Budgeting & Finance

5 Financial Tasks to Tackle Before Your Baby Turns 1

First birthday coming up? It’s a good time to reflect on your financial goals.

By Sara Braun

Updated On Oct 7, 2026

Updated Oct 7, 2026

Trump Accounts Now Have Auto-Enrollment—But Parents Still Need to Act

If your child is eligible, they may already have a Trump Account, even if you haven’t taken the steps to set one up yet.

By Lindsey Stanberry

Updated On Oct 7, 2026

Updated Oct 7, 2026

The Best Amazon Prime Day Deals for Babies, Kids and Parents

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days are here and you can save on top-products from brands like Graco, Little Sleepies, Momcozy & more!

By Latifah Miles

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

Updated On Oct 7, 2026

Updated Oct 7, 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 Briana Engelbrecht

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

Updated On Jul 30, 2026

Updated Jul 30, 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

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

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 Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 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 Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 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 Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 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 Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 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 Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 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 Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 2026

How Much Should You Contribute to a 529?

It all begins with a savings goal.

By Lindsey Stanberry

Updated On Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 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 Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 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 Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 2026

What Are the Tax Benefits of a 529 Account?

These college savings plans have big benefits.

By Rivan Stinson

Updated On Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 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 Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 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 Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 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 Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 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 Aug 7, 2026

Updated Aug 7, 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