How much does it cost to raise a kid to 25 yrs old?

Cookie

Cookie

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Summertime thought, I was thinking this morning about the cost involved in raising kids. I have three kids, all have Bachelor's degrees as well, so my cost might be a bit more.

From Diapers, bikes, cars, dances, sports to college. M initial thought while drinking my coffee this morning was around $700-800,000. Now if you take into account a bigger house and house bills, that number could go up some. I personally think I got off cheap compared to some friends, 3 bachelor's degrees for under $225,000, they drove beat old cars, actually they still do (none of them want a car payment).

I then ChatGPT, they say $400,000-$550,000 for a nationwide average, California would be higher as well. Then I asked how much that would have cost in 1980, $90,000-$140,000. And people wonder why less people are having kids.

Crazy
 
Phil Brown said:
Thats because they don't know how much kids bring to your life. I have no idea how much my three girls were to get to 25 years old, but it was money well spent. (y)
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I should have said this, I have zero regrets.
 
Cookie said:
Summertime thought, I was thinking this morning about the cost involved in raising kids. I have three kids, all have Bachelor's degrees as well, so my cost might be a bit more.

From Diapers, bikes, cars, dances, sports to college. M initial thought while drinking my coffee this morning was around $700-800,000. Now if you take into account a bigger house and house bills, that number could go up some. I personally think I got off cheap compared to some friends, 3 bachelor's degrees for under $225,000, they drove beat old cars, actually they still do (none of them want a car payment).

I then ChatGPT, they say $400,000-$550,000 for a nationwide average, California would be higher as well. Then I asked how much that would have cost in 1980, $90,000-$140,000. And people wonder why less people are having kids.

Crazy
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ChatGPT just used an inflation calculator to reach back to that number. They're effectively the same after inflation from 1980 to current.

My eldest wants CalTech. Currently has a 4.7. If he gets in, I'll never financially recover. :ROFLMAO:
 
We would love to raise our granddaughter. I want to retire in 2 years but that would out if we got her. We are already saving money for her and talking about her going to a good school. The sad part is she is only 4 years old. Its going to get $$$$
 
I don't even want to run the numbers and I know I got off cheaper than a lot of people. Growing up, they had to earn things. Didn't have to buy them cars as I had a rule. All "B's" or better or no car. College...You have to do 2 years at JC and then go to a 4 year school. My ex-wife convinced them I was a monster and not to do it my way. Well...fast forward. Both kids have come to me and said they wish they had listened to me. My oldest is now in a doctoral program and my youngest is still figuring it out but with a much clearer head. I talk to them daily.

Some may say it's harsh but this is what I grew up with. I didn't like it so I left home at 18 and built my own life. I retired at 43 with a pension and medical. I have 3 Masters degrees, I own everything I have and did it myself. I did it...my kids can do it.
 
Just an FYI with college, My wife got a job with Cal State University, we got an employee discount on 2 out the 3 kids. Only pay 6 units a semester, no fees. Housing is still expensive. Lots of jobs on campus.
 
Cookie said:
Just an FYI with college, My wife got a job with Cal State University, we got an employee discount on 2 out the 3 kids. Only pay 6 units a semester, no fees. Housing is still expensive. Lots of jobs on campus.
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Great perk right there.
 
Raising 4 kids was "Priceless", all are still currently at home, we have the space, patience? time will tell LOL.

I say priceless mostly because I don't want to know, I wish i had done better in the early years. I only hope that they all learn what we have taught them in regard to investing, saving, setting a budget, etc.

If they do anything in life better than we did, mission accomplished in my book.

I'll say one thing regarding $$$, fuck Ice Hockey, I'm still sore from that LMAO.
 
Cool topic...one I can't contribute to. Kids weren't in the cards for my wife and I, but we have 3 cats. LOL so cost hasn't been too bad.
@Mac, good on you man. looks like your kids took the right fork in the road. What I have seen first-hand are parents that want to be cool...be their kids "friend"!
WTF?
Be a parent...yeah growing up I thought my parents were mean, strict, so many rules, but when you get older you realize they ran the ship and I thank them for how they raised my brother and I!
 
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