How much does it cost to have a baby? The have already talked about saving before the baby arrives, but once they are here, they cost money every month!

In this episode Marissa and Bethany talk about the monthly expenses they have for their boys like diapers, formula, clothes, toys, 529 plans, and fun. They also go into several ways to save on those monthly costs, like shopping at Costco for Diapers, using rewards programs for formula, and more! 

Mentioned in this episode are: 

• Zenni to save on glasses 
• Using Fetch Rewards App to use rewards on diapers
• CVS Care Program
• Target Circle
• Qube 

Going through a pandemic is difficult. Going through it pregnant and as a FTM is especially difficult. 

Marissa and Bethany talk about what it was like entering lock down in the third trimester of their pregnancies. They each relive the range of emotions they  experienced while they canceled baby showers, couldn't be surrounded by friends and family, and some of the surprises they experienced before giving birth. 

They also discuss the choices they each made when it came to letting family visit their new borns and how they have lived in quarantine for the last 10+ months. 

Bethany also tells her story of contracting COVID. She goes over how it happened, what she may have done differently, and the feelings associated with getting the virus. She also shares the story her 8-month-old, Caden, contracting the virus and what signs to look for in infants who may need extra medical attention. 

In this episode, we discuss Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS), which can occur in infants 3-6 weeks after they have contracted COVID. For an excellent article on the subject, please visit https://first10em.com/pediatric-inflammatory-multisystem-syndrome-pims/. 

We want to continually educate our community and encourage researching this subject if you or someone you know has been affected, but please know that we are not medical experts. Please always consult a trusted doctor or pediatrician if you have questions regarding PIMS, COVID symptoms, medical treatment, or precautions you should take for the safety of you or your child. 

Having a baby can be expensive! 

Sometimes it is hard to know how much you should have saved up before that little bundle of joy arrives. In this episode of The Motherhood & Money Show, Bethany and Marissa discuss how they each prepared their finances for having children. 

In this episode we cover: 

• How Bethany and Marissa each prepared financially and set money goals before TTC
• How many months of expenses they set aside in their emergency funds
• What is an HSA and why is it important when having a baby, as well at what items qualify for HSA
• Should you be debt free before having a baby? 
• How to start a baby budget 
• What are sinking funds and why are they important when planning for a baby?

And as a bonus, we also address: 

• Great questions to ask on a first date when you want to make sure they are financially stable
• Ways to save on baby items
• Spending on the items that matter most to you and cutting back on items that are not as important

For more helpful tips on the items we discuss in this show, visit motherhoodandmoneyshow.com or follow @motherhoodandmoneyshow on Instagram!

In this episode, we cover what it was like recovering in the hospital, how our babies were for the first few days of their lives, our breastfeeding journeys, and the mental health side of postpartum recovery. We also discuss what it was like being a new mom and having our first babies in the middle of a pandemic. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum recovery either mentally or emotionally, talk to your OBGYN, your child's pediatrician, or visit https://www.mcpapformoms.org/Resources/PregnantWomen.aspx. 

Welcome back to The Motherhood & Money Show! 

In this second kickoff episode, Marissa Lyda and Bethany Bayless continue the conversation of their motherhood journeys as they share their birth stories. Bethany shares her story this week of giving birth to her son, Caden. 

If you missed the first part of the story, check out episode 1 of The Motherhood and Money Show!

Welcome to the first episode of The Motherhood & Money Show! 

In this kickoff episode, Marissa Lyda and Bethany Bayless start at the beginning of their motherhood journeys as they share their birth stories. Marissa goes first as she describes what it was like to give birth to her son, Peter, in the middle of a pandemic. 

To hear the other side of the story, check out the next episode with Bethany's birth story. 

Two moms (who gave birth during a pandemic) get together to chat all things motherhood and money in this fun, new season of life. Join Marissa Lyda and Bethany Bayless as they laugh, maybe cry, share fun stories, and encourage other moms as they navigate motherhood and personal finance.

Welcome to the Motherhood & Money Show!