Stressing about finances - how much to spend on nursery?

Question

Don't get me wrong. My husband and I are comfortable. We own our (tiny) home, live a happy life, and feel prepared for the financial obligations that come with raising a child.

Yet I'm so nervous. We're saving as much money as possible, because I'd like to extend my maternity leave (i.e. I'll be out unpaid for a bit), and we'd like to move into a larger home shortly after baby is born. Operative word being "like" - these things are not necessities but our goals, I fully realize that.

But certain things are seriously stressing me out. For one, I am in a wedding that is costing much more than I anticipated. We're also in the process of getting our nursery started, which costs money too, of course! And I just can't stop thinking about money.

For those of you who've already started your nurseries, how much did you spend? Where did you save vs. where did you splurge? What things were worth the money, or what purchases did you regret? I really want to start getting ourselves ready for our baby but I see my nursery budget dwindling each time I get another "bridesmaid bill" for this wedding.

Answer

My husband and I started Dave Ramsey's financial peace university and started using his cash flow and budgeting charts to help prepare for baby.  We just finished building a house so it's helped us get everything organized. I also found charts online where other moms have kept track of all the diapers their baby's used and how many of each size so I have a big chart and coupon for diapers. I just bought a bag of pampers newborn for 2.50!  I also wrote out a timeline of the next 9 months and expected expenses each month along with our expected out of pocket expense for baby. Ooh another thing-sometimes insurance may cover a breast pump! Ours did for my first and they'll cover me for this one too!!

Answer

Forgot to add a picture of my baby bookshelf♡♡

Answer

Forgot to add a picture of my baby bookshelf♡♡

Answer

We are using our credit card points for all the furniture. I ended getting $1100 worth of furniture for free. Finding ways to cut corners like that gives me more room to splurge. I also found the exact bassinet I wanted at a garage sale right down the street from my house. Normally goes for 250, I got it for 100 :)

Answer

I am waiting to purchase big things (car seats and such) until after my shower... then if someone else doesn't buy them, they have the 10% discount! And a good friend of ours is building us a crib and dresser as a gift... extremely blessed there.
 But if you can, maybe get as many things second hand and refinish them! I got this hand-me-down old bookshelf that I sanded down, now it's white with a stained wood top and BEAUTIFUL. Cost me like $10 in materials! ♡ hang in there mama :)

Stressing about finances - how much to spend on nursery?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey