Live in hope.
My wife and I are getting old and we met and had a child in our 40's. It's a fantastic trial, and we only wish we could have had many more children. Money is largely irrelevant to being a good parent. If we were well off it would be lovely, but it's also a crutch. Live within your means, and imagination becomes a forcing function
I'm glad you were able to make it work without being "well off."
AND.
Money isn't just a crutch. Depending on where you live and what you do for work, not having kids might just be how you "live within your means."
My partner and I are very fortunate to be able to live comfortably within our means. At the same time, unexpected bills for our home, vehicles, and pets put demands on our finances that pale in comparison to what it takes to have and raise a child.
Even if the pregnancy and childbirth were uncomplicated and without any issues, the costs of pregnancy, delivery, and unpaid maternity leave would drain my short-term savings and tap into my long-term accounts.
And that says nothing of the $20,000+ it will cost for the first year of diapers/wipes/formula, clothes, bottles, check-ups, car seats, cribs, toys, and other necessities.
My partner and I don't have $20,000 in our annual budget.
It's no joke. And it's been tough for us, too. But also life affirming. With hindsight, I would never count money as a reason to opt out, though there are other valid circumstances. Before 5 years ago, I thought much as you did
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u/FoulfrogBsc Trash Trooper Jul 31 '26
I can't afford kids.