The cost of having children

[VaranusK]

I wouldn't really care about it unless I was unemployed. Kids make you so happy that they are worth every effort you make, and once you have them, you will find money somewhere. No holidays, no newcar, no eating at restaurants... nothing is so important as their smile, playing with them...
Forget about the money, I'm almost sure you have enough. If not, you will always find a reason to delay it. And someday it will be too late because you will be 45.

[windycindy]

My husband and I have two fantastic teenage sons! They are athletic, disciplined and get good grades. I was 30 when I got married ( my husband is 7 years younger)! We had our first son when I was 32 and our second son when I was 35. I have been a stay at home mom for 19 years and wouldn't change a thing. We have lived on one income and if I hadn't been such a spender, we would have done very well.

[Michelle Dawn]

As someone who is seven months pregnant with my first child I've really enjoyed reading this thread. The cost of raising children varies greatly depending on your lifestyle, geographic region, etc. If you live in a major US city and have to pay for childcare and you don't have health insurance you are in a totally different boat than me.

I live in a small town in Canada and have access to free doctor visits and emergency medical care. There is also less of a "keeping up with the Jones" attitude in our region. If you want to be able to afford to stay home (without struggling financially) or if you want to send your kids to piano lessons, hockey, summer camp, ballet, etc. you might need to consider doing some calculations and paying off any personal loans and credit card debt first.

[Gootsy]

There's a popular blog that made a while ago where he/she calculated his/her baby's day to day expenses.

The thing that caught my eye was how much he/she spent a day on food for his/her baby. Surprised me because my nephew drinks more milk a day, than their baby eats/drinks combined!

So control the milk and save big money .

Anyone remember what site that blog post's from? If I come across it again I'll be sure to post it, it was pretty cool.

[Michelle Dawn]

Originally Posted by Gootsy

There's a popular blog that made a while ago where he/she calculated his/her baby's day to day expenses.

The thing that caught my eye was how much he/she spent a day on food for his/her baby. Surprised me because my nephew drinks more milk a day, than their baby eats/drinks combined!

So control the milk and save big money .

Anyone remember what site that blog post's from? If I come across it again I'll be sure to post it, it was pretty cool.

Oh, interesting. I'm just starting up a new blog about Frugal Parenting (I plan to put up my first post tomorrow) and I have been doing the same thing. Keeping track of every baby related expense. I'd be interested to know the url for that blog.

[Gootsy]

Originally Posted by Michelle Dawn

Oh, interesting. I'm just starting up a new blog about Frugal Parenting (I plan to put up my first post tomorrow) and I have been doing the same thing. Keeping track of every baby related expense. I'd be interested to know the url for that blog.

Well, if I had to guess, I'd say it was from beingfrugal.net. On my home computer I have a bookmark from this site that shows he/she schedules a months worth of meals in advance.

That blog is pretty cool since it's got a family/parenting flavour to most of the posts.

I'll try to look for the url of the post, regarding baby food expenses a day, later tonight.

[Michelle Dawn]

Originally Posted by Gootsy

I'll try to look for the url of the post, regarding baby food expenses a day, later tonight.

Cool. Thanks Gootsy. I'll check it out too.