Budgeting & Finance

Having a baby? Expect your finances to change too. Here's the money advice you need for your growing family.

How Much Should You Contribute to Your Child’s Trump Account?
The new investment accounts are officially open, but that doesn’t mean you should rush to max them out.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On Jul 17, 2026
Updated Jul 17, 2026
Baby Balance Sheet: A Family of 3 Living in Chico, California, on $70,000
Raising a baby, working, and going to school full-time is only possible with some family support
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On Jul 17, 2026
Updated Jul 17, 2026
The Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Deals for Babies, Kids and Parents
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially on; here are all the details you need to know.
By Briana Engelbrecht
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Jul 15, 2026
Updated Jul 15, 2026
Everything Grandparents Need to Know About 529 Accounts
These college savings funds can be a great way to help save for your grandchild’s future.
By Richard Eisenberg
Updated On Jul 9, 2026
Updated Jul 9, 2026
Trump Accounts Explained: How to Open One & Get the $1,000 Federal Deposit
How to open an account, who qualifies & how much money children may receive to start saving.
By Briana Engelbrecht
Updated On Jul 6, 2026
Updated Jul 6, 2026
Baby Balance Sheet: A Family of 3 Living in New York City on $500K
How parents of a 19-month-old approach savings for college and beyond in one of the country’s most expensive cities.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On Jul 1, 2026
Updated Jul 1, 2026
A Parent's Guide to Estate Planning
You don’t have to be wealthy to benefit from an estate plan.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On Jul 1, 2026
Updated Jul 1, 2026
The Best Summer Deals for Babies, Kids & Parents
Major savings on car seats, strollers, baby gear, toys & postpartum essentials.
By Briana Engelbrecht
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Jun 29, 2026
Updated Jun 29, 2026
4 Things to Do to Financially Prepare for Childcare Costs
“I think childcare is one of the biggest line items nobody budgets for or plans for early enough.”
By Courtney Connley-Hampton
Updated On Jun 22, 2026
Updated Jun 22, 2026
The Best Times of the Year to Buy Car Seats
Car seats are pricey but a must-have. These are the best times to save big on your favorite car seat brands.
By Latifah Miles
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Jun 18, 2026
Updated Jun 18, 2026
4 Signs You’re Financially Ready to Have a Baby
The financial realities of parenthood might feel daunting, but these green flags signal that you’re ready.
By Tanza Loudenback
Updated On Jun 17, 2026
Updated Jun 17, 2026
8 Questions to Ask Before Having a Second Baby
There are plenty of expenses you may overlook. There are also plenty of ways to cut down on them.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On Jun 12, 2026
Updated Jun 12, 2026
Baby Balance Sheet: A Family of 5 Living in Newport, Rhode Island on $75k
How this family manages their money as a one-income household.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On Jul 17, 2026
Updated Jul 17, 2026
4 Unexpected Baby Expenses First-Time Parents Should Plan For
Sure, you know child care is expensive. But what else should you be budgeting for?
By Sara Braun
Updated On May 27, 2026
Updated May 27, 2026
Baby Balance Sheet: Navigating Adoption Expenses in Denver on $180K a Year
They took out a loan to cover $70,000 in adoption-related expenses.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On Jul 17, 2026
Updated Jul 17, 2026
What Parents Need to Know About Life Insurance
This is one financial to-do you don’t want to shrug off.
By Tanza Loudenback
Updated On May 15, 2026
Updated May 15, 2026
What to Know About Saving for Your Baby’s Future
This three-step guide will help you create a financial plan for your child.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On May 8, 2026
Updated May 8, 2026
How to Choose the Best 529 Account
Not sure which 529 plan to pick? How to compare tax perks, fees & investment options to find the best fit for your family.
By Alicia Adamczyk
Updated On May 6, 2026
Updated May 6, 2026
How Much Should You Contribute to a 529?
It all begins with a savings goal.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On May 27, 2026
Updated May 27, 2026
How Much Do You Need to Save to Make Your Baby a Millionaire by Retirement?
It’s more about when you save than how much you save.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On May 27, 2026
Updated May 27, 2026
5 Things to Include on Your Financial Checklist Before Your Baby Arrives
There are so many things to do before your baby arrives, but don’t forget these money to-dos.
By Courtney Connley-Hampton
Updated On Jun 4, 2026
Updated Jun 4, 2026
What Grandparents Should Know About Trump Accounts
These tax-advantaged investment accounts can be one way for grandparents to set money aside for their grandchild’s future.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On Jul 15, 2026
Updated Jul 15, 2026
Baby Balance Sheet: A Family of 3 in Tulsa Earning $43K a Year
How they make an annual income of $43,500 work.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On Jul 17, 2026
Updated Jul 17, 2026
Baby Balance Sheet: Preparing for Baby #1 on a $98k Income in Austin, TX
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On Jul 17, 2026
Updated Jul 17, 2026
What's the Difference Between a 530A Account and a UTMA Account?
It really comes down to structure and flexibility.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On Jun 30, 2026
Updated Jun 30, 2026
What Are the Tax Benefits of a 529 Account?
These college savings plans have big benefits.
By Rivan Stinson
Updated On May 27, 2026
Updated May 27, 2026
Baby Balance Sheet: Raising 2 Kids on $220k Joint Income in Indianapolis
Introducing our new series where we give you a peek at how real families afford kids.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Fact Checked by Briana Engelbrecht
Updated On Jul 17, 2026
Updated Jul 17, 2026
How Much Can You Contribute To Your Trump Account?
A 530A works a lot like an individual retirement account and there are limits on how much you can invest.
By Rivan Stinson
Fact Checked by Briana Engelbrecht
Updated On Jul 6, 2026
Updated Jul 6, 2026
What’s the Difference Between a Trump Account and a Custodial IRA?
Your kid needs to have a job for one of them.
By Hillary Hoffower
Updated On Jun 2, 2026
Updated Jun 2, 2026
How to Ask Friends and Family to Contribute to a 529 College Savings Plan
Normalize it the same way you'd put a stroller on a baby registry—because it's just as valuable.
By Courtney Connley-Hampton
Updated On Jun 2, 2026
Updated Jun 2, 2026
What You Need to Know About The Trump Account Employer Matching Program
Some employers will be offering to match 530A contributions up to $2,500.
By Rivan Stinson
Updated On Jul 6, 2026
Updated Jul 6, 2026
What’s the Difference Between a Trump Account and a 529 Account?
Both encourage long-term saving for a child’s future, but each has a different tax structure. Here’s what you need to know.
By Hillary Hoffower
Updated On Jun 30, 2026
Updated Jun 30, 2026
How to Open a Trump Account When Filing Your Taxes
It’s easy to register for a 530A account when you file your 2025 tax return.
By Alicia Adamczyk
Updated On Jul 6, 2026
Updated Jul 6, 2026
Who Qualifies for a Trump Account?
The federal government is rolling out new tax-advantaged investment accounts for kids. Here’s who qualifies for the account.
By Lindsey Stanberry
Updated On Jul 6, 2026
Updated Jul 6, 2026
How to Pay for Baby’s Education with a 529 Plan
Education is expensive. A 529 is one way to plan for baby’s future.
By Rosie Colosi and Briana Engelbrecht
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Apr 10, 2026
Updated Apr 10, 2026
New Baby? Here's How It Will Affect Your Taxes
If you welcomed a baby last year, here are some valuable tax tips + info for parents.
By Grace Gallagher and Briana Engelbrecht
Fact Checked by Amylia Ryan
Updated On Apr 29, 2026
Updated Apr 29, 2026
13 Safe Baby Products That Are Budget-Friendly
This gear meets high safety standards while still fitting your budget, so you can have peace of mind without breaking the bank.
By Amylia Ryan
Fact Checked by Lani Harrison CPST
Updated On Mar 25, 2026
Updated Mar 25, 2026
How Much Do Strollers Cost?
Why do strollers cost $200—or $1,200? Find out what you’re paying for and how to choose what matters most.
By Jen LaBracio, CPST
Fact Checked by Karen Reardanz
Updated On Apr 1, 2026
Updated Apr 1, 2026
11 Ways to Save Money on Nursery Design
With creativity, organization and prioritization, you can still get the nursery of your dreams.
By Perri Ormont Blumberg
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Apr 29, 2026
Updated Apr 29, 2026
8 Smart Ways to Save When Shopping Your Own Baby Registry
There are plenty of reasons to purchase off of your own registry and these tips will help you save while you're at it.
By Latifah Miles
Updated On Mar 25, 2026
Updated Mar 25, 2026
13 Baby Gear Picks That Grow With Your Baby (and Save You Money)
These smart picks go from baby to toddler so you buy less and get more out of every piece of gear.
By Briana Engelbrecht and Jen LaBracio, CPST
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Apr 29, 2026
Updated Apr 29, 2026
The Best Baby Gear to Buy Secondhand—and Save
From strollers to swings, here’s what you can confidently (and safely) source secondhand—and save hundreds doing it.
By Latifah Miles
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Mar 25, 2026
Updated Mar 25, 2026
The Absolute Essentials, “No Frills” Sample Baby Registry
These are the bare-bones basics of what you need to keep your baby safe and healthy.
By Amylia Ryan
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Feb 26, 2026
Updated Feb 26, 2026
9 Ways to Save Money on Baby Formula
Formula can be a big expense, but there are plenty of ways to save—without compromising your baby’s nutrition or safety.
By Amylia Ryan
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Apr 29, 2026
Updated Apr 29, 2026
How Tariffs Have Affected the Price of Baby Products
What to know when building your registry in the face of continued tariffs.
By Amylia Ryan and Karen Reardanz
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Feb 26, 2026
Updated Feb 26, 2026
How to Get Free Baby Stuff While Pregnant
From formula & diapers to postpartum recovery products, you’ll only pay shipping (or nothing!) for this stuff.
By Amylia Ryan and Briana Engelbrecht
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Jul 16, 2026
Updated Jul 16, 2026
5 Budgeting Questions New Parents Ask, Answered By an Expert
From grocery budgets to savings accounts, these expert tips can help you organize your money for your new baby.
By Lauren Stewart and Amylia Ryan
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Mar 25, 2026
Updated Mar 25, 2026
The Baby and Family Products Worth Subscribing to (and Saving On)
These subscriptions will take care of some of the mental load.
By Latifah Miles
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Apr 29, 2026
Updated Apr 29, 2026
5 Smart Money Moves to Make Before Baby, According to Financial Advisors
These financial experts (who are also parents!) made these moves ahead of welcoming their own kids.
By Grace Gallagher
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Mar 25, 2026
Updated Mar 25, 2026
Worried About How Parental Leave Will Hit Your Wallet? Here's a Cheat Sheet
If you’re taking a break from work when baby’s born, here’s how to prep financially, no matter your benefits.
By Katrina Nattress
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On Apr 29, 2026
Updated Apr 29, 2026

Budgeting & Finance

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

Fact Checked by Briana Engelbrecht

Fact Checked by Briana Engelbrecht

By Rosie Colosi and Briana Engelbrecht

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

By Grace Gallagher and Briana Engelbrecht

Fact Checked by Amylia Ryan

Fact Checked by Lani Harrison CPST

Fact Checked by Karen Reardanz

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

By Briana Engelbrecht and Jen LaBracio, CPST

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

By Amylia Ryan and Karen Reardanz

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

By Amylia Ryan and Briana Engelbrecht

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

By Lauren Stewart and Amylia Ryan

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson