BellaOnline Forums Relationships Married No Kids Today Show - Cost of Raising Kids

If you take all the money that you would not spend on children, and set aside even part of it for future retirement, etc (allowing for doing the fun things in life like travel, pets, etc), it seems logical that you would be way ahead on the planning for retirement curve if you did not have children.

That really made me laugh.

I'm not the best to comment on saving for retirement. We're artists, so the income is not dependable. We are frugal as far as lifestyle, yet invest most of our money into projects of all kinds.

But what is retirement anyway? The whole idea is so nebulous...when it happens, how long it lasts, what state the world will be in and economy, how much medical care will cost, long term care. I feel like I'll always want to be productive and work in some way, shape, or form. If one profession stops happening, I have ideas for the next 12 or so!

I heard it's $150,000 per child until college

I think one of the most freeing aspects is that a CF couple is less likely to be in a position where one of them has to stay in a job if they come to dislike it and want a new direction. Parents often have to "suck it up" because of all the expenses associated with kids, saving for college, etc. but CFs expenses are more controllable. I also feel comforted that as nice as it is to make a pretty decent salary I don't absolutely have to to pay for the myraid of things a child needs for 18+ years.

That's assuming we are all making great money! We can't even afford health insurance let alone vacations. We have a BA and an MFA between us.

Ditto, except I have a BFA. :P

I just watched the video on Today show's website, and the average total is between $204,000 and $300,000, depending on how much you make (if you make more, you spent more, apparently.)

I can do a LOT with that money! LOL!

Cindy

Oh, and that DOESN'T include college, for that add around $125,000 to $300,000 depending on public or private college.

Cindy

Instead of investing in raising a child I'll be putting all that money in 401ks, Roth IRAs and saving accounts.

Then I'll just sit back and watch my money stacks GROW!

Hi Freida:

I am glad you had a laugh. I was never blatant up until recently - I think it is because of my husband - he says whatever he wants. I have been around him so much that I have picked up some of his quirks.
Actually, it feels good to say what you feel.