Where to start

Starting a family

A new baby, plus the income protection and childcare costs that come with one.

Here's where to start — a calculator to run the numbers, a plain-English guide, and a short lesson with a first move.

Size the right cushion and see how long it takes to build at your savings rate.

Sort what you need from what to skip — health, renters, auto, disability, and term life, not whole life or extended warranties.

Protect the income your child now depends on and name a guardian, make budget room for childcare, and open the 529 only after, not before.