So it’s 2013.
Our new arrivals will be here in 5 months, possibly less. That means we’re basically half way through the pregnancy.
I’ve been plodding through the to-do list, which consists of:
1) various DIY jobs around the house
2) the research and eventual purchase of the necessary baby gear
3) nursery preparation / furniture
4) Paying off as much debt as humanly possible while the last remnants of disposable income fade into history
Point 4 is actually the most important one of these so I am overpaying my vehicle loan to ensure that I own it by October, which, by some strange coincidence is when I’ll be getting a company car and selling my beloved TT.
That way we won’t end up with any cash flow issues if the car doesn’t sell for a few months.
That should release enough funds (I hope) to pay off my wife’s car as well, also helping with monthly cash flow.
So why am I telling you all this? Mainly to make a point.
If my wife and I had failed to work hard, failed to get educated, or failed to perform at work, we’d be on benefits at the moment, enjoying free board and a good couple of hundred a month in food money courtesy of the tax payer. We would also be eligible for tax credits, easing the burden during the early years. In short, compared to a benefits limpet, our family are down THOUSANDS.
We do work hard, we are educated, and we do perform at work. So we have to sell everything just to survive the month in 5 months time. Where holidays will come from I have no idea.
So my reasons for waxing lyrical are 2 fold
1) so other couples in our situation can read and prepare in good time for the finance press to squeeze down.
2) To voice my opinion on how horribly unfair our benefits system is on the hard working middle classes. It might as well be communism.
But in summary, I’m getting through the list too slowly at the moment, and I need to step it up a notch to get ready in good time.
Luckily, I started the finance bit 4 months ago, and I’m glad I did. If you are reading this as an expectant family, get on top of the matter now, while you still can.
You’ll be amazed how much money you can avoid spending by eating in, not going to the pub etc. every pound is another one you aren’t borrowing anymore.
