It’s Getting Even More Expensive To Raise A Child

Anyone who has kids will tell you.  They're expensive.  From diapers and formula when they're babies, to cell phones, clothes and haircuts when they get older.  The expenses never end!  But did you ever wonder just how much money it would cost to raise your child until the age of 18?  Are you ready for this?  $245,000.  Per child.  That does NOT include the cost of college!  Seriously?  How do they break this down?

• Housing and Transportation - $107,970
• Child care and Education - $44,400 (this does NOT include college)
• Food - $39.000
• Clothing and Miscellaneous - $33,780
• Health Care - $21,100

The statistics are done each year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and can vary by region.  Parents with children on the east coast will pay more, while parents with kids in the rural south will tend to pay less.  I can attest to there seemingly never being enough money in the budget.  We have 3 kids at home.  Our oldest, Chase, is 10 and is entering the phase where he just eats all the time.  This will last of course through his teens.  And lets not even start on clothing!  All 3 of our kids seemingly outgrow shoes and pants on a daily basis!  So according to the data, my wife and I will spend $735,000 raising our 3 kids until the age of 18.  I'm going to lay down a minute....I'm not feeling well.