Did you know, according to Bankrate, the average cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 is approximately $233,000? That includes everything from diapers to college tuition!
If you’re planning to start a family, it makes sense to think about where you want to live. Is it feasible to move into a new home before having kids? Will you be able to afford childcare? Do you have enough space for a nursery?
You might also consider hiring a babysitter. The average hourly rate for a live-in babysitter is $10-$20, depending on where you live. For part-timers, it’s usually $7-$12.
Before having a baby, I would recommend doing everything you want to do on your own before getting pregnant. This means going out dancing, traveling, and enjoying yourself. To be a great parent, you need to do everything you can to prepare for parenthood.
Don’t expect your relationship to improve overnight. Marriage counseling can help you deal with problems before they become significant conflicts between you and your partner. Having a baby will not fix your current issues. On the contrary, having a baby will challenge your relationship more than you may realize!