<prompt> Human: I just found out my girlfriend is pregnant, unplanned but happy. We are both young and at big points in our life. My debt to income is good but both my credit cards are almost maxed out, totaling about 1700. I have a changing income based on performance but my checks are never less than 700 for 2 weeks. I am an auto mechanic so Im taking in any side work I can and saving it all. I want to know how much I should have saved up to prepare for a child, and would going back to school now be a bad idea, getting an associates in mechanical engineering. I made a new account to be one for my girlfriend and I to use, she doesnt have an account and I dont want her in my history. We had been talking about getting married soon even before the big news if that changes anything.  <response>: If youre not into cloth diapering as someone else suggested, shop around for diapers and deals. Ive been using Target diapers with great success. Many times they have a promotion buy 2 boxes and get a gift card. The last time I went, the diapers were on sale plus a 10 gift card. Also, they may simultaneously run specials on their Cartwheel app where diaperswipes are an extra 5 off. Along the same lines, there are SO many baby items that are pushed that you absolutely DO NOT need. You dont need a 70 diaper pail, a regular garbage can will suffice if you take out the trash regularly. Forget the diaper warmer nonsense. If your girlfriend can breastfeed, do it! If she has insurance, check the plan which may cover the cost of a breast pump for free. I found friends, family and colleagues to be really generous with hand me downs whether its clothing or toys and I didnt have to ask. Some people are anxious to clear out their stuff! Also garage sales and things are great for toys - my son loved the 1 toy we bought from a neighbors sale. Protip - save receipts from gifts! Return as needed. Dont wash clothing until you are sure youre going to use them. People tend to go overboard with the newborn and 0-3 size clothing but they grow fast and you will quickly need to get larger sizes. In terms of savings, assuming your girlfriend will be taking some time off to spend with the baby, put aside money in a separate account to help cover your everyday expenses for the time she will be out of work. That way, you dont need to worry about paying your bills and can focus your energy on the baby. I would hold off on going back to school until the baby is here and you have a chance to get settled. 