Will having a baby break my finances?

School teacher Jenny, 32, and her partner are planning on having a baby but, beyond forking out for nappies and a pushchair, she has no idea how much becoming a parent will cost.

How big a cash buffer will the couple need to cover the “income shock” of parental leave, future childcare costs, and other unexpected expenses?

FT podcast: Will having a baby break my finances?

Claer Barrett talks to listener Jenny about the sometimes unexpected costs of starting a family. Download here

Presenter Claer Barrett hears expert tips from Tobi Asare, founder of parental finance blog My Bump Pay, and Maike Currie, FT columnist and investment director at Fidelity International.

If you would like to be a guest on Money Clinic and chat to Claer about a money issue that’s bugging you, get in touch — our email is money@ft.com or follow her on social media @ClaerB.