The costs of raising a child

 Children are priceless, but raising them is probably the most expensive thing you’ll ever do. Here are some breakdowns on where the expenses may be.

Costs of raising a newborn  The costs in the child’s first year continue to add up. The amounts spent vary depending on whether one looks at a single parent, or two parent home. Whether there is more than one child in the home, and what the income range of the family is.

Breakdown of the first year (This is a conservative list)  Housing : 3,000-6,000 *This is the biggest single expense. 35% annually  Food: 400-5,000  Transportation: 900-1,900 *Insurance, stroller, car seat, gas etc…  Clothing : *Their growth is very rapid  Health care:  Child care/ education:1,000-7,000  Miscellaneous :700-1,800 *toys, books, personal care items  Birth: normal delivery is 8,000-12,000. Cesarean Section is 15,000. *without complications^^ and without insurance. 

 Nearly ½ of families do not budget for raising a child and about 75% of families were surprised or overwhelmed by child care costs.  Here is a chart of average weekly costs depending on what type of child care you choose and how many children you have enrolled.  Au Pair – A young foreign person who cares for children and housework in exchange for room and board.  Nanny – A person employed to care for a child in his or her own home. *(the child’s home) Family Child Care Program Day CareAu PairNanny 127$186$360$472$ 254$336$360$495$ 381$436$360$504$

 The cost of raising a child to age 18  *For each category in this picture, the expense represents the average for a child from age 0-18 in a two-child, two-parent family.  Total in 2010 = $226,920  Now let us compare…

Here it is in $$$$ {and a bit more recent}

What affects the cost a raising a child?  Single parent house hold or two parents  Divorce  Location  # siblings  Income  Graphic from 2013

We get it. Kids cost $$$$$$ So, how do you begin to budget??  Do your research.  Make a list of items you want as a parent- can you afford them? Could you if you saved?  Be aware of things like taxes, insurance increases, medical bills and what complications might bring.  Know that your baby’s first year (not including birthing him or her) could be as expensive as 7,000-15,000$  Be smart about other expenses prior to having children- paying loans, having good credit, keeping a savings /rainy day fund, budget your wedding...  These things will make family planning easier.