How do you manage on mat leave?

[Littleelffriend]

Ok, so I may have been a little naïve. I told my work today that I was pregnant (first child). I stupidly hadn't looked into maternity pay etc, and have discovered that I only get 90% pay for the 1st 6 weeks, then just statutory, which I'm led to believe will be about £500 a month. How on earth do people manage on this? It wouldn't even cover my mortgage.

TTC induced our massive spreadsheet and our state of the nation financial review every year. I got enhanced maternity pay for six months and then had three months unpaid. I could have had a year off but wanted to go back to work, so did. I used up six weeks leave before DS arrived so I could have a rest and also indulge myself a little. I helped at arts and crafts sessions for the elderly for those weeks and had a great time.

Nursery 14 years ago but also up North so cheaper was £125 per week, slight subsidy as work based plus we both did the tax deductible childcare voucher thing when that policy came in.

If you work in an organisation that does childcare vouchers you could start building those up now. Lots of the parents at work do that so they've got some ready and saved for when Mum goes back. Obviously need to work out if you're better having the cash, but there are savings by doing vouchers through work if your work does them.