Worried about Mat leave & pay

As I get closer to babies due date I’m starting to get worried sick about coping financially once my Mat Pay starts. I only get 1 month of full pay before the Mat leave kicks in, and have about £4k saved (which I have no idea wether that’s reasonable or not) I’m fortunate my partner can work over time so we’ll never be short on rent, but it upsets me to think of it all being on his shoulders, and not being financial independent for the first time ever. Hope I’m not the only one 😞
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Don’t worry it’ll all come together and work out. I’m in the same position & don’t have much saved. Have faith it’ll work out!

It’s easier said than done but you always live within your means, you’ll always spend what you have because it’s there to be spent but when it’s no longer there you will adjust your life to spend less etc! Sounds bizarre but this is my second baby I haven’t worked since having my first and we have more money now then when I was working which is just crazy 😂

I’m in the same boat and have always been financially independent. I’m not sure how much I’ll be taking home each month so will only take 9 months off instead of 12 months to ensure I can still cover my own bills and mortgage contributions. But with some annual leave either side will work out close to 11 months anyway. We’ve saved as hard as we can whilst still forking out for all the baby things. I’ve had conversations with husband I’ll likely be able to contribute to the bills and pay own bills as normal but he might need to help pay for days out. It is a worry though, but i believe it will all work out, just have to live within your means. And find free things to spend your time with baby X

I lost my job before I found out I was pregnant and then got really poorly so partner is only earner. I have tried my hardest to use vinted and marketplace and will carry on using second hand as it saves a lot

I am actually really looking forward to not working, being at home and for once leave all financial worries on my husband. Tbh that's men's job anyway 🙌🏼 We are doing more than enough carrying, growing, birthing and looking after our babies ❤️ All of our savings will go for mortgage as we buying a house but as comments above said we will manage and when/if I need to I will go back to work or get a part time.

@Gabi I absolutely HATE my job, so I am so so excited to no longer be working, and I’ll be changing my job once I’m ready to go back to work, but not being financially independent, after having my own income since I was 14, is going to be a really hard adjustment. My partner works INCREDIBLY hard but I don’t think it’s fair to say “that’s the men’s job” especially in this economy 🙁

Girl your not the only one, I get government mat allowance which is pennies honestly but I’m not stressing about it too much I’m sure everything will work out I’m just trying to save as much as I can in the mean time xx

Men have always been the providers and protectors of the family. I really dislike when some people trying to say this is wrong. Because what exactly is wrong? It benefits everyone and I'd say mainly us women. What is the alternative? To give example, I grew up in a fam where mum did everything. Had her job 8-4, looked after me, cleaned, cooked, did shopping, did laundry, was wife, partner. Dad was only working. Where is some balance? This is completely wrong but many women agree to it and then complain as naturally become worn off, tired, no time for themselves. This isn't equality. This is extremely unequal when both parties work but woman does everything else and is a mother. So that's where I am coming from by saying "it is a man's job to provide" not forever, don't get me wrong, I also love having my own income, but for the time being when we become mothers and looking after our children. But of course each one to their own. As long as both man and woman are happy with their roles in the marriage, then OK

@Gabi I’m not saying it’s wrong, I’m just saying that’s a very traditional mindset, which I think is quite outdated. However if that’s the role your partner plays in your house than that’s absolutely fine, maybe I’m fortunate and in the minority that my partner works insane hours and also does 50% of house work and life admin, each to their own!

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