Parental Leave Savings Calculator
Find how much to set aside so you can take the parental leave you want — covering the income gap beyond whatever paid leave you receive.
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Target parental leave fund
Adjust for Inflation
Show values in today's purchasing power
Your Custom Fields
No custom fields yet. Add your own expenses, income, or one-time costs to personalize your plan.
Your Enough Plan
Enough Number: $20,000
Projected: $6,109
Growth Projection
Timeline
Monthly Savings Target
$1,637
per month to reach your goal
Current: $500
You need $1,137 more per month
That's about $55 per day
What If?
+$100/mo
Add $100 per month
6 mo. sooner
$7,331
+$200/mo
Add $200 per month
10 mo. sooner
$8,553
-2% return
Bear market scenario
1 mo. later
$6,055
What If You Saved Your Next Raise?
| Scenario | Final Monthly | Total Saved (10yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Save Nothing | $500/mo | $73,348 |
| Save 50% | $640/mo | $81,521 |
| Save ALL | $814/mo | $90,814 |
Saving ALL your raises instead of nothing nets you $17,466 more over 10 years.
Life Seasons
Add upcoming life events to see how they affect your monthly budget.
Click an event above to add it to your timeline.
How You Compare
Key Insights
- At your current pace, you'll reach enough by September 2029.
- You're 31% of the way to your enough number of $20,000.
- At this rate, you'll reach your goal 2.2 years late.
- Increasing your contribution by $1,100/month would put you on track to reach your goal on time.
- Increasing contributions by just $50/month could shave 3 months off your timeline.
- The first year with a baby is precious and short. Having a financial plan means you can be present without money stress.
Coach's Corner
Negotiate Extended Leave
Even if your company offers limited paid leave, many managers will approve additional unpaid leave if asked in advance. Present a coverage plan for your absence.
Baby Costs Ramp Up Gradually
Month 1 costs are low (you get gifts). Months 3-6 ramp up as you buy gear, start daycare, and hit medical visits. Budget $500-1,500/month for the first year.
Use a Dependent Care FSA
A Dependent Care FSA lets you save $5,000/year pre-tax for childcare expenses. That's ~$1,500 in tax savings. Enroll during open enrollment before the baby arrives.
Export Results
Prep for Your Next Role
Practice interview questions tailored to the salary you need to hit your "enough" number.
Your Enough Plan
Enough Number: $20,000
Projected: $6,109
Growth Projection
Timeline
Monthly Savings Target
$1,637
per month to reach your goal
Current: $500
You need $1,137 more per month
That's about $55 per day
What If?
+$100/mo
Add $100 per month
6 mo. sooner
$7,331
+$200/mo
Add $200 per month
10 mo. sooner
$8,553
-2% return
Bear market scenario
1 mo. later
$6,055
What If You Saved Your Next Raise?
| Scenario | Final Monthly | Total Saved (10yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Save Nothing | $500/mo | $73,348 |
| Save 50% | $640/mo | $81,521 |
| Save ALL | $814/mo | $90,814 |
Saving ALL your raises instead of nothing nets you $17,466 more over 10 years.
Life Seasons
Add upcoming life events to see how they affect your monthly budget.
Click an event above to add it to your timeline.
How You Compare
Key Insights
- At your current pace, you'll reach enough by September 2029.
- You're 31% of the way to your enough number of $20,000.
- At this rate, you'll reach your goal 2.2 years late.
- Increasing your contribution by $1,100/month would put you on track to reach your goal on time.
- Increasing contributions by just $50/month could shave 3 months off your timeline.
- The first year with a baby is precious and short. Having a financial plan means you can be present without money stress.
Coach's Corner
Negotiate Extended Leave
Even if your company offers limited paid leave, many managers will approve additional unpaid leave if asked in advance. Present a coverage plan for your absence.
Baby Costs Ramp Up Gradually
Month 1 costs are low (you get gifts). Months 3-6 ramp up as you buy gear, start daycare, and hit medical visits. Budget $500-1,500/month for the first year.
Use a Dependent Care FSA
A Dependent Care FSA lets you save $5,000/year pre-tax for childcare expenses. That's ~$1,500 in tax savings. Enroll during open enrollment before the baby arrives.
Export Results
Prep for Your Next Role
Practice interview questions tailored to the salary you need to hit your "enough" number.
Enough Number
$20,000
Progress
31%
Funding the Time That Matters
Parental leave is one of the few financial goals with a hard deadline. If your employer's paid leave is short or unpaid, savings are what let you take the time you actually want. This calculator turns your monthly expenses, any paid-leave income, and your desired leave length into a savings target.
What to Include
Start from your monthly household expenses (which usually rise with a new baby — diapers, gear, healthcare), subtract any paid-leave or partial income, and multiply the gap by the months you want off. Add a buffer for unexpected newborn costs.
Start Early
Because the deadline is fixed, the earlier you start saving, the smaller the monthly amount required. Enter your timeline to see how much to set aside each month between now and your leave.