AnIntentionalRoad
Recycles dryer sheets
3) The kid budget could certainly be adjusted up, but since DH is staying home we don't need childcare. I'm probably being naive, but I can't imagine what could consume even $400 per month at any age. My parents certainly didn't spend that. That said, the main reason I plan to keep working beyond this year is the uncertainty around kid costs.
The way you spend your money on kids will vary greatly from family to family based on your means and values. When I was a kid my parents got by spending very little on us and we turned out fine.
But here are a few expenses we've had recently for our kids that we could never had forseen as younger parents(we have 2 kids in school):
- Braces and dental care for daughter: 12k
- Sports and activities: 800/mo
- Clothing, toys, etc: As much as you care to spend.
- Restaurants and vacations: 20-30% more, at least once they become middle schoolers and aren't eating on kids menus.
- Saving for college: $$$
Yes, these are all wants, not needs, so you'll have to decide on each(and other wants that will materialize).
Parenthood is an expensive proposition in our culture.
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