Having a baby. 3 easy steps to make the most of your money

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1 Having a baby 3 easy steps to make the most of your money

2 The Money Advice Service is independent and set up by government to help people make the most of their money by giving free, impartial advice. As well as advice about budgeting for a family, we offer information on a wide range of other money topics. Visit our website today for advice, tips and tools to help you to make informed decisions and plan for a better future. moneyadviceservice.org.uk Free, impartial advice: on the web on the phone face to face

3 Here to help It s now more important than ever that you make the most of every penny. This guide is for you if you are having a baby and need help to keep your household budget under control. It will explain: What you are entitled to How to work out a budget The steps to take for securing your baby s future

4 1 Did you know? You are entitled to free NHS prescriptions while pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months. Check what you re entitled to Remember You could also save yourself money by getting dental treatment. It s free while you re pregnant and until your baby is a year old.

5 Claim money you re due Speak to your employer about Statutory Maternity Pay or contact either Jobcentre Plus or the Jobs and Benefits Office if you re self-employed or on certain benefits. Claim Child Benefit Fill in the form found in your Bounty pack and post it once you ve registered the birth. Forms can also be obtained from the HM Revenue & Customs department. You can claim the payment for your child whatever your savings.* Get free vitamins and vouchers You can get free vitamins and Healthy Start vouchers if you re on a low income or under 18 talk to your midwife or doctor. Find out what you re eligible for with our quick guide to main benefits and entitlements at moneyadviceservice.org.uk/parents *As of January 2013 the Government has introduced some changes that could affect your entitlement to Child Benefits. For more info visit hmrc.gov.uk

6 2 How to work out a budget Did you know? The total cost of keeping a baby in nappies for the first two years is estimated to be around 800?* *source: whatprice.co.uk

7 Use our Baby cost calculator Having a baby is going to affect your financial situation this calculator will help you to work out what you ll need, how much you ll be spending and where you can save. Check what you can afford Use our online Budgeting and Baby cost calculator so you know where you stand. It will do the sums for you, so you can clearly see what s coming in and going out. Talk about money This is not the time to be shy about how you ll manage. Talk with your partner, family and friends. It s important to plan and save before your baby arrives or you could face money worries in that precious first year use our Baby cost calculator to check how much the essentials could cost you.

8 3 Secure your baby s future Did you know? Saving as little as 5 a month from birth till 18 years old in savings account could grow to around 1,000.

9 Start saving early You ll be amazed how much it adds up. There are plenty of children savings options to choose from. Search for Children s savings options. Take out or review your life insurance It s a must for all parents and may be cheaper than you think. This will help provide for your family in the event of your death. Make or review your will With a new baby on the scene it is especially important that you have a will. This will make sure your baby is cared for by the people you would choose if anything happen to you. Discover other ways to plan for the future at moneyadviceservice.org.uk/parents

10 Did you know? Parents-to-be can sign up to receive regular NHS information, s, videos and SMS with advice covering pregnancy and bringing up a baby to sign up visit nhs.uk/parents

11 Money Advice Service The Money Advice Service is independent and set up by government to help people make the most of their money by giving free, impartial money advice to everyone across the UK online, over the phone and face-to-face. We give advice, tips and tools on a wide range of topics including day-to-day money management, savings, planning your retirement and for your future, and as well as advice and help for life changing events such as starting a family or losing your job. For advice and to access our tools and planners visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk Or call our Money Advice Line on Typetalk

12 Having a baby is one of the guides available from the Money Advice Service. To see our full range of guides and request copies visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk Money Advice Line * Typetalk If you would like this guide in Braille, large print or audio format please contact us on the above numbers. *Calls to 0300 numbers are free if you have free or inclusive call minutes as a part of the contract you have with your landline or mobile phone provider. If you don t have free or inclusive call minutes then calls to 0300 numbers will be charged at standard rates for UK geographic numbers (eg UK numbers starting with 01 or 02). To help us maintain and improve our service, we may record or monitor calls. Information up-to-date at time of printing (April 2013). April 2013 Money Advice Service April 2013 Ref: HAB0001A