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Tackling Money Worries

The Priceless Feeling of
Being Debt-Free

By Laura Cone

While it's tempting to want to go and buy everything for your baby on credit, Kay says debt only creates stress for parents. "Babies don't know the difference between a new crib and a slightly used one, but they do know when Mama is stressed," she says. "So the best thing you can do is minimize debt and thereby minimize stress as well."

There are creative things an expectant mother can do to avoid charging on credit cards, Kay says. One way is to let your friends shower you with gifts. Be receptive when other people want to throw you a baby shower. Allow your friends, family members, coworkers or partner's coworkers as well as church or synagogue groups to give you a baby shower.

"Most women will get at least two baby showers for their first pregnancy and some moms get as many as four or five showers," Kay says. "Your hostess for the shower will ask you for a list of items you need. Take inventory of what you have and what you need and give an accurate list to the hostess. Don't be afraid to ask for bigger items such as a stroller, high chair or car seat because it's often easier for some women to contribute to a group gift rather than take the time and effort to shop for an individual gift."

Kay suggests registering the items you need at discount department stores such as Target or Wal-Mart to stretch your friends' dollars. After the shower, do an inventory of your duplicate items or the things you don't think you will use and return them for store credit.

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• Anticipating Baby: The Unexpected Cost of Parenthood
• Baby on a Budget: Creating a Nursery Without Spending a Fortune
• Frugal and Fashionable: Saving Money on Maternity Clothes
• Talk about it!

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