Ask Susan!

Dear Susan: We adopted a puppy and now found out that I’m pregnant. Surprise! Any financial advice to help us plan?”

For those who prefer to watch and listen (click video) Susan talks financial options to help keep your child and “Fur Baby” thriving throughout their lives.

Congratulations! You’re welcoming not one, but two new family members—a baby and a puppy. What a beautiful and life-changing time for your household. I’m Susan Stiles, Founder and President of Stiles Financial Services here in Minnesota and in my latest “Ask Susan”  And yes, it can feel a little overwhelming. So let’s take a few minutes to talk about how to plan for both—financially, emotionally, and practically.

Let’s start with the stuff.

Babies need cribs, bassinets, playpens, bouncies, plush toys, plastic toys… the list goes on.

And puppies? They have their own list—water and food bowls, beds, crates, chew toys, training pads, leashes, and more.

It’s important to recognize that both of these little ones will need their own gear. And yes—there will be crossover. A baby will find the dog’s toys fascinating, and the puppy may think a pacifier is the best thing they’ve ever chewed on. That’s normal. But planning ahead—setting some boundaries and keeping items separated—can help avoid frustration later.

Now let’s talk healthcare.

During pregnancy, you’re focused on prenatal care and finding a trusted pediatrician. That care continues with regular checkups, vaccinations, and unexpected visits for illnesses and bumps along the way.

Puppies are no different. They’ll need a good veterinarian—someone to guide you through vaccinations, dental care, wellness visits, and more. All dogs will experience health concerns at some point, just like humans.

And just as you likely have health insurance for your growing family, it may be wise to look into pet insurance. It can help you cover unexpected costs—like surgeries, chronic illness, or injuries—that could otherwise hit your monthly budget hard. It’s one of those “better to have it and not need it” tools, especially if your dog’s temperament or breed tends to be prone to health conditions.

Next, let’s talk about the part that takes the most time—but also pays off the most: training.

Training your puppy is a lot like raising a child. It’s not about perfection. It’s about consistency.

Just like you’ll teach your child what behaviors are safe and appropriate, you’ll also need to provide structure and guidance to your pup.

Some puppies are more eager to please and learn commands quickly. Others are more independent or stubborn—which just means the training plan needs more patience and repetition. Either way, your greatest tools are time, boundaries, and consistency.

Start early with simple routines:

What rooms are off-limits.

Which toys are for the baby—and which are not.

That it’s okay if a hand reaches for a food bowl.

That ears and tails might get pulled—gently and unintentionally—and that sharing space is part of the deal.

This won’t happen overnight. But it will happen. The goal is for your puppy and your baby to grow up together safely, respectfully, and yes—maybe even as best friends.

Finally, let’s talk about financial planning—my favorite topic.

Start by reviewing your monthly budget. You’ll be adding expenses in many areas—childcare, pet care, food, supplies, and insurance. The earlier you account for them, the better prepared you’ll be.

Update your emergency fund. With more lives depending on you, that cushion becomes more critical.

And don’t forget about long-term planning. A 529 college savings plan for your child, and continued contributions to your retirement plan, are both important. Remember—slow and steady wins the race.

Whether you’re planning nap schedules or navigating vet visits, the key is the same: consistency and intentionality will bring peace of mind.

These are joyful days. They’ll be full of energy, some exhaustion, and so many moments of happiness.

You’re not just raising a child or training a dog. You’re building a life—one step at a time.

If you’d like help creating a plan that grows with your family, I’m always here. Thanks for watching being a fan of “Ask Susan”—and look for our next column in City Lifestyle Magazine.

– Susan

 

 

Video transcribed by https://otter.ai