Parents thread as well! </BLOCKQUOTE>

The things is Gav, I fully agree with you. We would love it if my wife could stay at home full time and look after the baby.

We are just not sure if we could afford to live on my £26k and meet the commitments I have mentioned.

We could of course take a gamble just like you did and cancel certain policies.

Luckily we still have a few weeks to look into all of this (due date is 15 January).

Could you please give me the link to the OTF Parents thread. I'd love to get into more contact with guys like yourself and exchange ideas.

hanouda

Why doesn't she go back to work and you stay at home if she earns more?

retired_linton_justin

something about mother / baby bonding apparently. I dont buy it personally

retired_linton_justin

Also, if not done already, you could switch your mortgage to interest only for 6 months or so to save some cash, then switch back when your missus decides to go part time.

retired_hvporter

The oracle of parenting knowledge.