To think I can afford a baby?

[user0910222]

I'm 33 years old and just found out I'm pregnant. Ex and I split up last week so I'll be going it alone. He also has no interest in the pregnancy (long story but he wasn't who I thought he was).

I want to keep the baby but I'm petrified that I won't be able to manage financially.

Earning a full time salary of 45K.
I own my own house outright (I got lucky with inheritance, and then also worked my butt off to become mortgage free).
Now left with 20K in savings.

Ex earns 60K so I know there will be some maintenance there but he also has 3 other kids. And whether he will even pay is another matter as I know lots of mothers who struggle to get their maintenance payments.

AIBU to think I can afford a baby alone with no financial help? I'll be out of work for a year, won't be able to go back to being full time. I'm so scared but I can't not have this baby.

I'd get a 2nd hand copy of this book, or ideally, a more modern version of similar. I bought it when pregnant, but sadly never got to use the advice, so can't comment how good/useful it is. It seemed like good tips though. Wishing you all the best.
www.brownsbfs.co.uk/Product/Madeline-Thomas-Thomas/Babynomics/9781908281050

Of course you can go back full time if you want to-you will be earning more than working part time, which will pay for the higher cost of childcare!

You'll be fine..you might have to prioritise slightly differently but you won't struggle.

Dp and I only earned about £40k between us when I got pregnant and we managed okay, and we had housing costs too. We're better off now thankfully, but we never went without.

With no mortgage cost nursery would be doable imo, key would be commute and family support.

So if you wfh or live close and have family support I reckon it would be relatively easy - well as easy as having a child can ever be

Most people struggling with childcare costs have a lower salary and housing costs.

It sounds like it will be doable on your salary without housing costs, it may be a bit tight at worst for a couple of years, but with £20k savings behind you you’ll get through it.

I’d be more concerned about coping emotionally and socially, do you have supportive friends/or family nearby?

With no mortgage to worry about, you should be able to afford full time nursery. I wouldn't go part time as a single parent unless I had no choice.

You also don't have to take a year off, it can be 9 months, 6 months etc.

Why would you be out of work for a year? Surely you'll get maternity pay? Stay full time, you'll be fine and congratulations!

You will be more comfortable than most