One of the best parts of my job is watching our client’s families grow. This year alone, we've celebrated with no less than a dozen clients welcoming new babies - many of them first-time parents. And almost every time, amid the joy and excitement, they ask me the same crucial question:

"What should we be doing to prepare financially?"

Here's what most new parents get wrong:

They wing it.

Parenting? Yes - it’s a lot of improvisation and DoorDash at 11pm because your baby finally went to sleep.

But your family's financial foundation?

That's not something you want to piece together from the delivery apps in your phone.

If you're a new parent (or soon-to-be one), this guide will walk you through the five essential financial moves you need to consider. While each could be its own deep dive, consider this your starter roadmap for protecting your growing family.