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Tackling Money Worries

The Priceless Feeling of Being Debt-Free

By Laura Cone

Kay suggests using a shopping robot such as MySimon.com, Nexttag.com or Froogle.com to search for values on furniture, diapers, clothes, strollers, baby monitors and other items you need. And consider having a virtual garage sale on eBay.

Another idea is to print out coupons you find on the Internet or look for items that offer a cash rebate from the manufacturer. Kay also recommends visiting www.Freecycle.org to check for free items that you can have for the price of postage and handling.

With two of her pregnancies, Kay was so organized she did not have to buy clothing until her two children were toddlers.

Also, don't be shy about letting friends organize a "just dads shower" or a "diaper shower." Typically, everyone brings a package of disposable diapers in a variety of sizes and baby wipes. "This is especially good for new moms and dads that are on a tight budget as this meets a real need for months to come," she says.

Finally, if you are worried about money, don't be shy about seeking help from the government. Visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic to learn more about WIC, a food and nutrition resource for expecting mothers, breastfeeding mothers, infants and children.

Multiplying Money Fears with Twins

While being pregnant with one child brings a lot of financial stress, women who are pregnant with multiples find the number of children they are carrying exponentially multiplies their worries.

Misty Fry of Roseville, Calif., the executive vice president of the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Club, says many mothers of multiples decide to stay home with their children because childcare is expensive. "A lot of them have home-based businesses or do something part-time," she says. "When you are pregnant with multiples [you] worry about a premature delivery. Financial worries add to the stress of the pregnancy, which could lead to prematurity. It's hard to cut down on the worry."

Fry says women may ease some of their fears simply by talking to more experienced parents who understand. "When they come to meetings, they seek advice on how to buy things at discount," she says. "We encourage them to ask their doctors for formula and items they get free from distributors."

Women who come to support groups can ask questions and even share used baby clothes, Fry says. "Pretty much everyone has been there, done that," she says. "It's a relief to talk about what's going on. Usually there is someone else who has just been through it who has good advice. You are talking to other people who are in the same spot you are in."

Other tips for putting your worries to rest include the following:

• Seek counseling or hypnotherapy to relax and let go of fears. Some therapists specialize in fears related to childbirth, and can also help with stress related to money.
• Seek help from a credit counselor. Even if you can't pay off all of your debt before the baby comes, having a plan can relieve stress.
• Engage in spiritual activities. Whether it's joining a church or going to a meditation seminar, explore ways to get in touch with your spirituality so you are not as burdened with material problems.
• Brainstorm ways to make money while being able to take care of your child. Finding a creative outlet that generates income can relieve stress.
• Have a support group of family and friends. When you have the urge to spend money, talk to them and be open with them about your money problems and goals so they can help.

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• Anticipating Baby: The Unexpected Cost of Parenthood
• Baby on a Budget: Creating a Nursery Without Spending a Fortune
• Frugal and Fashionable: Saving Money on Maternity Clothes
• Talk about it!

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