A Series of Fortunate Events: Ashleigh

A Series of Fortunate Events

There’s a lot of doom and gloom when it comes to the economy these days. Which is fair. Money is tight!

But there are still plenty of happy moments in our lives, even ones that require money. And if we spend wisely on them, we enjoy them even more, and they make better memories.

Of course, that’s what we’re all about at HyperJar: spending life well.

So we teamed up with the Money Medics to create some films that celebrate the things in life that cost a lot but will always be priceless.

We call them A Series of Fortunate Events.

‍The first film is about Ashleigh, a 28-year-old in London who’s about to have her first baby with her partner. Watch it here!

Ashleigh talks about the expenses that go into preparing for a newborn and how, with some professional and friendly advice — and trial and error — she’s happily addressed them.

It’s a must-watch for anyone looking forward to a child of their own, who’s had a child and wants to see how much they cost these days(!), or anyone who’s just a curious soul.

Questions for Ashleigh

We also asked Ashleigh some bonus questions that aren’t in the film:

1. How do you decide on the budget for things that aren’t fixed, like food?

Through a few months of trial and error we figured out what seems like a natural amount and then we adjust accordingly depending on our priorities for the season. We readjust our budget every few months or around our life events (like having a baby!).

2. Do you ever have disagreements with your partner when it comes to budgeting?

Yes! We have learnt over time how to do our budget without disagreement. We learnt that we have different priorities and values when it comes to spending money, so it was important to get on the same page through honest conversations and compromise.

3. How did you decide what to put on the baby registry as opposed to buying yourselves?

We put most things on the registry. Having items on the registry with a variety of prices makes a good range for different people to gift us according to their budget. We then purchased the items that were still on the list after our baby shower. As well as a few items that were sentimental and we wanted to buy ourselves.

4. Is there anything you wish you knew before getting pregnant, that you ended up learning ‘the hard way’?

Yes! No matter what people say, or how “prepared” you try and be — this beautiful journey of becoming a parent can really only be understood when experienced. There’s nothing like the love (and pain!) of having a baby.  

5. What’s the biggest mistake you made in preparing for the baby?

I spent money on several things that we haven’t used / or found practical because of all the emotions and excitement of having a baby. Turns out an expensive seagrass changing basket is not the most practical even though it looks beautiful!  

6. What’s the most clever thing you did in preparing?

I created a spreadsheet and I kept track of the clothing items and sizes we received so we wouldn’t get too much of one size, and we could keep track of what we still needed.

7. What advice would you give another couple preparing for a baby?

The second trimester is a golden window! Get as much done in preparation for your baby then as you can. (And don’t waste your money on baby shoes! Babies don’t wear shoes 😉 cute little socks is all they need.)  
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Thanks Ashleigh!

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