Budgeting Like a Pro - What Maternity Leave Taught Me About Making Every Dollar Count
Going on maternity leave was one of the most exciting times of my life—but it also came with a financial reality check. My income dropped, our routines were disrupted, and I suddenly had a new human depending on me 24/7. It was the perfect storm for learning how to budget like a pro.
Here’s what I learned:
1. Prioritize what truly matters
Every dollar has a job. On matunrity leave, I had to make hard choices about what expenses were essential and what could wait. I focused on necessities, groceries, baby supplies, bills, and paused spending on non-essentials until we could comfortably manage them. This clarity helped reduce stress and made our money feel intentional.
2. Track everything, no matter how small
It’s easy to overlook the small purchases: that extra coffee, a quick online order, or subscription you forgot about. On mat leave, I started tracking every expense. Seeing exactly where our money was going allowed me to adjust quickly and make informed decisions.
3. Lean on planning, not deprivation
Budgeting isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about planning. Meal prepping, scheduling doctor visits strategically, and even timing bigger purchases around our pay cycles helped us avoid unnecessary strain. The goal was always to maintain quality of life, not just survive financially.
4. Flexibility is key
Life with a newborn is unpredictable. Expenses pop up, routines shift, and priorities change overnight. Being flexible with our budget meant we could adapt without panic. Some weeks were tighter than others, but having a plan made every decision easier.
5. Celebrate the wins
Even small victories; paying off a credit card, staying under a weekly grocery budget, or putting a little aside for future savings, made a big difference. Recognizing these successes kept me motivated and confident that we were on the right track.
Going through this experience taught me that budgeting isn’t just about numbers, it’s about aligning your resources with your values. Every dollar I spent or saved was intentional, purposeful, and meaningful.
For anyone navigating a major life transition, whether it’s maternity leave, a career change, or any shift in income, the key is the same: be intentional, track, plan, and stay flexible. Your money works best when it works for the life you want to lead.
CFC™ Candidate and Industry News Author, Donnette Burrows
About the Author
Donnette Burrows, CFC™ Candidate and Financial Literacy Expert
Donnette Burrows is a financial literacy advocate and Certified Financial Counsellor (CFC™) Candidate with the Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment (CAFE-ACAF.org). She is driven by a clear purpose: helping individuals, particularly women and underserved communities, build financial confidence, stability, and long-term resilience through education, clarity, and practical support.
With a background in business administration, finance, and accounting, Donnette brings both technical knowledge and lived insight into her work. She focuses on helping people understand their financial realities, develop realistic plans aligned with their goals, and make informed decisions without shame or judgment. Her approach emphasizes empowerment over prescription, recognizing that financial well-being is deeply connected to confidence, agency, and access to accurate information.
In addition to her professional work, Donnette is actively engaged in community advocacy as a Dress for Success Vancouver Ambassador and volunteer with Helping Women Now. She is committed to advancing ethical, client-centred financial counselling in Canada and believes financial literacy should be accessible, practical, and grounded in real life.
Connect with Donnette:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnette-burrows-1727b8b4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sistah-Haven-106279414328743/
Disclaimer: This blogpost provides general information and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
