One salary, maternity pay run out - hints and tips please!

[spewgloriousspew]

Hello,

So, having a bit of a money stress and looking for people in a similar boat to borrow ideas from.

Here's the deal: SMP ran out in Feb so now reliant on husband's salary. At home, there's me, an almost 1-year old and my husband. And a cat. I do the weekly shop at Aldi, don't go out much, neither of us drink alcohol so don't spend on that and generally try to scrimp and save when we can.

Until yesterday, we put £300/month into savings (see that as important for our future as a family) but have cut that to £150. I pay £69/month into a private pension.

Childcare is prohibitively expensive and my parents aren't in a position to look after our son while I work. So I do a bit of freelance work when I can, but given that I'm looking after our son full-time, that's very limited.

We only go to free/very low cost baby groups and I buy as many of his clothes as I can from ebay, charity shops etc.

Oh, and we're trying for another baby (bloody hormones, please don't call me irresponsible).

Anyone else in a similar situation with any amazing money-saving tips?

I've read about renting the space on your driveway, especially if you're in a commuting area.

Also, have you had a look at your nearest toy library? Ours has really good quality toys that the children can lend for 3 weeks, free of charge.

I too am in the same situation as spew. Brilliant thread! Thanks to everyone from me too!

hello, sorry for not popping back - had a busy couple of weeks and have been getting my head round self-assessment tax returns...

I raided a nearly new sale yesterday - spent £32 but got 4 bigger sleeping bags, some clothes and a book gift set.

Can't remember who suggested the library, but we use that A LOT! Especially for DVDS and children's books. Recently rented a series of Gray's Anatomy for £1.25 for the week.

Johnworf, I've heard of toy libraries but not sure if they have one round here - will look into it.

I'm now thinking more than twice about every purchase I make. And I feel good about it.

Thanks for all the tips and great to hear from others in the same boat .

Hi

this is the first time I have been on this tread,its very intresting,I was made redundant in feb one of my colleauges irons clothes for 2 hours while her lo is haveing a nap,Im due in 6 weeks and when Im upto it.I might give it ago too.