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200 Chapple Ave

Ashland, WI 54806

(715) 682-1125

Mon, Wed, Thur - 9am - 5pm

Evening appts, if needed

What Are Some Financial Steps For Expecting Mothers?
financial steps

Expecting a child is a life-changing experience. Along with the emotional and physical preparations, it’s also important to consider the financial aspects of pregnancy and parenthood. We know finances can be daunting, but know that we are 100% here to guide you through these steps. Here are some financial steps for expecting mothers to consider:

Evaluate Your Financial Situation.

Take a close look at your current finances. You’ll need to assess your income, savings, and expenses to determine where you can make adjustments. The Chequamegon Pregnancy Center has education to help create a comprehensive budget to help with financial steps going forward, such as hospital costs, baby furniture, and other things you’ve never had to buy before becoming a parent.

Healthcare

  • Prenatal Care: Schedule regular prenatal check-ups with a healthcare provider. Early and consistent prenatal care is crucial for both the mother’s and baby’s health. We have a list of area healthcare providers that we can help connect you with.
  • Health Insurance: Review your health insurance policy to understand coverage for prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care. If you don’t have insurance, explore options through government programs or healthcare marketplaces. Several resources in the Ashland area can help.
  • Budget for Medical Costs: Plan for medical expenses, including copays, deductibles, and any out-of-pocket costs related to pregnancy and delivery.

Budgeting and Savings

  • Create a Budget: Make a budget that includes all your current expenses and plan for the additional costs associated with having a child, such as diapers, formula, and childcare. We can help you create a budget – you’re not alone in this!
  • Emergency Fund: If you don’t have one, start building an emergency fund. Aim to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved in case of unexpected financial challenges.
  • Plan for Maternity/Paternity Leave: Understand your employer’s policies regarding maternity or paternity leave. 

Insurance and Legal Documents

  • Life Insurance: Consider getting life insurance if you don’t have one. It’s important to ensure financial security for your family if something happens to you or your partner.
  • Will and Guardianship: Create or update your will to include provisions for the child’s guardianship and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
  • Healthcare Proxy: Designate someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so during childbirth.

Work Benefits and Government Assistance

  • Understand Employee Benefits: Familiarize yourself with your workplace benefits, such as health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and other resources that can help cover medical expenses.
  • Explore Government Assistance: Research government assistance programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) that can provide support for pregnant women and families with low incomes. Ashland has local organizations that can help you with this. We are more than happy to connect you with their programs.

Maternity and Baby Gear

  • Center Boutique: When you participate in our Earn-While-You-Learn program, you can earn some great baby items for free from our boutique while you take lessons at the center. You can earn diapers, clothing, furniture, and more.
  • Plan Purchases: Make a list of essential baby items and shop wisely, considering second-hand options for items like strollers and cribs to save money.

Emotional and Mental Health

  • Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family. Emotional support is invaluable during pregnancy and early parenthood.
  • We’re here for you: We want to see you succeed during this time, as well as ensure you have all you need for a healthy and supported pregnancy. We also want to check in with you after baby is born, so please let us know how we can help you.

 

The Chequamegon Pregnancy Center offers free and confidential pregnancy services to women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy. We offer a safe, confidential, and judgment-free environment. We provide free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, medical and social service referrals, material assistance for mom and child, parenting classes, prenatal education, and more.

Make an appointment

disclaimer

Chequamegon Pregnancy Center does not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations or birth control. Information is provided as an educational service and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.

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Mon, Wed, Thur – 9am – 5pm

EVENING APPTS, IF NEEDED

200 Chapple Avenue

PO Box 13

Ashland, WI

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