Can You Afford a Baby?

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Seriously. I was waiting until we could afford a baby, but then I turned 35 and knew my clock was ticking. My mom had great advise. She told me 'you will never feel like you can afford a baby. More important is do you have the patience, time and willingness to give your life over to another person for 18+ years. Do you have a strong relationship upon which to work from (because a baby WILL strain your partnership)' We still can't afford our son, and have and to plan meals creatively and forgo lots of stuff. But we have a strong, healthy relationship, a roof over our heads, food to eat - and a son. It really doesn't get better than this.

Karrie42 of OR 11:41PM January 28, 2009

I had a wanted child at 22 in 1995. We didn't have much at the time, my partner was making less than 30K a year and I only worked part time. We struggled of course, and time passed and our situation eventually changed for the better. Now I'll be 41 when my son is in college and I have what so many career-oriented and late-marrying women my age (35) want: A child!
I honestly don't think that the child is so expensive, but the lifestyle you desire. When do expect to retire, how often do you expect to go on vacation? Life is expensive and full of difficult choices. I made mine and I've no regrets.

Jennifer of WA 7:11PM January 28, 2009

I had a wanted child at 22 in 1995. We didn't have much at the time, my partner was making less than 30K a year and I only worked part time. We struggled of course, and time passed and our situation eventually changed for the better. Now I'll be 41 when my son is in college and I have what so many career-oriented and late-marrying women my age (35) want: A child!
I honestly don't think that the child is so expensive, but the lifestyle you desire. When do expect to retire, how often do you expect to go on vacation? Live is expensive and full of difficult choices. I made mine and I've no regrets.

Jennifer of WA 7:07PM January 28, 2009

Just because every store wants to sell you needless baby stuff doesn't mean you have to buy it. It doesn't have to cost that much, and people make it work every day. I'd recommend Denise & Alan Fields' "Baby Bargains" book for more ideas.

Anne of WA 3:28PM January 28, 2009

I use a fanstastic website called www.bigwardrobe.com to swap clothes that we no longer wear for clothes that we will. It really helps to ease the financial strain on our family. I also use it for the childrens clothes.

emily of LA 3:51AM January 28, 2009