3 months unpaid...

[YouAreMySunShine271]

Just about to start my 3 months unpaid maternity before the dreaded return to work! Does anyone have any tips on how to save/make some extra cash in this time?

[cottonwoolmum]

Savings

Work your way through store cupboard and freezer foods before buying stuff.

Meal plan. Saves loads of money if you aren't wasting food.

Make a list of all free or very low cost things you can do with your DC - play park, library, playgroup etc rather than all the expensive baby groups and build your week around those activities so you still go out and have lots of fun together without spending a fortune on lattes in cafes and baby yoga classes!

Ask/check on Freecycle for next stage baby equipment.


Income

Sell good quality maternity wear, unworn baby outfits and baby equipment on Ebay?

You could sign up for market research projects. They pay between £35-150 depending on the project. It's not guaranteed income as you may not get picked, but it helps, and while DC are very young and you can be flexible, it's worth a go.

Some people go in for baby modelling/adverts.