More love. More chaos. More room to grow.
Another little one? A new home? A family that's growing in its own wonderful way? Here's your Texas guide to the big decisions and everyday details that come with your next family chapter.
Growing pains.
Growing possibilities.
More birthdays. More shoes by the door. More people to love, and maybe a little less sleep. Growing your family can bring some of life's biggest changes.
Whether you're welcoming a baby, adopting a child, blending households or simply realizing you've outgrown your current space, here's how to prepare for what comes next.
First, what's changing?
Every family's story looks a little different. Start with the changes you're expecting and the support you'll need along the way.
Hello, little one.
Review healthcare coverage, parental leave, childcare, household expenses and the essentials you'll need.
TEXAS NEW PARENT GUIDE →Another way to grow.
Explore adoption requirements, available support programs, healthcare enrollment and family leave options.
Making room for everyone.
Consider new household routines, school arrangements, emergency contacts and how existing financial and legal plans may need to change.
You've done this before. Sort of.
Revisit childcare, housing, transportation and family finances. What worked the first time may need a little adjusting.
Don't plan everything at once.
Focus on the decisions with deadlines first, like health insurance enrollment, leave arrangements and childcare. The rest can follow.
Little people. Big expenses.
Children can change almost every part of your household budget. Getting a clearer picture now can help you make decisions without as many surprises later.
Plan ahead for care.
Compare daycare, family care, preschool and other arrangements. Ask about availability, hours, enrollment fees and waitlists.
Review your new costs.
Look at premiums, deductibles, copays, prescriptions and expected out-of-pocket expenses for your growing household.
It's the little things.
Groceries, clothing, school supplies, activities and transportation can add up. Build them into your budget.
Think beyond next month.
Consider an emergency fund, retirement contributions and education savings that fit your priorities.
Check your workplace benefits.
Depending on your employer, dependent care benefits and flexible spending accounts may help with qualifying expenses. Check eligibility, contribution limits and your enrollment deadlines.
A little help.
A lot of possibilities.
From healthcare and childcare to adoption and family support, Texas has programs that may help families at different stages of life. Eligibility depends on the program and your circumstances.
Texas Health and Human Services
Explore information about Medicaid, CHIP, food assistance and other programs for eligible Texas families.
EXPLORE TEXAS HHS ↗Childcare assistance
Texas Workforce Solutions offers childcare assistance to eligible families through regional workforce boards. Availability and waiting lists vary by area.
TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION ↗Adoption and foster care resources
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services provides information about foster care, adoption and support services. Private and interstate adoption processes may differ.
TEXAS DFPS ↗2-1-1 Texas
Looking for assistance closer to home? Find local food, housing, childcare and other community resources.
FIND LOCAL SUPPORT ↗Is it time for a bigger home?
Maybe the nursery has become a bedroom. Maybe two kids are sharing one room. Or maybe your current place still works perfectly. There's no universal timetable for moving.
Make your space work harder.
Think about storage, flexible furniture, childproofing and making shared spaces work for everyone.
Find the right fit.
Compare commutes, childcare availability, school options, neighborhood amenities and total housing costs.
Look beyond the mortgage.
Budget for property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities and any HOA fees.
BUYING A HOME IN TEXAS →See your home through new eyes.
Review stairways, windows, pools, smoke alarms and other household hazards as children grow.
Considering a Texas home purchase?
Look into the residence homestead exemption if you purchase a qualifying primary residence. Check your local property tax obligations before choosing a home.
TEXAS PROPERTY TAX GUIDE →Update the important stuff.
Welcoming a child can trigger important deadlines for health insurance and workplace benefits. A little preparation can help prevent coverage gaps.
Birth and adoption can qualify for special enrollment. Deadlines vary by coverage, so contact your plan or benefits administrator promptly.
Ask your employer about available paid leave, unpaid leave and any applicable federal protections. Eligibility varies.
Confirm your provider participates in your health plan and understand how to schedule routine care.
Keep birth or adoption documents, health insurance information and emergency contacts organized securely.
Have questions about enrollment?
Your employer, health plan or the official HealthCare.gov marketplace can explain applicable enrollment options.
EXPLORE HEALTH COVERAGE ↗Big love deserves a little planning.
As your family grows, it's worth revisiting the financial and legal decisions that help protect the people who depend on you.
Build a cushion.
Consider how your family's expenses and income could change after an unexpected event.
Start when it makes sense.
Explore education savings options, including 529 plans, alongside your other financial goals.
Make your wishes clear.
Review wills, guardianship nominations, powers of attorney and beneficiary designations with a qualified professional.
TEXAS ESTATE PLANNING →Think about financial dependents.
Consider how your household would cover housing, childcare, education and everyday expenses if a source of income were lost.
Already have an estate plan?
A new child, adoption, marriage or blended family can change your priorities. Review existing documents and beneficiary designations rather than assuming they still fit.
Make life a little easier on everyone.
The best family plans aren't always complicated. Sometimes they're just the little systems that make a busy Tuesday manageable.
Keep appointments, school dates, activities and important deadlines in one place.
Identify trusted caregivers and make sure schools and childcare providers have accurate information.
Keep age-appropriate supplies ready for severe storms, extreme heat and power outages.
Check car seat installation and suitability for each child's age and size. Plan for safe transportation as your family grows.
Build a family emergency kit.
Include water, food, medications, important documents and supplies specific to your children's needs. Don't forget the favorite stuffed animal.
TEXAS EMERGENCY PLAN →Oh yeah.
Insurance.
New people. New routines. Maybe a new house or a bigger car. As your family grows, your insurance needs may grow right along with it.
Homeowners or renters insurance
Moving, renovating or combining households? Review your property coverage, liability limits and any special coverage needs.
Auto insurance
Trading in a small car for a family SUV? Adding another vehicle or changing drivers? Update your insurer and review your coverage options.
Life insurance
Growing financial responsibilities can change how much protection your family may need. Review existing coverage and beneficiary designations.
Umbrella insurance
Additional liability protection may be worth exploring as your household and assets grow, particularly if you own a home or have other liability exposures.
Don't forget the discounts.
Ask about eligible home and auto bundles, safety features and other available discounts. Compare the actual coverage and total premium.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you compare available insurance options and review coverage as your family changes.
More to love.
More to protect.
Welcoming another child? Moving into a bigger home? Updating your family's insurance? Let Charley take a look.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →