The cost of having children - Page 3

rodaniel · 01-03-2008, 08:36 AM

Granted, there are childcare costs that have nothing to do with "stuff," such as daycare, medical expenses, food, etc. And I may be a bit naive (as I'm not quite yet a parent) but I think kids may need much less "stuff" than most people think. I'm on the trailing end of the "Baby Boomer" generation and easily recall just how little "stuff" we had as kids yet we never felt deprived or underprivileged. I believe that loving & available parents are what make for a happy & healthy child, not fancy furniture, designer shoes, whizbang toys, or any other "stuff."

I do agree that it's wise to work towards some financial level ground before having kids but just be mindful not to wait too long - you can't bank on being able to have kids on a planned timetable.

Julie Rains · 01-03-2008, 01:05 PM

They don't need that much when they're young and you can give them used...previously loved and gently cared for toys and clothes when they are young with absolutely no complaints. (Check out info on children's clothing consignment sales and
Children's Consignment Sale Clears Closet, Yields Cash | Parenting Squad)

I don't buy designer clothes or shoes (my son once asked who Tommy Hilfiger was b/c he kept seeing the name on other kids' shirts) but things get expensive as they get older: they eat tons of food, no longer order off the kids' menu at restaurants, change sizes every three months, and are charged full-price at various activities and events. To keep expenses down, you have to be frugal, creative, and persuasive -- not that it's not worth it but you have to keep changing strategies.

Joanne · 01-03-2008, 04:44 PM

oops...wrong link. Let's try again.

My Myspace Photo Album

cato16 · 01-03-2008, 06:37 PM

No one is every financially prepared to have kids, but once you have a child you'll be amazed how you find the money for all their needs. It makes you wonder what you ever did before them! You can't think about the money, if you worry about that, you'll never have them. Just take a leap of faith that things will work out.

apeine · 01-04-2008, 02:19 AM

cato16, I've got to agree with you. When I just married, the money barely kept me and my wife. After the baby was born, the same money was enough for the three of us.
I can say that part of that miracle was due to my wife wise use of the money. We were all kept fed, sheltered and healthy. After that I got a couple of raises and the second baby fit like a charm.
I think the only reason for having babies is that if you and your significant other want it and would do anything to have it, even losing the previous liberty.

davoscat · 01-04-2008, 02:38 AM

You all sound like amazing parents.

It looks like almost everyone here thinks it is doable and worth doing. I feel much better knowing so many people have gone through the same situation and ended up happy mommies and daddies.

I showed my husband this thread last night (he is still a lurker). I think he is beginning to agree with you guys as well. I'm so excited!

Joanne, your kids look adorable! I say you staying at home definitely agrees with them.!

Three Boys and Me · 01-04-2008, 06:19 AM

Having children can be a scary prospect, but it does all work out. And there are lots of ways to save money, such as nursing rather than buying formula and signing up for the many parenting resources that offer discounts and coupons. Another great resource that I found was the Baby Bargains book. These books are constantly updated, and are a great resource for deciding exactly which gear you need, which gear is a waste of money, and which offers the best bang for your buck:

Baby Bargains, 7th Edition: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on baby furniture, gear, clothes, toys, maternity wear and much more! (Baby Bargains) by Denise Fields

Good luck!

Joanne · 01-04-2008, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davoscat

Joanne, your kids look adorable! I say you staying at home definitely agrees with them.!

Thank you very much!

rodaniel · 01-04-2008, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julie Rains

...previously loved and gently cared for toys and clothes when they are young with absolutely no complaints...

We're fortunate to have a number of friends with kids around the same age, so I think we'll be able to do a lot of "gently-used" clothes-swapping.

And Old Navy often has clearance racks of their already very affordable stuff. We've been able to stock up on all kinds of clothes in the past week for about $2.50-3.50 an item. Post-holiday sales can be a real life-saver!

farley2k · 01-04-2008, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodaniel

And Old Navy often has clearance racks of their already very affordable stuff. We've been able to stock up on all kinds of clothes in the past week for about $2.50-3.50 an item. Post-holiday sales can be a real life-saver!

I was there after Christmas and it is amazing how cheap their clothes get. It was actually cheaper to buy new outfits then the items they were selling at the used store.

01-03-2008, 08:36 AM	#21
rodaniel Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Odessa, Texas Posts: 39 Reputation: (10)	Granted, there are childcare costs that have nothing to do with "stuff," such as daycare, medical expenses, food, etc. And I may be a bit naive (as I'm not quite yet a parent) but I think kids may need much less "stuff" than most people think. I'm on the trailing end of the "Baby Boomer" generation and easily recall just how little "stuff" we had as kids yet we never felt deprived or underprivileged. I believe that loving & available parents are what make for a happy & healthy child, not fancy furniture, designer shoes, whizbang toys, or any other "stuff." I do agree that it's wise to work towards some financial level ground before having kids but just be mindful not to wait too long - you can't bank on being able to have kids on a planned timetable. __________________ Life's a beach! \| http://www.2Dolphins.com/ Liam is finally home! \| Rob & Dede's Russian Adoption Journal

01-04-2008, 06:19 AM	#27
Three Boys and Me Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St. Louis Posts: 3 Reputation: (10)	Having children can be a scary prospect, but it does all work out. And there are lots of ways to save money, such as nursing rather than buying formula and signing up for the many parenting resources that offer discounts and coupons. Another great resource that I found was the Baby Bargains book. These books are constantly updated, and are a great resource for deciding exactly which gear you need, which gear is a waste of money, and which offers the best bang for your buck: Baby Bargains, 7th Edition: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on baby furniture, gear, clothes, toys, maternity wear and much more! (Baby Bargains) by Denise Fields Good luck! __________________ Heather

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01-03-2008, 01:05 PM	#22
Julie Rains Wise Bread Blogger Join Date: May 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 282 Reputation: (111)	They don't need that much when they're young and you can give them used...previously loved and gently cared for toys and clothes when they are young with absolutely no complaints. (Check out info on children's clothing consignment sales and Children's Consignment Sale Clears Closet, Yields Cash \| Parenting Squad) I don't buy designer clothes or shoes (my son once asked who Tommy Hilfiger was b/c he kept seeing the name on other kids' shirts) but things get expensive as they get older: they eat tons of food, no longer order off the kids' menu at restaurants, change sizes every three months, and are charged full-price at various activities and events. To keep expenses down, you have to be frugal, creative, and persuasive -- not that it's not worth it but you have to keep changing strategies.

01-03-2008, 04:44 PM	#23
Joanne Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Originally from New York City, now in Florida since 2002. Posts: 131 Reputation: (43)	oops...wrong link. Let's try again. My Myspace Photo Album

01-03-2008, 06:37 PM	#24
cato16 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3 Reputation: (10)	No one is every financially prepared to have kids, but once you have a child you'll be amazed how you find the money for all their needs. It makes you wonder what you ever did before them! You can't think about the money, if you worry about that, you'll never have them. Just take a leap of faith that things will work out.

01-04-2008, 02:19 AM	#25
apeine Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1 Reputation: (10)	cato16, I've got to agree with you. When I just married, the money barely kept me and my wife. After the baby was born, the same money was enough for the three of us. I can say that part of that miracle was due to my wife wise use of the money. We were all kept fed, sheltered and healthy. After that I got a couple of raises and the second baby fit like a charm. I think the only reason for having babies is that if you and your significant other want it and would do anything to have it, even losing the previous liberty.

01-04-2008, 02:38 AM	#26
davoscat Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 78 Reputation: (14)	You all sound like amazing parents. It looks like almost everyone here thinks it is doable and worth doing. I feel much better knowing so many people have gone through the same situation and ended up happy mommies and daddies. I showed my husband this thread last night (he is still a lurker). I think he is beginning to agree with you guys as well. I'm so excited! Joanne, your kids look adorable! I say you staying at home definitely agrees with them.!