You may have nine whole months to save and plan for your baby, but it's best to start as early as possible, so you can save more, spread the cost of bigger items and get things in order before you feel too big, or too tired!

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When you start to come up with a budget plan, it makes sense to know exactly where you are with your finances. That way, you can decide how much maternity leave you want (and can afford) to take, or how much money you've got to play with when it comes to getting set up and ready for the baby.

Saving money from the start of the pregnancy might mean you can buy yourself another couple of weeks at home with your little one, or pick up some items from your 'nice-to-have' list.

Check out these top tips from the Money Advice Service, to get to grips with your finances during pregnancy.

Expecting a baby is exciting, but it can also be an expensive time. Follow these steps to make sure you’re prepared for your new arrival.

Step 1 – Take stock of your money situation
Step 2 – Cut back on your expenses
Step 3 – Reduce your debts
Step 4 – Open a savings account
Step 5 – Boost your income
Step 6 – Keep track of important dates

1. Take stock of your money situation

Top tip

It’s never too early to work out your budget. Don’t put it off until after the baby is born.

Knowing exactly what’s coming in and going out each month is essential to help you figure out what you can afford.

To get a clear idea of how you spend your money and how much you have left over use the Money Advice Service Budget planner .

Knowing how much everything costs will help you prepare for your new arrival and avoid any unexpected expenses.

Work out what your baby will need and how much it will cost with the Money Advice Service Baby costs calculator .

You can even save on unnecessary purchases by asking other mums in the Netmums forum what baby items they actually needed and used, and also what purchases could wait. Or, shop second-hand . You'll save a fortune!

2. Cut back on your expenses

Top tip

Pay your utility bills automatically using Direct Debits and standing orders as you’ll often get a discount for doing so by your provider.

If your income is likely to change (for example, if you stop work), you may need to look at cutting back. The Money Advice Service has tips on cutting back .

A good starting point is to divide your outgoings into essential and non-essential items.

First, see if you can save on essentials like household bills and groceries by shopping around. The Money Advice Service has money-saving tips .

Next, look at non-essentials. Are there things you could do without, like a gym membership or magazine subscriptions? Could you quit smoking (if you smoke and are planning a baby, quitting now is the most important thing you can do for your baby's health)?

To see where you can make savings use the Money Advice Service's Quick cash finder .

3. Reduce your debts

Top tip

If you can’t pay off all your debts straight away, prioritise your debts and pay off the most important ones first.

It’s important not to ignore debts and only pay the minimum each month. If you take time to deal with debts now, it will save you money in the long run. Find out how from the Money Advice Service.

If you have credit card debts, see if you can switch lenders to get the best rates. There are lots of 0% credit cards available (although you’ll need a good credit rating, and, also, there may be a minimum salary level).

Other debts with fixed repayments, like personal loans, might charge for early repayment if you decide to pay them off more quickly, so bear this in mind.

Find out more in the Money Advice Service guide: Take action to reduce your debt .

4. Open a savings account

The sooner you start putting money aside, the better. Build up savings to cover your baby costs and see you through any period of lower income.

It may be better for you to go for an account that you can dip into if you need to, rather than one that will lock your money away.

But, if you think you’ll be tempted to spend your savings, make it a little harder to access cash. For example, try choosing a savings account that doesn’t have a cash machine card.

Find out more in the Money Advice Service guide: Choosing a savings account .

5. Boost your income

Claim all your entitlements
You could be entitled to benefits and other help , like Universal Credit and Child Benefit, to help towards the cost of raising a family.

To see what is available to you use the benefits calculators on the GOV.UK website .

You can search for benefits and grants on the Turn2us website .

What you can claim depends on where you live and your personal circumstances.

Other money-making ideas

There are other ways to boost your income, such as doing some work from home. You could also think about raising cash by selling unwanted possessions or recycling old mobile phones, laptops, etc.

There are dozens of money-making ideas to help get you started on the Money Saving Expert website .

6. Keep track of important dates

Top tip

“One of the first things I did was make a list of what I needed. I wanted to have it all saved before the eight month mark as I knew I wouldn’t fancy shopping after that.”

You have lots of things to do and dates to remember, when you’re expecting a baby.

Use the Money Advice Service Baby money timeline . It gives you a full personalised list of all the money-related dates to do with your pregnancy and new baby. That's everything from arranging your maternity leave, to going shopping for baby things, to claiming your Child Benefit.

This article is provided by the Money Advice Service and Netmums.

Are you pregnant and starting to consider your finances? Chat with other parents-to-be about budgeting ideas over on our forum:

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