Accidentally got my girlfriend pregnant, how do I plan for this with $3k/month salary and less than $700 savings?

Financially. I can assure you that once the child is out, you will by nook or crook be able to finance it. If there is a will, there is a way. I do not need to be a financial consultant to know if it will work out, life finds a way, and you need to continue living.

As for whether you should abort, I have no business nor I believe it is anyone's business as to whatever goes on between you and your girlfriend. This is completely up to you both as individuals as it affects your lives, not the person who advises you. I'm not the one who is going to give you money to finance a child, as such I am in no position to advise on that.

Either way, life goes on. Time waits for no one.​​​

Hi there.

I became a father last year, but while I lament the loss of freedom and me-time, the joys of having a child are priceless.

You asked a financial question, but I think you and your girlfriend need to consider the emotional aspects of this decision too. should you opt for an abortion, is this something the two of you can live with for the rest of your lives? It's an emotionally heavy decision that will weight particularly strong on some women.

I share my personal experience because nature gives us time to prepare for parenthood. there's the nine months before the baby gets born and then the baby bonuses for the Child Development Account kick in too. (they are quite substantial - go check it out: https://www.babybonus.msf.gov.sg/parent/web/abo... . This will help you tide through your first year while you try to figure things out.

i can honestly say that the first year hasn't been as expensive as I feared. Relatives and friends will be generous with their ang baos. Friends who have kids older than you will pass on their preloved clothes and books and toys. I didn't do this but I know of FB groups that comprise Singaporean mothers who are willing to pass on preloved stuff.

And then, there's the impact on you. I never really bothered with finances but because of the birth of my child, I went to download all the bank-related apps (yes, even PayNow! I was such a stubborn dinosaur.) and open up high-interest savings accounts (CIMB and ICBC are worth checking out) and start investing into StashAway. There are plenty of ways to earn an extra buck or two - Milieu, Partipost, Surveyon (yes, I do all this and more, haha)

Life has a way of sorting itself out.

Breathe and discuss the emotional aspects with your girlfriend and come to a joint decision.