How much did you save before going on maternity leave?

27 replies

Penguinnnn · 28/04/2026 09:18

(This might not be the right place for my question)

Starting to think about finances and wondering what people have saved for their maternity leave? I.e. if you take home £2000pcm but bills are £1000pcm, have you saved £2k, £1k or something different?

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Penguinnnn · 29/04/2026 18:57

ImpatientlyWaitingForSummer · 29/04/2026 18:47

To be honest it’s more the fact that my maternity leave policy at work is shocking so we basically didn’t have anything topping it up! So I did the full 12 months leave and then two months annual leave followed by four months unpaid, I did also consider using parental leave but it didn’t make any difference. But yes it really has been amazing, she’s my last one so I’ve been so lucky getting the extra time with her and my toddler, I’ll never forget this period and I’ll be sad when it’s over!

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SMP is a pittance! I do not begrudge paying tax whatsoever but I am frustrated that I’ll be taking home less than I pay in tax every month when on maternity leave.

That is lovely! You’ll look back with such fond memories 😊

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SterlingsGold · 29/04/2026 21:50

I’m due in June and we’ve saved £7k so far. My maternity pay is terrible (6 weeks 90%, then SMP, then unpaid for final 3 months). I’m also the higher earner and DH is self employed so it’s not even like we have a defined income from him to help budgeting. I also have (pre pregnancy) £5k in premium bonds that we plan to use if needed too.

The plan is DH’s income can over the essential bills and then the savings will cover my expenses while off. We will be living more frugally too while I’m off (ie no holidays and reduced eating out etc). Really not looking forward to the money situation at all.

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