This is only half the answer, of course. As with any debt, you're not just benefiting this month but every month. And the savings snowball back into the principal.
Point well taken! I can't wait to get going myself, although I will have to wait how much I can actually save, with our first child on the way.
That's an easy one, our baby girl was born barely two months ago :-)
In our case, the baby made me save money because you go out a bit less, and thus don't have as much opportunity for spending.
We didn't buy any new clothes, but other "big" expenses were:
- 100 for a stroller plus maxi cosi (serves also as a car seat) (2nd hand)
- 35 for a backpack carrier (2nd hand)
- 35 for a breastpump (2nd hand)
- 15 for a carrying sling (2nd hand)
- 110 for a cosleeper (new)
- 25 for a crib (2nd hand)
- 50 for a crib mattress (new)
- 25 for a play pen ("baby box" in Dutch) (2nd hand)
- 250 for ~18 washable diapers (2nd hand)
- plus another 100 for assorted stuff (changing cushion, box with stuff for home delivery)
Total, 750 or so. The play pen isn't necessary yet, and neither is the backpack carrier. The rest, like a baby tub, we got for free from friends and family. We don't use it, I just bathe the baby in the sink.
With the washable diapers and the breastfeeding, the baby actually does not cost anything yet. Mum eats somewhat more, but that's it.