Officially on Maternity Leave

I was trying to work at least one more week, but that is not going to happen. I was in the hospital with contractions 3 minutes apart. I have continued to have contractions since then, but I am just waiting on the baby by to decide when he wants to come out :).

I have figured a few things out about trying to keep my finances in order during maternity leave. I sold my articles on one website for $700. I will get half of that amount in June, and the rest in July. $700 will help a lot during the next two months. I have also began working on another site that I can work on and get a little extra money. I am figuring that I can make an extra $30-$50 a week on Mturk. It is fairly simple, and I work when I can. I will even be able to make money after the baby gets here, because the work is something that I can do when the baby is asleep. $120-$200 extra a month in addition to the $350 for the next two months will pay my bills, and give me some extra money for things for the baby.

I am going to try and enjoy my time off of work without worrying about my finances. These things have helped a lot, and I think I will be able to relax a little more. I am ready for the baby to come, and hopefully be able to go back to work a few weeks later. I will make more money working, but the extra income is great at the moment.

Making a Promise to Myself

I know that I have had problems really working on my financial journey for the last few months, but the baby will be here soon and I will have to worry about both of our futures. I have to make a change after the baby gets here so we will have a positive financial future. I have decided that I have to make a promise to myself, and keep that promise.

My Promises to Myself:


I know that I can not do much to change my financial future at the moment, but my son will be here within the next 5 weeks. I am only taking a short maternity leave, so I should be back to work full swing within the next 2.5 months if everything works out. I am making these promises to myself so I can make sure that my son and I are financially prepared for our future. It was not as important to me when it was just me, but my son is the most important thing in my life.

Here are my promises to myself

1. Increase my income by going back to school, working more hours, and getting another job if I have to.
2. Keep track of every dollar coming in and out of my home
3. Save money everywhere, and no splurging on things that are not necessary
4. Start a savings account for the baby ASAP (He has to go to college)
5. Always remember that my sons financial future is the most important. Doing all of these things will guarantee that he has a good future.

These are just the large promises that I am making to myself at the moment. After I am able to go back to work I will make more detailed short term promises to myself. I am hoping that making goals, and promising myself that i will go by them will help me seriously help our financial future.

Times Getting Tough

I am now in my 28th week of pregnancy. I have been having contractions for the last few weeks, so my Dr and employer are worried. My job has actually been cut back to only 2 days a week, and maybe 4 hours during each of those days. I am trying to plan for maternity leave, but how can I seriously do that when I have very little money coming in. I am thankful that I have been trying to plan for a few months, so I do have enough put away to take 4 weeks of maternity leave if I do not have to get into it before the baby is due.

I am getting worried, and this is not helping the pregnancy. Times are getting tough now. I still have 12 weeks before my due date, and I would love to take at least 8 weeks off for maternity leave. How in the world am I going to be able to do that? I am a fairly positive person, so I am trying to find the positive in everything. Since my employer has reduced my days, I will focus on trying to find more work at home opportunities. There is a lot of single moms that work from home, so I just have to find the best ways. Wish me luck everyone, and if you have any suggestions please let me know.

Owe the IRS!

I received the news the other day that my EX and I owe the IRS for our 2009 taxes. I was beyond upset. I was with him for 6 years, and this was the first time I had allowed him to do our taxes. I am doing what I have to to take care of the taxes owed. I have tried to get him to sign the paperwork, he refuses. Since he refuses I called the IRS to cover my behind. I sent them a letter explaining my situation, and giving them all of his information as well. I am hoping that this will get worked out. I was planning on using my return this year for my maternity leave, but I would rather get this paid off.

If anyone has dealt with anything similar to this situation, or have any tips, please let me know.

I Have Never Been More Motivated on My Financial Future

It is so funny how becoming pregnant has changed my thought pattern in a lot of ways. Instead of only thinking about me, I have another person to think about. I may even have two other people to think about if it turns out that I am having twins. (I will find out in a few weeks) Now I see why so many moms work there behinds off. I want to be one of those moms that work hard and can provide for there children.

I have never been so focused on making more of an income, and getting all of my finances in order. Everything has been crossing my mind; unpaid maternity leave, possibility of having to take maternity leave early, planning for the future of the baby(babies) and so much more. I am trying to plan for the harder alternatives so I can hopefully be better prepared when  thinks actually work out well. I guess its those motherly instincts that everyone has been telling me about.

School is still in my future. I have to pay $700 to a school that I went to a few years ago so I can get my transcript, and then I will be applying to attend the community college in my area. Planning for this will help my babies future, as well as my own. I just know that the next few years is going to be a struggle, but it is going to be well worth it when it is all said and done. I will be going to school to get my degree in applied science. I am wanting to get into real estate. I have wanted this for years and I am now focused on getting it done.

To prepare for everything I am pushing to earn more online so I will have an income coming in just in case my maternity leave comes early, and because my maternity leave is unpaid. The income will also help with so much more in my life. I have decided to put more of a schedule together, and just have more focus. I know that everything is going to work out, it is just going to take focus and determination from me.