Hi guys! Sorry I've been MIA lately... my life has gotten crazy!
So in March I started a new job in Human Resources The job itself was fine (albeit extremely disorganized- a nightmare for someone like me!) but still I liked it well enough. Two problems ended up arising though: 1) The job was supposed to be part time but I was working 50 hours a week and 2) I got a positive pregnancy test result a week after starting!! : D *I'm 13 weeks now, and we just found out through Harmony what we are having, but unfortunately can't post online because I have real life friends on here that I want to be surprised at the reveal shower in August!*
So I ended up staying a few months while I decided what to do but as I enter my second trimester we have decided I need to leave. The job is HR at an amusement park and frequently involves walking/standing for long period of time in the heat, and the building I work in is connected to a warehouse where they frequently use high levels of spray paint and other chemicals. They definitely would have found a way to accommodate me if I'd asked, but since I actually made more money at my other part time job I decided I'll just go back there 2 days a week or so (I only left that job in the first place because I was hoping to gain some experience in my field). My husband's check pays all of our bills and retirement contributions and my check is our vacation savings and emergency fund, so at least with me not working for a few weeks we will just be saving a little less, not going into debt.
We are now 6 months without CC debt and let me tell you to all you of guys who are struggling- the feeling of freedom is worth EVERY sacrifice. Keep it up!
Other than being pregnant and getting a new job- not much else to report! DH got his cost of living raise- not much but every little bit helps! His company just got bought so there's a possibility he might be able to get a new job with better pay within the company soon- we will see!
We also are booking a 3 night Bahamas cruise through
DCL for Sept 2018. I could kick myself for not booking a few days ago when it was $300 cheaper- but you live and you learn! The baby will be about 10 months old so I think we will enjoy ourselves!
For those of you with kids or who are expecting- what kinds of budget strategies have you put in place to help you save? I have amazing insurance through my mom (I'm only 24) and will owe next to nothing for delivery. I'll be hopefully breastfeeding and we plan to use cloth diapers to save money, (with the added bonus of helping the planet too!) Since I'll be just working part time opposite my husband, we don't need to worry about childcare very often. My family already told me they are planning a shower, and I'm keeping the sex a secret until then so I can "hopefully" get more neutral gifts that can be used for the opposite sex of what we are having now in the future!
But.. even with knowing all this, I'm sure I'm missing a TON of things I've never considered before with having a baby- what are your suggestions?