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Raising kids and living on a budget? Many people
wonder if it is really possible, considering the fact that most
financial planners average the cost of raising one child to adulthood at
$190,000.
Some notable costs per year per child:
$300 Childcare (Low in my opinion)
$300 Healthcare (Reasonable, considering co-pays
and prescriptions)
$606 Clothing (High, when you can shop for much
less if you buy clothing used)
$2900 Bigger Home (High—we still live in our two
bedroom starter home)
The bottom line is, raising a child costs a lot
of money. Here are some starter tips on debt free child raising:
1. Determine not to live above your means, even before your child is
born. Despite what society tells us, you do not NEED a bigger house to live in
to raise your child. My boys are perfectly happy in our $50,000, 1200 square
foot home, where they *gasp* SHARE a bedroom. I do not feel that I need to move
into a mini-mansion to contribute to their overall well-being. Just ask
yourself: Will my children be happier with a debt-free family, or will they be
happier in a huge house with constant stress over money?
2. Ensure that your children have health insurance. Health insurance costs are
literally one of the biggest expenses that families have, and one that drives
many families into huge amounts of debt.
3. Insure yourself and your spouse. Let’s face it—we all hate to think about
dying, but it’s a fact of life. Leave your children with some money to help pay
for their education and other expenses in case something happens to you. It is
a very important of raising kids debt free.
4. Start a fund for their education
5. Remember, you do not have to buy your kids everything they want to
make them happy. Your children will probably be more happy playing
outside than participating in a whole lot of expensive extra-curricular
activities. Find free activities for them to enjoy. The
simplest toys are best (toys where they can use their imaginations). Turn off
the television if your children are
constantly being bombarded by commercials and begging you for more “stuff”.
Living on a budget and staying debt free helps to teach your kids the same
lessons about wise money management. Do your part to raise children who value hard work and do not waste
money. They will be thankful for what you taught them in years
to come.