We looked into overpaying but unfortunately as our mortgage is new we are locked to how much we pay for the next two years. We can put more in but we would still be required to make similar minimum fortnightly payments when time comes for me to stop work. I guess it depends when I actually become pregnant - if we have a year of trying before I fall we will overpay then, and hopefully have some leeway later.
I was thinking of trying to save 6000 for living costs when I'm off. I have a casual job that will give me some income while I am not working full time, and I can always tutor, plus my tax return will net a pretty little injection in the middle of the year, but I'd like a bit of a safety net just in case. I would really like to be able to buy what we need gradually over the next two years (separate to our savings) as this will be our first and possibly only child so I'd like to do things as nicely as we can.
I have started saving, but life happens and the recent move wiped a fair bit of it out! Back on track now though - tax season is a wonderful thing!
I am saving for this on my own as I am so aware of my husband being the only breadwinner while I'm off - I want to make it as easy as possible on him beforehand. I'm looking forward to surprising him with my savings!