Affording to have a baby - Trying to Conceive (TTC) Message Board

angelf2003 · 02-12-2005, 05:15 PM

What does this mean to you?

I just turned 26 and my DH is 30. We have been married over three years. My DH and I very much want to have children, and we are now beginning to discuss a time frame.

I believe we can afford to have a baby, but I am not sure what I think this actually means. (does this make sense?) Please note this is not an argument DH and I are having - we are just trying to consider everything in advance.

Waiting a couple of more years would make more financial sense - but I could also say that for the rest of my life. Hubby and would like to start in the next 6-18months.

Just looking for everyones take on this.....

Thanks

suimont · 02-12-2005, 05:21 PM

i dont think you can ever afford a baby because they all cost lots.we had no money with my first he had everything,2nd had everything 3rd had more now ttc no 4 now i have the money but they all had the same .lots of love they never go without.
everyone manages and its worth every penny.
good luck.anna

ladybug8372 · 02-12-2005, 07:05 PM

very well put suimont!!! couldnt have put it better myself! with my first....unexpected...our total salary was $16,000 a year. imagine that! we managed. My oldest is 14 years old, my youngest is 11 years old. They have NEVER done without anything...you always find a way. I have never understood why people postpone having kids "until they are financially able"---what if that never happens??? Today, we are way better off financially than we were 14 years ago...but no one can predict how "stable" they will become, and when they will become "stable". If you know that you want kids, then just do it! Things fall into place automatically. I look back and wonder how in the heck did we raise a kid on $16,000 a year in the beginning...but we did. We done without some of our wants...but our baby got everything and more. But the most important thing....our kids never went without love. Dont put off having kids because of money.....trust me...everything will fall into place...somehow, it just does!!

angelf2003 · 02-12-2005, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladybug8372

Things fall into place automatically. Dont put off having kids because of money.....trust me...everything will fall into place...somehow, it just does!!

Well I am not sure that is true.

I am not money-obsessed, but money can create so much stress - in life generally. Less stress of this kind will surely create a better environment for the child.

I am not necessarily talking about toys and suchlike.

Not getting personal I very much doubt a child can have "everything" on less than $20k per year.

Of course our child will have love.

Surely part of being a responsible adult and parent is being able to support your child financially without having to rely on others - be it friends, family or the government for financial aid.

iwannabeamommy · 02-12-2005, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *********2003

Well I am not sure that is true.

I am not money-obsessed, but money can create so much stress - in life generally. Less stress of this kind will surely create a better environment for the child.

I am not necessarily talking about toys and suchlike.

Not getting personal I very much doubt a child can have "everything" on less than $20k per year.

Of course our child will have love.

Surely part of being a responsible adult and parent is being able to support your child financially without having to rely on others - be it friends, family or the government for financial aid.

Okay I dont want to be personal either but I think you are thinking the absolute wrong way. These ladies are saying that no matter what money you have you will ALWAYS find a way for your children to have everything that is NECESSARY!! Having everything does not mean everything they want and all the expensive. Also if you put aside your selfishness and your so call "NEEDS" which are more like wants you will be able to give your child everything!! And if you teach your children that they dont need the top of the line $150 pants then you can afford Everything for your child. And if you are teaching them that they do need those than you obviously can afford to have a baby! It all depends if you are going to be able to put aside your comfort in order to take care of you baby!!