Baby Budget

[disneysteve]

MonkeyMama - We had actually signed up with a diaper service, signed a contract, given a deposit. Then shortly before our daughter was born, they went out of business. We lost our deposit and there were no other diaper services in our area so we were forced to go with disposables. I suppose we could have washed them ourselves but we didn't want to go that route.

[AmbitiousSaver]

I cloth diaper our youngest and breastfeed.

For cloth diapering I use Fuzzi Bunz... spent $300 bought 15 diapers and do laundry 2-3 times a week. And when you're done you can sell them on eBay for half price... or go to ebay initially and buy them for half price used.

My youngest will be in the first size (Small) for the first 6 months. Then I'll probably have to move up to Mediums.

Cloth diapering has certainly evolved from 20 years ago. They even have cute designs and stuff on them... not sure how long I'll continue this. I cloth diapered my son till he was 4 months old... my youngest is 4 months old now and I still think she can wear these diapers for at least another few months and until her bowel movements turn solid... I can probably continue this.

ETA: I'm not trying to push cloth diapering on the OP... but just wanted to post this info in case it might be helpful to anyone who would be considering CDing. Money is tight for us with a baby... but with some adjustments we have made, cloth diapering, working from home, breastfeeding and shopping clearance and garage sales - it has made our youngest the cheapest child of our four. And we had to start fresh with her... we were done with 3 and gave away and donated ALL of our baby stuff. Then as we were searching for a reputable Dr for DH's vasectomy - SURPRISE.

[jIM_Ohio]

Originally Posted by checkthebudget

Here is a suggestion: If cable is an option in your area, kill the land line and the satellite. Use cable and Skype voip. Skype will cost you $3 a month for unlimited local and long distance. I get cable and high-speed internet for about $60 a month. So losing the landline and direct tv will save you close to $100 a month ($1200 a year!)

I need my NFL ticket in the fall, satellite is a must have to me.

[jIM_Ohio]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

I don't recall how much each of you earns. I know the total is 66K but how is that split? If you were to die, would 325K be enough to support your wife and kids at least until they are adults? That's about 18K/year for 18 years (plus interest).

It may or may not be enough. Just run the numbers and make sure.

With a 50% raise my wife will almost earn what I earn.
If I take a 30% pay cut, I would make the same as my wife.

Her earning power is greater, I'd expect her to catch me soon in salary.