Was It the Mistletoe? Preparing Your Finances for a Fall Baby 

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This week’s #CreditChat, Was It the Mistletoe? Preparing Your Finances for a Fall Baby, explores the financial realities of welcoming a new child and how early planning can ease the transition. We’ll discuss budgeting for baby expenses, navigating insurance and parental leave, and aligning short- and long-term financial goals before the due date arrives. Join the conversation for practical insights to help you prepare your finances with confidence as your family grows.

Topic: Was It the Mistletoe? Preparing Your Finances for a Fall Baby

When:Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Where: Join the live hashtag discussion

The panel will include: Felicity Watts: Author at American Consumer Credit Counseling; Danielle YB Vason: Founder of SheMakeCents; Gina Young, MBA: the creator of Money Savvy Living; Deacon Hayes: Founder of Well Kept Wallet; Joyce Brewer: Emmy award-winning TV Journalist, Podcaster and Founder of MommyTalkShow.com;Rod Griffin: Senior Director, Consumer Education and Advocacy, Experian; Jennifer White: Consumer Education and Advocacy Team, and Christina Roman: Consumer Education and Advocacy Manager at Experian.

Questions we will discuss:
1. From a financial planning perspective, what’s the first money conversation couples or individuals should have once they find out they’re expecting?

2. What expenses should parents realistically budget for during baby’s first year, and which costs tend to surprise new parents the most?

3. How early should expecting parents start adjusting their budget, and which spending categories should they review first?

4. How does having savings in place help protect credit during pregnancy and the first year of parenthood?

5. What are smart ways to prepare financially for parental leave, and why is understanding your company’s benefits essential if income changes?

6. How can soon-to-be parents plan for unexpected medical costs?

7. Why is having an emergency fund especially important during pregnancy and the early months of parenthood?

8. What role does health insurance play in preparing financially for a baby, and what should parents review or update before delivery?

9. Childcare costs can be a shock—how early should parents start planning, and how can credit awareness help with those decisions?

10. How can becoming a parent impact long-term financial goals, credit priorities, or overall risk tolerance?

Check out our complete list of upcoming personal finance Twitter chats here.