Maternity leave

I need to follow this post!!😂

Need to follow this too! 😂😂 I started doing the surveys and hoping to make a little amazing cash but they haven’t sent me one voucher yet 😣

I’m going to be claiming additional benefits that I’ll be entitled to (my partner doesn’t earn much as he works for a charity) and using savings to top up the rest of the way as and where needed. Luckily and unluckily I guess my wage isn’t very high to begin with so we’re very used to our budget and I’ve saved lots so I won’t be continuing to save while on maternity. My partner will also be due a hefty pay raise in September so it will only be 5-6 months on a tight squeeze!

On my first mat leave I went through our whole house and sold anything we didn't really need on Facebook marketplace. It's surprising how much stuff there was 😅 Also saved a little pot before hand to top up my monthly income. I've got a little pot again this time and have been selling my son's old clothes and toys to have a clear out again.

Same here. Going on SMP in one month and the thought of it is scary. Will try to look for something to do online. What Kirsty said is a great idea! Getting rid of stuff you don’t need and make some extra cash. Been doing that on Vinted already.

@Kirsty how much would you recommend saving to top up your income if you don’t mind me asking?

I'm claiming UC already, so it'll just continue as well as child benefit. I am not entitled to SMP as I took a year off with my daughter, which meant I earned nothing in the "qualifying period," but luckily, my partner earned over the couple AET, so no work meetings are required. I actually quit my job as of Jan as I was travelling an hour by train each way and after nursery fees (even with 50% discount as I work there). I was only earning £19.86 a day. Actually works out for me as I've been so exhausted I think I'd of gone on mat leave by now anyway x

I get a few months full pay so just going to have a pedicure as a last treat and just cut off all other spending that’s not necessary and save the rest

@Leah base it off your usual monthly outgoings and work out the shortfall between that and SMP 😊 and then obviously if you want any extra to do things month to month. I spend a lot on fuel for commuting to work so it's worth considering how your outgoings might change too.