BE FINANCIALLY PREPARED

1 BUDGET You don’t have to precisely document every cup of coffee or chocolate bar you buy, but you should at least have a good idea of how much you spend each month and on what. If you don’t stick to a budget, you’ll constantly be asking yourself where the money went.

2 SAVE Having an emergency fund is especially vital if you’re a single parent. Establish a separate savings account, and add to it every month, no matter how little. Until you’ve built up enough money for it to be truly usable, go easy on the treats such as eating out or buying clothes you don’t need – rather channel that money into your savings.

3 PLAN AHEAD Estimate how much you’ll need to save for education and transport when your kids are older. Consider setting up an education fund that friends and family can contribute to instead of gifts.

4 MANAGE YOUR DEBT While a credit card can be a lifesaver when cash is tight, accumulating too much debt can quickly grow into a financial obligation that you may struggle to pay. Use credit cards wisely and not to fund a lifestyle you can’t afford. By keeping your credit record healthy, you’ll be able to access credit for big purchases like a home or car.

BOTTOM LINE?

Look after yourself first – you need to be healthy and happy in order for your baby to be healthy and happy. “And if you’re unsure about anything, ask,” Thandazile adds. “Mothers with partners also don’t know it all.” ●