With A Heart of Thanks:

I want to start this blog entry by saying thank you. I am at a loss for words to describe the generosity my family has received from many people far and wide. Thank you to the ladies who encouraged my wife during the pregnancy, ensuring her she would be the great mother as she has turned out to be. Thank you to the guys who prayed for me, offered Godly wisdom and parenting advice.

My Baby’s Arrival/Health Benefits:

My daughter arrived on Sunday, August 7, 2016.  The experience of witnessing the birth of your child is life changing (and expensive too lol). Right now we are awaiting the final delivery bill to determine how it will impact our budget. One thing’s for sure: I don’t want to add any more debt.

With that said, healthcare in America is costly.  Initially, it was cheaper for my wife and I to have our employer/school provide insurance separately.  With the addition of our child, it has become less pricey for the three of us to be under my employer plan.  Thus, our health coverage will cost $798 a month, but the benefits will be well worth it.

Daycare, Baby Needs & New Budget:

On another note, diapers, wipes, baby clothes, car seats and cribs may cost you little, or it may cost you lots, but it’ll cost you.  Thanks to the gifts of friends and family, there were only a few baby essentials needed.  All my little girl needs is a loving home and I’m sure my wife and I can manage that.

To the left is my family’s updated budget, click on the image for a larger view.  You will notice two new items: Daycare and Baby Needs.  The $2,894.13 featured in Baby Needs is not our monthly budget for her, but is the amount spent for the month of August.  As months go by, we expect to be able to assess a fair budget for our child.

My wife hates giving one thought to daycare, but she understands it’s necessary given our busy schedules. In her own words, “I love having our daughter near and on me”. Sweet huh? Seeing through the warm fuzzies, she understands we must do our best to: 1) pay off my student loans and 2) ensure her graduation this December.

To wrap up this post, below is an update on my student loan accounts as of 08/23/2016. Thanks for following my journey to student debt freedom thus far.

Once again, thank you to those who have shown love to my little family.