 TITLE: How to Budget Before and During Pregnancy CONTENT: Expect the Unexpected\n---------------------\nThe unexpected costs associated with pregnancy and child-rearing can throw off even the best-planned budgets. A budget will still be an enormous advantage, as will putting aside emergency funds and diligently covering all the bases we mentioned here—but unpredictable financial needs will likely arise at some point. You may find yourself taking out a loan or using credit cards for expenses, but doing so responsibly doesn't have to put you in a difficult financial position or hurt your credit.\nAs you consider your finances for the coming years, keep your credit in mind. Adding free credit monitoring and focusing on paying down debts can boost your creditworthiness and open doors for future loans, perhaps for a new home or a bigger car in the garage.\nKids pick up on your financial practices early (usually by age 3), so getting your budget and credit in order now can make teaching them about money easier later on. Budgeting before and during your pregnancy doesn't mean parenting will be cheap—but it does mean you'll be more prepared when your priceless little one arrives. END