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Has the Economy Influenced Your Plans for a Baby?
August 3rd, 2011
Photography by Morgan, via Flickr (CC)
It’s no secret: having a baby is expensive. From food and clothing to gear and toys, you may feel overwhelmed by the financial realities that come along with being a parent. And while there are definitely ways to keep things budget-friendly, a new poll conducted by BabyCenter has revealed that financial concerns are leading women to wait longer to have children and/or expand their families, reports The Ottawa Citizen.
In a survey of 1,035 women, 43 percent said that they waited to start a family or have more children until they felt “financially stable,” while 61 percent admitted to being concerned about having enough money to raise their children. “A common stressor for new parents has always been providing for their children financially, but combine that existing fear with a weak economy, and you’ve got more concern than ever before,” said Jean Chatzky, financial expert and BabyCenter contributor, in a news release.
We’re sure that new data from the United States Department of Agriculture, released in June, isn’t helping to quell any financial fears. The report estimated that a middle-income family would spend approximately $226,920 to raise a from birth (in 2010) to the age of 18, not including the cost of higher education.
However, it needs to be said that it is possible to have a baby on a budget. Check out our 4 tips for saving money as a new parent.
Are you surprised by the poll results? Have financial concerns played a role in your decision to have children or expand your family?
Copyright © 2012 St. Joseph Media. All Rights Reserved.