This article highlights the costs of babysitting in modern times and how it is a financial strain on parents nationwide. The main takeaway from this article is that you should definitely plan way in advance to get your hands on a good babysitter/daycare, because the lines are long and the cost to cut those lines is high. The most valuable piece of information I found in this article is the pricing of modern daycares and babysitting, which often times costs more monthly than a full-time minimum wage worker makes each month.

This article highlights how this economic downhill shift is currently taking place and what it means for the future of our children. I included this article as it highlights a major issue that needs addressing in todays economic world - prices that hurt babies, leading to a lack of baby's to grow up and pay the price. The economy is slowly coming to a demanding stand-still and it doesn't look good for our children and their offspring. The economy goes up and down, but with how it is being handled, this crisis may be in even harder conditions for our children when they want to have kids of their own. One piece of information that I found valuable in this article is how blind people are to this issue, speaking on how everyone is distracted by the "now" and not with the issues we are bringing onto our children/

The article highlights how budgeting can save you if done correctly. You need to take into account every purchase possible... not just the big expenses, but ration the small ones too and be wise with your spending on certain brands.

This article thoroughly discusses the costs of each essential part of your early parenthood from the exact monthly costs of diapers to the amount you should spend on average regarding clothing for your child during different developmental stages.

I found this image relevant because I believe this closely reflects what most parents want for their child - a safe and comfortable room that looks happy and bright. If you want a room like this for your child, look out closely for sales at Walmart, Babies 'R' Us, Winners, Homesense, etc.

Picture is provided on behalf of Padlet.

This video stands out to me as it discusses the elephant in the room for all young parents and those who wish to become a parent, but cant because of the financial barrier to living that life. One piece of information that stands out to me is that Gen Z parents are treated like children, paid like children, but they work like adults and often lack solid role models from previous generations to be able to follow in the footsteps of. It feels like the younger generations have been left to suffer due to the ignorance of older adults and parents.

I chose this video because it showcases many valuable sites for making an affordable and quality ensured registry that will hook you and your baby up with the best toys, clothes, equipment, and travelling items. Many mothers make the mistake of creating a registry for their baby shower without using online tools that are designed to knock down the costs of the items in demand. Babylist stood out to me as the most important piece of information found in this video as it is a really good saving tool for expecting mothers.

I chose this website because it is highly informative as to which financial programs people can benefit from given their individual situation. I have personally used this exact page provided by The Government of Canada to find out which taxpaid programs I may apply to for support of my unborn daughter. I find it very interesting that this site shows all of the benefits out and open to the public where usually this stuff is quite difficult to access. I learned that maternal/paternal benefits are different from the Canada child benefit plan.

I chose this video because it highlights ideas that many other videos and sites online do not - for example, having an emergency fund. This can be a bit of money that you put into a high interest savings account that you let sit and grow as a fund you can pull from in the case of a financial emergency with your child. Having this can possibly be the reason you and your child survive in dire financial circumstances.

I think this image is interesting because it acts as symbolism for the unexpected costs of becoming a parent, always have money aside in a savings account with interest to use when you least expect to need it.

Picture is provided on behalf of Padlet.

I chose this video because it doesn't take a genius to figure out that a parent who doesn't have control of their sleep or mental health may not be able to do the absolute most for their baby. Taking care of your financial issues by saving and reaching out to benefit/financial aid programs can lead to a calmer mind, a more focused edge, and being able to get at least some sleep with a crying baby. I like how this video discusses how financial stress doesn't just affect your mental health, but your body too. I also liked using this video to bring in the bigger picture of how important it is to take care of your financial issues before becoming a parent, because failing to do so puts your health in jeopardy.

A1. I learned about Babylist: a program designed to help you create a =n affordable and accessible registry for upcoming baby showers. This program helped me and my partner get our family and friends to save over $2000 worth of baby stuff all due to the programs ability to find local deals and apply them to your registry.

Q2. Provide a real-life example of how this topic is relevant or interesting for you.

A2. This topic is fully relevant to my current situation... I am going to be a father in 2 months and this research was essential to helping me and my partner get through this financially stressful time together. I learned how to be a better saver, I learned to keep my money in high interest accounts, and I learned how to be a better partner by financially supporting my girlfriend.

Q3. If you could pass on your knowledge to a family member or friend, what do you think is the most important thing to pass on?

A3. I believe the most vital piece of information I have learned from this project that would value others the most is the budgeting aspect of being a parent. If you do not spend your money wisely (example: spending on junk food, media, and alcohol), when you need money for a wise decision (example: like buying a new crib because the one your friend gave you is outdated and unsafe), you will not have enough. Budgeting was a major theme in the very beginning of this course's material that really struck home and taught me many financial lessons and also exposed me to how poor my spending habits were. I think the realization of "oh wow, I spend too much on ______" can really act as an eye opener for anyone who cares about strengthening their financial wellness and stability, even if they aren't an expecting parent.